[Automotive Tips] Latest Data Analysis on Hong Kong's Electric Vehicle Penetration Rate by 2025
🚗💨 [Editor’s View] Analysis of the latest data on electric vehicle penetration in Hong Kong
Hello everyone, today I'd like to share with you the recent development of electric vehicles (EVs) in Hong Kong, specifically their penetration rate and the underlying reasons. As someone who regularly monitors the automotive market, I've noticed a surge in the number of EVs on Hong Kong streets over the past two or three years, especially from Tesla, BYD, the BMW i Series, the Audi e-tron, and more, which you see almost daily.
📊 Latest data (as of mid-2025)
According to information released by the Hong Kong Transport Department and the Environmental Protection Department:
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Total electric vehicle registrations
- By the end of June 2025, the number of registered private electric vehicles in Hong Kong will exceed 85,000 , compared with less than 20,000 in 2020, an increase of more than four times in four years .
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Market share
- In the first half of 2025, approximately 64% of newly registered private cars will be electric . This means that almost two-thirds of new car buyers will choose an EV.
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Brand Distribution
- Tesla remains in the lead, accounting for about 38% of newly registered electric vehicles.
- The proportion of Chinese brands such as BYD, Xpeng, and NIO has increased sharply, and together they now account for about 25%.
- European brands (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo) account for the remaining 30%.
🔍 Why is electric vehicles becoming popular in Hong Kong so quickly?
I think it can be judged by several factors:
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Tax incentives <br>The government launched the "One-for-One Scheme" in 2018, offering first registration tax reductions (up to $287,500) when scrapping an old private car and purchasing a new electric vehicle. Compared to a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle, the price can be hundreds of thousands lower, making it a significant attraction.
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High fuel prices <br>Gasoline in Hong Kong has long been more expensive than in most parts of the world. In 2025, the price of unleaded gasoline per liter was close to HK$23 . Driving with electricity obviously saves a lot of money.
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Charging infrastructure is being implemented at a faster pace . The government and private developers have been actively installing charging stations in the past two years. As of June 2025, there will be more than 8,000 charging stations in public charging facilities across Hong Kong, more than double the number in 2022.
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Diversified choices <br>In the past, you might only have a few Tesla models to choose from, but now, from small city cars to luxury SUVs, there are EV versions, with prices ranging from over 200,000 yuan to hundreds of thousands of yuan, to meet different needs.
⚠️ Challenges behind the popularization of electric vehicles
Although the data is impressive, I still have to address a few issues:
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Uneven distribution of charging piles <br>There are more than enough charging stations in Central, Kowloon Bay, Sha Tin and other areas, but there are still relatively few in the New Territories West and outlying islands, which is not very convenient for car owners living far away from the city.
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Installation is difficult in housing estates <br>Having a parking space does not mean you can install a charging station, as it requires approval from the owners' corporation and the power load must also be considered.
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Secondhand market value fluctuations
EV technology is rapidly evolving, and the resale value of an electric vehicle purchased three or four years ago may fall faster than that of a gasoline-powered vehicle. This puts pressure on owners to replace their vehicles with new ones due to depreciation. -
Battery recycling and environmental issues <br>The battery life is generally 8-10 years, and replacing or recycling it at that time will incur a large cost. The relevant processing facilities in Hong Kong are not yet complete.
📈 Editor's observation: Future trends
I estimate that if the government continues to promote tax incentives and accelerate the development of charging infrastructure, Hong Kong's electric vehicle penetration rate could exceed 80% within five years . However, long-term improvements in infrastructure and the used car market are crucial. Otherwise, there's a risk of a situation where "buying a car is easy, but using it is difficult."
💡Editor 's Tips
- If your daily mileage is less than 50 kilometers and you have a fixed parking space equipped with a charging station, the EV is actually a good choice for you.
- When choosing a car, consider the brand's repair and maintenance network in Hong Kong, rather than simply looking at the price.
- If you are not in a hurry to buy, you can keep an eye on new brands entering the market, as their prices and configurations may be more competitive.