Share
In March of this year, the Government announced the Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles, indicating that there will be no new registrations of fuel-propelled private cars in 2035 or earlier. The future is electric and it begins now with the trend towards electric vehicles (EVs) gaining momentum. In this issue of Channel 823, we explore three of Link’s parking lots with EV charging spaces as well as their nearby attractions across Kwun Tong, Ho Man Tin and Tin Shui Wai, giving e-drivers the chance to recharge their cars – as well as their bodies and minds.
If you are looking for a place to charge your EV while being able to enjoy delicious food surrounded by relaxing, beautiful scenery, The Quayside in Kwun Tong is a highly recommended place to go to. With more than 890 charging spaces, Kwun Tong is the district with the most EV charging spaces in Hong Kong, accounting for 20% of the total number across the city. The Quayside itself has 415 (46%) of the district’s EV charging spaces, making it a convenient stop for EV car drivers looking for an enjoyable day out.
In addition to the large number of charging spaces, there are a large selection of stylish cafes and semi-outdoor restaurants in The Quayside. After parking their cars, e-drivers can enjoy a wonderful meal at The Quayside followed by a relaxing walk along Kwun Tong Promenade. About 1 kilometre in length, the waterfront boardwalk at the promenade provides visitors with not only delightful views of Island East and Victoria Harbour, but also various recreational facilities such as glossy green lawns, music fountains (which just opened in April of this year), a special tower and a kids’ playground called the Sensory Garden. This is an ideal place for adults to get an energy boost while the children release their energy…and the car get its fill of energy, too!
【The Quayside】
Address: The Quayside, 77 Hoi Bun Road, Kowloon East
EV Charger Facilities:
Quick chargers (120-amp): 3
Medium chargers (32-amp): 100
Standard chargers (13-amp): 312
If you are a Tesla driver, the convenient and fast charging experience provided by Oi Man Car Park will definitely delight you. In July of this year, Oi Man Car Park installed 14 Tesla charging stations, including six V3 Superchargers and eight destination chargers. V3 Supercharging is the fastest charging technology in the world and the new V3 Supercharger is capable of charging the Model 3 at a rate of 120 kilowatts in 5 minutes, which is enough to make a round trip between Oi Man Plaza and Sheung Shui or Tuen Mun.
In addition to shopping and dining in Oi Man Plaza while your car is filling up with energy, e-drivers can also go on a hike at Red Light Hill, a low hill in Ho Man Tin – the perfect healthy pastime now that autumn is here! In the old Kai Tak Airport era, Red Light Hill had an aviation lighthouse for the airport, which flashed red lights at night, giving the hill its name. If you go uphill along Sheung Lok Street Garden for 30 minutes, you will be well rewarded with breath-taking city views of To Kwa Wan while you soak up the glory of Hong Kong’s natural scenery all in one visit!
【Oi Man Car Park】
Address: Oi Man Plaza, 60 Chung Hau Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon
EV Charger Facilities:
Tesla V3 Superchargers: 6
Tesla Destination Chargers: 8
Our third recommended car park is Tin Shing Car Park, adjacent to Tin Shui Wai MTR Station, which provides different specifications of EV chargers that can support most of the current EV models in Hong Kong. In addition, the parking lot has direct access to Tin Shing Shopping Centre and Tin Shing Market, which both offer authentic and delicious local food.
Nearby the car park, there is a stylish modern library, Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library, located in the Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building. As the second largest public library in Hong Kong, it is the first public library to offer a reading area in an outdoor courtyard. The design of the building is spacious and there are gardens on the first and third floors as well as a rooftop garden on the sixth floor, providing a sprawling outdoor space where you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Ping Shan. It is an excellent place for e-drivers to read and relax.
【Tin Shing Car Park】
Address: Tin Shing Shopping Centre, 3 Tin Ching Street, Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long, New Territories
EV Charger Facilities:
CLP Quick Chargers: 3
CLP Semi-Quick Chargers: 28
Tesla V3 Superchargers: 4
Tesla Destination Chargers: 4
If you are new to EVs, you may be confused by the different specifications of EV chargers. We are here to help you understand the charging options and how they differ.
Standard chargers
Standard charging is delivered via a standard socket outlet with a 13-amp plug, which is basically the same standard socket we use in our homes in Hong Kong. It charges at a rate of about 8 kilometres of added range per hour.
Medium chargers
Typically, medium chargers are wall mounted. They require a cable provided by the car manufacturer to charge with. Medium chargers normally provide electric current ranging from 1-phase 32-amp to 3-phase 32-amp. A medium charger can deliver charging speeds from 23 to 142 kilowatts, depending on vehicle and battery specifications.
Quick charger
CLP, HK Electric and some electric vehicle manufacturers provide quick chargers. Usually, they can be found at stand-alone parking spaces. It normally takes only 30 minutes to recharge 50% power capacity, which adds approximately 270 kilometres of range.
