Internal combustion engine vehicles are an integral part of our modern world but they are also responsible for a large proportion of the pollutants and carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. We also face the need to reduce oil consumption as supplies tighten while developing country demand grows. On the face of it, adopting electric vehicles which have more efficient engines, are non-polluting and run on a cheaper power source seems to make sense.
However, electric vehicles are only as eco-friendly as the energy sources that charge them. They also face practical and technological issues associated with the life, recharging and ultimate disposal of the batteries and there are questions on whether the technology lends itself to commercial (buses, trucks, taxis, mini buses) vehicles which make up the majority of the vehicles on the roads of Hong Kong. Therefore, should EVs be a key element of a holistic transportation planning strategy for Hong Kong or should more attention be given to mass transit, pedestrianisation and Electronic Road Pricing. Our distinguished speakers represent all sides of the debate and will explore electric vehicles in two sessions as follows:
A) The long term vision: What is theoretically possible and hence what will be the appropriate use and benefit of EVs in the long term?
B) Short term action: What are the barriers to short term action in Hong Kong and what should be done to overcome them?
OUR SPEAKERS:
EV Technology: Mr C M Mak
CM Mak is Head of Electric Mobility Development of CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, responsible for the establishment of Electric Vehicles (EV) charging infrastructure and EV adoption. Mr. Mak has been active in the EV industry since the 90’s. He was the Secretary General of the Electric Vehicles Association of Asia Pacific from 1996 to 1999 and the Technical Programme Committee Co-chairman of the International EV Symposium held in Beijing in 1999.
EVs and a Holistic Transportation Stragety: Professor Bill Barron
Bill Barron is a faculty member of HKUST's Division of Environment. An environmental economist and Hong Kong resident for over 20 years, Bill’s work has focused on environmental aspects of transport policy, urban planning, and energy use. He also works with the public policy think tank Civic Exchange, in both advisory and research capacities.
EVs as part of Cleaning the Air: Ms Joanne Ooi
Joanne Ooi is Chief Executive Officer of the Clean Air Network Limited, an independent NGO that informs and encourages the public to speak out about the health impacts of air pollution. Prior to heading CAN, Joanne was the Chief Marketing Officer of Filligent, a biotech company, and the Creative Director of Shanghai Tang.
Technology, Marketing and Sales: Dr Andrew Young
Dr Young is the Head of the Partnership Development Office, part of the Institute for Enterprise at Polytechnic University. Andrew initiated the MyCar project to develop Hong Kong's first home-made electric automobile and PolyU joined with two investors to form EU Auto in 2003. MyCar was voted Electric Car of the Year at the prestigious Green Fleet awards at the London Motor Show in July 2008 and is commercially available around the world.
Policy, Initiatives, Incentives: Ms Katharine Choi
Katharine Choi is Principal Assistant Secretary (Energy), Environment Bureau. Katharine joined the Government in 1998 as an Administrative Officer and has served in various bureaux and departments including the Home Affairs Bureau (1998-2001), the then Health and Welfare Bureau (2001-2003), Home Affairs Department (2004) and Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (2005-2008). She assumed her current post in April 2008.
Moderator: Mr Robert Gibson
