Hong Kong launches electric bus in pollution drive
9/09/2013
A woman walks past an electric bus in Hong Kong on September 9, 2013. The city's first battery-powered public bus has taken to the streets as part of a drive against choking pollution.
Hong Kong's first battery-powered public bus took to the streets Monday as part of a drive against the city's choking pollution.
http://easss.com/cars/electric
Chief executive Leung Chun-ying has pledged to make pollution one of his top priorities during his five-year term, with an official report saying it was the "greatest daily health risk" to the city's residents.
But at least one local environmental group was sceptical about the government's anti-pollution commitment, saying "one bus wouldn't make any difference" and that Hong Kong was lagging behind other global cities when it came to electric vehicles.
The new single decker bus revealed Monday was manufactured by Chinese automaker BYD and is powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries that take three hours to charge and give the vehicle a range of about 180 kilometres (110 miles).
The same company produced the southern Chinese city's first electric taxis, which were launched in May.
Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-shing said the government was investing HK$180 million ($23 million) in the pilot scheme, helping to subsidise the purchase of 36 electric buses by the end of next year that will be run by private companies.
"The long term goal is towards zero emissions along the roadside," he told a press conference, without giving a timeframe for the possible expansion of the pilot scheme.
"We need to do it step by step," he said.
Kowloon Motor Bus, the largest operator involved in the trial scheme, said it would take time and money if it was going to transform its fleet of 3,800 buses, with each battery-run vehicle costing about HK$5 million ($644,700).
"Battery powered bus is still a new technology," KMB managing director Ho Tat-man said.
"We still need to collect a lot of operating data from the frontline for us to do detailed analysis, and to get customer feedback."
A study by the University of Hong Kong showed pollution-related illnesses killed more than 3,000 residents a year in the financial hub, with environmental groups blaming traffic emissions as the main source of the pollution.
New air quality objectives announced last year for seven pollutants including sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide were criticised as too little, too late and in August last year the city choked under the worst smog on record.
Kwong Sum-yin, Chief Executive Officer of green group Clean Air Network, told AFP that Hong Kong was lagging behind other parts of the world in pushing for electric vehicles.
"One bus wouldn't make any difference," she said.
"We can look at other developed cities, such as Singapore and Tokyo—there are way more electric vehicles. Even in China, Shenzhen has electric taxis."
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Monday, October 15, 2012
Fine pollutants inside Hong Kong AC buses twice WHO limit, study finds
Fine pollutants inside buses twice WHO limit, study finds
Saturday, 13 October, 2012
Jolie Ho
jolie.ho@scmp.com
Fine pollutants inside buses twice WHO limit, study finds
People on Hong Kong buses are breathing air containing twice the level of fine pollutants as that deemed safe by the World Health Organisation, an environmental group said yesterday.
http://www.facebook.com/greenbuses
Friends of the Earth conducted tests in June and July, and found the average level of PM2.5 particles - those 2.5 microns or less in diameter - in buses on 13 routes was 53.11 micrograms per cubic metre. The WHO calls for a limit of 25.
Such particles are roughly 1/28th the thickness of a human hair and because they are so fine, can lodge deep in the lungs. Some respirable suspended particles can cause cancer.
Melonie Chau Yuet-cheung, senior environmental officer of Friends of the Earth, said such high levels of PM2.5 were a serious health threat to the passengers and drivers. "There is a perception problem. People think that entering a bus is like entering a protected area, comparatively safer [than on a polluted roadway], but that is not the case," Chau said.
The PM2.5 levels in buses were about the same as on the roadside because the vehicles' ventilation systems did not filter out fine particles, she said.
The study was limited to franchised buses, and so excluded minibuses. Buses on each route were tested at least four times to get a reliable average reading.
The highest level recorded was in a bus on Yee Wo Street in Causeway Bay - 171 microns per cubic metre - on Citybus route 5.
Dr Wong Tze-wai, a professor in occupational and environmental health at Chinese University, said: "These suspended particles can bypass the normal defence mechanism of the human body. They do not exist in nature … so they cannot be captured [by the fine hair and mucus in our lungs]."
Wong said US studies had linked fine particles to elevated death rates from lung cancer.
Kowloon Motor Bus said new buses were being equipped with electronic static filters, which can block PM2.5. By last month, 1,350 of its 3,900 buses had the filters. Citybus could not be reached for comment.
The government has not set a limit for PM2.5.
Saturday, 13 October, 2012
Jolie Ho
jolie.ho@scmp.com
Fine pollutants inside buses twice WHO limit, study finds
People on Hong Kong buses are breathing air containing twice the level of fine pollutants as that deemed safe by the World Health Organisation, an environmental group said yesterday.
http://www.facebook.com/greenbuses
Friends of the Earth conducted tests in June and July, and found the average level of PM2.5 particles - those 2.5 microns or less in diameter - in buses on 13 routes was 53.11 micrograms per cubic metre. The WHO calls for a limit of 25.
