Hong Kong targets 5,000 fast chargers by 2031 under new EV plan
Hong Kong’s government says the city has over 18,000 public chargers but plans to add 5,000 fast chargers within five years to support rising EV numbers. New schemes target commercial vehicles and faster charging tech.
Hong Kong’s government said on 28 October that it aims to increase the number of high-speed public charging piles for electric vehicles (EVs) to 5,000 within five years, under a plan outlined in the 2026 Policy Address. The target forms part of efforts to support the city’s goal of achieving zero-emission vehicles by 2050.
According to the government, the number of EVs in Hong Kong exceeded 180,000 as of the end of September 2026, more than six times the figure for 2021. The ratio of vehicles to public charging piles has widened to about 10.5:1, with over 60 per cent of existing public chargers classified as medium-speed, requiring several hours for a full charge.
In response to a legislative question, the government disclosed that a HK$300 million High-Speed Charging Pile Incentive Scheme, launched in July 2025, had issued recognition letters for 792 high-speed piles by September 2026, of which 124 were already operational. The scheme aims to leverage private-sector investment to expand the fast-charging network. The government also noted that it had optimised the scheme on 1 October 2026, relaxing application conditions and simplifying requirements for mobile charging equipment and battery storage systems, resulting in a positive market response.
On the issue of commercial vehicles, the government acknowledged that electric commercial vehicles, including pure-electric minibuses, face challenges due to immature technology, high purchase costs and limited range. It said it had set up a working group with the industry to help introduce more suitable models, with public minibuses as a trial target. Measures to expand charging facilities include: gradually converting petrol stations into high-speed charging stations, with about 60 existing stations expected to provide up to 180 fast chargers; a HK$20 million scheme for commercial-vehicle-specific fast chargers; and a target to install 50 dedicated fast chargers for electric taxis by the end of 2027, with 12 already in operation.
The government said it has no current plans to install charging facilities on a large scale at roadside parking meter spaces, but it will explore the feasibility of providing charging at two new public car parks in Tung Chung and Tai O. It also encourages operators of fast-charging stations to impose surcharges on vehicles that remain parked after charging is complete, to improve turnover.