🚌 A complete analysis of the current status of electric bus development in Hong Kong (Editor's in-depth observation)

In recent years, the Hong Kong government has been vigorously promoting carbon neutrality and zero-emission transportation. Besides electric private cars, electric buses have become another key area of focus. After all, over 3 million people ride Hong Kong's franchised buses daily. A full electrification of these buses would significantly improve air quality and reduce noise pollution.

I've been keeping a close eye on the latest developments from operators like Citybus, Kowloon Motor Bus, and New World First Bus (now merged into Citybus), and have personally ridden a number of electric buses. Today, I'll share my insights into the realities of electric buses in Hong Kong.

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1️⃣ Why does Hong Kong need to develop electric buses?

① Environmental protection and emission reduction

• Buses account for about 40% of Hong Kong's road transport nitrogen oxide emissions, and their share of particulate matter emissions is also high.
• Electric buses have zero tailpipe emissions and can help improve roadside air quality.

② Reduce noise pollution

• The electric motor is quiet and perfect for routes through residential areas.

③ Policy promotion

• The government's "Hong Kong Climate Action Blueprint 2050" proposes that all public transport modes achieve zero emissions by 2050 .
• The Transport and Logistics Bureau and the Environmental Protection Department provide funding schemes to encourage bus companies to trial and purchase electric buses.

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2️⃣ The development history of electric buses in Hong Kong

I've compiled a timeline to help you understand the progress:

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3️⃣ Current (2025) scale of electric buses

As of mid-2025, the editor has compiled the status of the major operators:

📌 Editor's observation:

• Currently, electric buses account for less than 5% of the total number of buses in Hong Kong, and there is still a long way to go before full electrification.
• Most electric buses are concentrated on short-distance, urban routes, while long-distance and mountain routes are still mainly diesel or hybrid buses.

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4️⃣ Technical and operational challenges

Although electric buses have many advantages, their implementation in Hong Kong has not been smooth sailing.

① Battery life

• Hong Kong has a mountainous terrain, buses are often full of passengers, and air conditioning is running for long periods of time, so the actual range is lower than the manufacturer's data.
• Currently, most double-decker electric buses have a range of about 200-250 kilometers and need to be recharged during long-term operation.

② Insufficient charging infrastructure

• KMB and Citybus have installed fast charging stations in their depots (full charge in about 2 hours).
• There are few dedicated charging facilities for buses on public roads, which limits route scheduling.

③ High vehicle costs

• A double-decker electric bus costs about HK$5-6 million , which is 50%-70% more expensive than a diesel bus of the same level.
• High-priced battery packs need to be replaced every 6-8 years, which is very costly.

④ Maintenance and manpower

• High-voltage electrical system maintenance requires professional technicians, but there is currently a shortage of training and manpower.
• Parts supply depends on overseas or mainland China, and repair time may be longer.

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5️⃣ The real experience from the passenger’s perspective

I've personally tried taking several electric bus routes (such as Citybus 5X and Kowloon Motor Bus 296C), and here are my thoughts:

👍 Pros

• There is almost no engine noise and low vibration when driving.
• Starting and accelerating are smooth, which is especially suitable for frequent stops in the city.
• Air quality has improved significantly (especially at the bus terminal).

👎 Cons

• Sometimes the air conditioning wind speed is weak (to save energy).
• You need to wait when stopping to charge, which may affect the punctuality of the shift.
• Some old routes are not suitable for electric buses (such as long steep slopes and large roundabouts).

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6️⃣ Future plans of the government and bus companies

Kowloon Motor Bus

• The goal is to phase out all diesel buses by 2035.
• Expand charging facilities at depots in Tuen Mun, Kowloon Bay, Sha Tin and other areas.
• Introduce more double-decker electric buses and research solid-state battery technology.

Citybus

• Achieve a fully electric fleet by 2035.
• At the same time, hydrogen buses are being tested as an alternative for long-distance and high-load routes.
• There are plans to install additional fast charging points at multiple bus termini on Hong Kong Island.

government

• Expand the funding scope of the "New Energy Transport Fund".
• Set a timetable for zero-emission buses and expedite the approval of infrastructure projects.
• Cooperate with power companies to increase the power supply capacity of depots.

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7️⃣ Editor’s opinions and suggestions

I believe that while Hong Kong's electric bus development has made progress, it is still in the "trial to initial popularization" stage and faces several core issues:

1. Insufficient infrastructure : Without sufficient charging stations, bus companies find it difficult to arrange full electric operation of long-distance or high-frequency routes.
2. Cost pressure : High vehicle prices and battery replacement costs mean that a comprehensive transformation requires more government funding.
3. Endurance and operational efficiency : Hong Kong's topography and climate pose a major challenge to the endurance of electric buses.

Editor's suggestion:

• First, focus on fully electrifying short-distance routes in urban areas , and then promote long-distance routes after establishing stable operating experience.
• Promote fast charging and battery replacement technologies in parallel to reduce the impact of charging time on shifts.
• Accelerate technician training to ensure maintenance capabilities keep pace with fleet expansion.
• Communicate with passengers about their experience to avoid sacrificing air-conditioning comfort for energy savings.

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📌 Editor's Summary

The development of electric buses in Hong Kong is an inevitable trend, and the next 10-15 years will be a critical period for transitioning from diesel to zero emissions.
Although the proportion of electric buses is still low at this stage, with the improvement of infrastructure, technological advancement and policy strengthening, the noise of buses on the streets of Hong Kong will become quieter and the air will become fresher.

However, the editor reminds everyone that electric buses are not a universal solution . They need to be coordinated with overall transportation planning and energy policies to truly achieve the goal of both environmental protection and high efficiency.

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