Such particles are roughly 1/28th the thickness of a human hair and because they are so fine, can lodge deep in the lungs. Some respirable suspended particles can cause cancer.
Melonie Chau Yuet-cheung, senior environmental officer of Friends of the Earth, said such high levels of PM2.5 were a serious health threat to the passengers and drivers. "There is a perception problem. People think that entering a bus is like entering a protected area, comparatively safer [than on a polluted roadway], but that is not the case," Chau said.
The PM2.5 levels in buses were about the same as on the roadside because the vehicles' ventilation systems did not filter out fine particles, she said.
The study was limited to franchised buses, and so excluded minibuses. Buses on each route were tested at least four times to get a reliable average reading.
The highest level recorded was in a bus on Yee Wo Street in Causeway Bay - 171 microns per cubic metre - on Citybus route 5.
Dr Wong Tze-wai, a professor in occupational and environmental health at Chinese University, said: "These suspended particles can bypass the normal defence mechanism of the human body. They do not exist in nature … so they cannot be captured [by the fine hair and mucus in our lungs]."
Wong said US studies had linked fine particles to elevated death rates from lung cancer.
Kowloon Motor Bus said new buses were being equipped with electronic static filters, which can block PM2.5. By last month, 1,350 of its 3,900 buses had the filters. Citybus could not be reached for comment.
The government has not set a limit for PM2.5.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Hong Kong must fast-track switch to electric buses
HK must fast-track switch to electric buses
Thomas London says Hong Kong is overlooking a ready-made opportunity to improve air quality - it should catch up with the latest technology in electric buses being developed and produced over the border
AIR QUALITY
Aug 13, 2012
SCMP
http://www.facebook.com/electricbus
Hong Kong has recently experienced record-breaking smog levels. The Environmental Protection Department said that roadside pollution in 2011 was the worst on record.
Clear the Air, a local non-governmental organisation working for improved air quality, reports that the city's greenhouse-gas emissions have jumped 14 per cent from 1990 to 2005 and that vehicles are the second greatest contributor to air pollution. The Hedley Environmental Index estimates that this past month's pollution will mean 154 premature deaths in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is unusual among developed-world cities both in the poor quality of its air and the many easy opportunities to cut pollution. Replacing the city's ageing diesel-powered bus fleet with electric buses would effectively cut vehicular emissions, improve air quality and alleviate subsequent health complications. Hong Kong's solution for where to source such a vehicle lies just across the border.
Mainland China has prioritised the development of electric and hybrid vehicles in response to its growing dependence on foreign oil. The government announced annual subsidies of up to 2 billion yuan (HK$2.5 billion) for fuel-saving vehicles, including electrics and hybrids, in an attempt to foster growth in the industry and eventually put five million alternative energy vehicles on Chinese streets by 2020. Hong Kong can benefit from this initiative, utilising the funds used to develop the mainland's electric vehicle industry.
Shenzhen's BYD, the company famed for being one of the world's largest rechargeable battery manufacturers and winning financial backing from Warren Buffett, released an all-electric bus this past year.
The K9 is fuelled by both solar power and a rechargeable lithium iron phosphate battery - one three-hour charge gives the bus a 250-kilometre range in urban settings.
This vehicle is fully capable of handling the routes and distances covered by the current bus fleet and would immediately minimise carbon emissions and noise pollution.
The Hong Kong government has acknowledged the potential of integrating electric vehicles, establishing a benchmark to make 30 per cent of private vehicles either hybrids or fully electric by 2020. The Transport Department is considering deploying electric buses from Kowloon Motor Bus. However, the vehicle's range is a minuscule 10 kilometres, meaning these buses cannot be used on regular routes.
Money is not an issue. Last financial year, the government amassed a budget surplus of more than HK$73 billion. In fact, initial funding to implement the switch to public electric buses had been previously allocated. Leung Chun-ying's predecessor, Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, prioritised an electric bus fleet, setting aside HK$180 million for the transition during his final policy address as chief executive. Furthermore, the Pilot Green Transport Fund has set aside HK$300 million to promote more sustainable transport solutions.
Many regions already recognise the benefits of operating all-electric public buses. Governments in Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Amsterdam and Ontario are all slated to integrate the K9 into their transport systems.
Chinese cities, including Changsha, Shaoguan, Xian and most notably Shenzhen, have effectively put the bus through its paces. The fleets have collectively travelled over five million kilometres without major incident. The K9 is ready for Hong Kong.
Partnering with BYD would strengthen Hong Kong's ties with mainland Chinese businesses and neighbouring Shenzhen. If successful, the partnership would encourage other mainland companies to invest and develop for the Hong Kong market. It may even boost public sentiment towards the ability of the Chinese private sector to benefit Hong Kong.
The new bus fleet would serve as an example of Chinese innovation and cutting-edge technology, a notion that too many dismiss as non-existent.
