HK sets three-month trial for new electric cars

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid trial is part of a global testing scheme to make Hong Kong a electric-vehicle-friendly city.

The Environment Bureau will conduct a three-month trial starting in January 2011 on a new model of hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, to encourage carmakers to focus on the Hong Kong market as they prepare new electric vehicle launches, according to a government report.

The new model, known as a hybrid plug-in, will be driven principally by electric power, with a gasoline engine as a secondary power source. A number of Government departments will participate in testing the model’s operational performance.

The Hong Kong trial of the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is part of a global testing scheme, under which the US, Europe, Japan and the Mainland markets are also involved. Data and operational experiences gathered will enable the product to better cater for the needs of specific markets.

"Hong Kong is glad to participate in the testing scheme of these new vehicles, which will serve to expand the fleet of environmentally friendly vehicles in Hong Kong," Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau said after a test-ride in the vehicle on Sunday.

He also said that Hong Kong is working towards making the city an electric-vehicle-friendly city. The new hybrid model will add to the choice of green vehicles for consumers.