Hong Kong drivers will have to pay to use CLP Power’s EV charging stations

CLP Power Hong Kong has announced that drivers will have to pay to use its electric vehicle (EV) charging stations later this year, ending 16 years of free service.

The larger of the two electricity suppliers in the city said the move was to align with the “market development” and details of the fee charging arrangements would be announced through notices at relevant car parks in due course.

“With the EV charging service market maturing, most of the charging stations have implemented charge service fees,” its statement said.

The company said it would support the government and the industry to expand the EV charging network in Hong Kong and enhance the scale and coverage of charging.

Hong Kong is home to around 112,000 EVs – representing about 12.4 per cent of total vehicles – as of the end of January, according to the Environmental Protection Department.

There are about 10,400 EV chargers for public use around the city, the department reported.

Authorities announced in 2023 that drivers would have to pay to use EV charging stations at government car parks by the end of 2025.