The Leung administration could use a political victory. Leung has the opportunity to illustrate his commitment to the city's health and long-term sustainability while facing what one would assume to be little political opposition. Introducing the new fleet would promote Hong Kong as a modern, forward-thinking city. In short, pursuing this initiative would provide a much-needed easy win for the administration.
Hong Kong has a unique chance to illustrate its commitment to green technology and sustainability. Few cities are as fortunate to have a massive budget surplus, close economic ties with the world's largest exporter, and new political leadership eager to improve its reputation. Even fewer are presented with a simple way to address one of its most significant problems.
Hong Kong must introduce electric buses to abate roadside pollution and overall emissions. Get smoggy diesel buses off the road now so that Hong Kong's people can once again smell the scent of Asia's most fragrant harbour.
Thomas London is a Princeton-in-Asia fellow at the Asia Business Council
Thomas London says Hong Kong is overlooking a ready-made opportunity to improve air quality - it should catch up with the latest technology in electric buses being developed and produced over the border
AIR QUALITY
Aug 13, 2012
SCMP
http://www.facebook.com/electricbus
Hong Kong has recently experienced record-breaking smog levels. The Environmental Protection Department said that roadside pollution in 2011 was the worst on record.
Clear the Air, a local non-governmental organisation working for improved air quality, reports that the city's greenhouse-gas emissions have jumped 14 per cent from 1990 to 2005 and that vehicles are the second greatest contributor to air pollution. The Hedley Environmental Index estimates that this past month's pollution will mean 154 premature deaths in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is unusual among developed-world cities both in the poor quality of its air and the many easy opportunities to cut pollution. Replacing the city's ageing diesel-powered bus fleet with electric buses would effectively cut vehicular emissions, improve air quality and alleviate subsequent health complications. Hong Kong's solution for where to source such a vehicle lies just across the border.
Mainland China has prioritised the development of electric and hybrid vehicles in response to its growing dependence on foreign oil. The government announced annual subsidies of up to 2 billion yuan (HK$2.5 billion) for fuel-saving vehicles, including electrics and hybrids, in an attempt to foster growth in the industry and eventually put five million alternative energy vehicles on Chinese streets by 2020. Hong Kong can benefit from this initiative, utilising the funds used to develop the mainland's electric vehicle industry.
Shenzhen's BYD, the company famed for being one of the world's largest rechargeable battery manufacturers and winning financial backing from Warren Buffett, released an all-electric bus this past year.
The K9 is fuelled by both solar power and a rechargeable lithium iron phosphate battery - one three-hour charge gives the bus a 250-kilometre range in urban settings.
This vehicle is fully capable of handling the routes and distances covered by the current bus fleet and would immediately minimise carbon emissions and noise pollution.
The Hong Kong government has acknowledged the potential of integrating electric vehicles, establishing a benchmark to make 30 per cent of private vehicles either hybrids or fully electric by 2020. The Transport Department is considering deploying electric buses from Kowloon Motor Bus. However, the vehicle's range is a minuscule 10 kilometres, meaning these buses cannot be used on regular routes.
Money is not an issue. Last financial year, the government amassed a budget surplus of more than HK$73 billion. In fact, initial funding to implement the switch to public electric buses had been previously allocated. Leung Chun-ying's predecessor, Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, prioritised an electric bus fleet, setting aside HK$180 million for the transition during his final policy address as chief executive. Furthermore, the Pilot Green Transport Fund has set aside HK$300 million to promote more sustainable transport solutions.
Many regions already recognise the benefits of operating all-electric public buses. Governments in Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Amsterdam and Ontario are all slated to integrate the K9 into their transport systems.
Chinese cities, including Changsha, Shaoguan, Xian and most notably Shenzhen, have effectively put the bus through its paces. The fleets have collectively travelled over five million kilometres without major incident. The K9 is ready for Hong Kong.
Partnering with BYD would strengthen Hong Kong's ties with mainland Chinese businesses and neighbouring Shenzhen. If successful, the partnership would encourage other mainland companies to invest and develop for the Hong Kong market. It may even boost public sentiment towards the ability of the Chinese private sector to benefit Hong Kong.
The new bus fleet would serve as an example of Chinese innovation and cutting-edge technology, a notion that too many dismiss as non-existent.
The Leung administration could use a political victory. Leung has the opportunity to illustrate his commitment to the city's health and long-term sustainability while facing what one would assume to be little political opposition. Introducing the new fleet would promote Hong Kong as a modern, forward-thinking city. In short, pursuing this initiative would provide a much-needed easy win for the administration.
Hong Kong has a unique chance to illustrate its commitment to green technology and sustainability. Few cities are as fortunate to have a massive budget surplus, close economic ties with the world's largest exporter, and new political leadership eager to improve its reputation. Even fewer are presented with a simple way to address one of its most significant problems.
Hong Kong must introduce electric buses to abate roadside pollution and overall emissions. Get smoggy diesel buses off the road now so that Hong Kong's people can once again smell the scent of Asia's most fragrant harbour.
Thomas London is a Princeton-in-Asia fellow at the Asia Business Council
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