Hong Kong is significantly bolstering its commitment to sustainable urban mobility, announcing the public tender sale of a prime site in the New Territories specifically designated for a high-capacity electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging station. The government, through the Environment and Ecology Bureau, confirmed the sale of Tsing Yi Town Lot No. 203, reinforcing its aggressive strategy to achieve zero vehicular emissions and reach carbon neutrality before 2050. This strategic move, announced on November 21, 2025, positions the city to meet the escalating demand from its rapidly expanding EV fleet.
Investing in EV Infrastructure
Located at 183 Tsing Yi Road West, the prime parcel covers a substantial area of 1,973.9 square meters. Its sale via open tender, closing on January 30, 2026, aims to attract operators ready to invest in essential charging infrastructure. This initiative supports the government’s ambitious mandate to phase out the registration of all fuel-propelled private cars, including hybrids, by 2035 or possibly sooner.
The new Tsing Yi site is notable for its scale. Unlike typical fuel station conversions, this lot offers a larger-than-conventional retail area, granting future operators enhanced operational flexibility. This space is intended to allow for the inclusion of services and amenities, improving the experience for EV drivers waiting while their vehicles recharge.
Scaling Up the Charging Network
The sale of the Tsing Yi lot follows the successful conversion of three former petrol filling stations in Kowloon Bay, Fo Tan, and Tai Po, which were previously sold via open tender and are now being repurposed for fast-charging operations. Officials indicate that the accelerated expansion of the charging network is crucial to servicing both the growing number of private EV owners and commercial vehicles, such as electric taxis and light buses.
The government recognizes that infrastructure must keep pace with adoption. Detailed land sale documents, including conditions of sale and tender forms, have been made publicly available on the Lands Department website, signaling a transparent and structured approach to development.
Regulating Tariffs for Public Transport
To ensure that the transition remains economically viable for public transport operators and commuters, the government is introducing a novel pricing mechanism for electric taxis and public light buses (PLBs) at designated fast-charging stations.
This system, modelled on the pricing structure used for dedicated liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) filling stations, will impose a ceiling price on charging tariffs.
Key Tariff Mechanism Takeaways:
- Public Transport Focus: The ceiling price mechanism specifically targets electric taxis and electric PLBs.
- Monthly Ceiling: The Environmental Protection Department will announce a monthly maximum price, prohibiting operators of designated stations from exceeding this rate.
- Market-Determined Prices: Charging tariffs for all other private EVs will remain subject to market forces and operator discretion.
This regulatory step aims to stabilize operational costs for essential public transportation services, facilitating a smooth and sustainable shift away from fossil fuels in the high-utilization commercial sector.
By continuously earmarking former fuel sites and strategic plots like the one in Tsing Yi for EV conversion, Hong Kong is transforming its urban landscape to meet its commitment to a greener future. The successful sale and development of this significant site will mark another critical milestone in establishing a robust, city-wide EV ecosystem. Future tenders of remaining petrol station plots are expected to follow, dynamically aligning with market demands and accelerating the city’s environmental goals.