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Home-grown electric vehicle mycar makes its first journey in Hong Kong

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26.10.2009

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and EuAuto Technology Limited (EuAuto) today jointly announced the official launch of their home-grown electric vehicle mycar in Hong Kong.

he Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and EuAuto Technology Limited (EuAuto) today jointly announced the official launch of their home-grown electric vehicle mycar in Hong Kong. The launching ceremony was held at PolyU campus with Mr John Tsang Chun-wah, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, Prof. Timothy W. Tong, President of PolyU, and Mr Peter Sun, Chairman of EuAuto Technology Limited as the officiating guests.

With its body designed by internationally renowned Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, mycar has obtained the World Manufacturer Identification (WMI) Code earlier this year and it went on sales in many European countries including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Austria and Denmark.

It is the first Hong Kong-developed vehicle which fully complied with European standards, and also the first home-grown vehicle to hit the international market.

This year mycar has successfully met the roadworthiness requirements stipulated by the Government’s Transport Department and has recently been granted the vehicle type-approval as a private car. It is now available for sale in Hong Kong on the condition of travelling on roads with a speed limit at or under 50km/h.

The NEV version of mycar available in the local market has also been on sales in the European market. It can travel a distance of 110km on flat roads and can reach a maximum speed of 64km/h. It requires six to eight hours to be fully charged, which can be done from any regular household socket. It is capable of running on the road for 20 km and takes only 1.5 hour to recharge fully again.

PolyU President Prof. Tong said at the ceremony, “PolyU prides itself on its quality application-oriented R&D and close ties with business and industry. The development of mycar has truly testified to the practical value and commercial potential of PolyU’s R&D pursuits. Not only does mycar go in line with the Government’s policy address in promoting the use of electric vehicles, but also turns over a new leaf in pioneering the advancement of Hong Kong’s automotive industry.”

“Before EuAuto, no automobile manufacturing business has ever been developed in Hong Kong. It was a dream to build a micro car in Hong Kong back in 2003. To make this dream come true, we know we need and we do contribute our greatest effort to engage expertise around the world. With the magic touch of the famous Italian designer Mr Giugiaro on the styling, complimented with the research and expertise from our strategic partners, PolyU, with supports from various industry partners, government, mycar team expertise from around the world: Italy, France, UK, Canada, Australia, Philippines, China and Hong Kong. This product is now able to balance the European stylish design and good quality at an affordable price to customers all over the world. Our dream of having a home-grown electric vehicle has finally come true!” said Mr Sun, Chairman of EuAuto Technology Limited.

The environmentally-friendly, zero-emission mycar will be sold at HK$97,000. To promote the use of electric vehicles, the HKSAR Government has exempted the First Registration Tax Waiver. The annual license fee costs only HK$440.

Both PolyU and EuAuto attach great importance to the further advancement of mycar. Building on the success of mycar, the team will keep up with their research and development efforts to enhance its performance and seek to integrate advanced technology to build a better electric vehicle in the near future.

At the beginning of next year, lithium-battery-driven and upgrade versions of mycar will be launched. There will be a significant improvement for the vehicle in terms of mileage and speed, in order to meet the expectation of Hong Kong’s Eco-car drivers.

In addition to PolyU's backup, mycar has received a funding of HK$2 million from the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Commission to support its further research and development.

Wilfred Lai | Source: Research asia research news
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