The role of private EVs in sustainable transport

After having two of the best years of air quality in Hong Kong, air pollution has returned to "normal” with the ending of Covid-19 restrictions.[1] To no one’s surprise, pollution is most severe in high-traffic areas, such as Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po. We have long known that air pollution exposure lead to a wide range of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and is heavily associated with premature death.[2]^,[3]

Traffic congestion in Mong Kok (Image source: Flickr)

In a move towards greener transport and cleaner air, the government has been actively promoting the adoption of private electric vehicles (EVs).[4]^,[5]To their credit, these efforts appear to be successful; the number of licensed private EVs skyrocketed from 13,000 in 2019 to approximately 73,000 by 2023.[6] But are they really the answer to sustainable transport?

The Government released the "Hong Kong roadmap on popularisation of electric vehicles” in 2021 (Image source: Environment and Ecology Bureau)

While EVs effectively shift pollution from tailpipes to power plants, we often overlook the pollution coming from the tyres. When the rubber meets the road—literally—small plastic particles are kicked into the air from tyre abrasion. EVs, which have the ability to accelerate instantly and are heavier due to their batteries, can wear out tyres faster.[7]Compounding this is the trend towards larger, heavier vehicles like SUVs and minivans by families, owing to their more accommodating space and perceived safety. Tyre dust not only contributes to fine and suspended particulate matter pollution, but also constitutes a major source of microplastics entering the environment.[8]^,[9]

Tyre wear particles collected on the road (Image source: Giechaskiel et al.)

Switching to EVs does not eliminate the environmental costs associated with producing the vehicles either. In our previous article, we have covered how demand for cobalt and nickel, minerals critical for battery manufacturing, is exacerbating environmental destruction and adversely affecting local communities.[10]Tesla, which dominates the EV market in Hong Kong, faces lawsuits in the US over air pollution from its California plant.[11] Additionally, its gigafactory in Berlin, Germany is also accused of dumping large volumes of wastewater and polluting local drinking water.[12]

Electric cars boost metal demand (Image source: Statista)

Above all, private EVs continue to take up the same road space, contributing to traffic congestion. A green vehicle can still worsen road experience and safety with poor drivers, such as by parking illegally, not signaling, incessant honking, and more.

A truly sustainable transport vision for Hong Kong should deemphasise the role private cars play, while strengthening public transport and enhancing the safety and accessibility of micro-mobility options like walking and cycling. Initiatives such as the scramble crossing trial at the intersection of Sha Kok Street and Yat Tai Street in Sha Tin show a promising direction.[13]In Paris, the city centre has started reclaiming roads for pedestrians and cyclists while discouraging driving.[14]

Hong Kong’s first diagonal crossing trial run in Sha Tin (Image source: TYR)

The Covid-19 lockdown showed us briefly the potential for clean air in cities when car usage is limited. Despite all that has been said, EVs do help mitigate pollution and are significantly more energy-efficiency than their conventional counterparts. Electrifying transportation is crucial for achieving cleaner air quality; however, reducing private car dependence is just as important if we are to create a sustainable and liveable city that is designed for people, not vehicles.