19 May 2013

Electric taxis on trial in Hong Kong

6:51 am on 19 May 2013

Hong Kong has introduced a fleet of electric taxis in a trial bid to reduce high pollution levels in the territory.

The bright red cars were launched on Saturday by Chinese electric vehicle producer BYD.

BYD e6 five-door sedans can travel for 300km. They are powered by iron phosphate batteries and take two hours to charge

The cars have been rented by the Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association, which is testing them over the next six months.

"An electric car saves the cost of fuel and will allow our taxi drivers to earn more," said association head Wong Chung Keung.

BYD is setting up 47 chargers in nine locations near car parks.