Mainland JV Unveils Electric Taxi for Hong Kong Amid Charging Infrastructure Concerns
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
SAIC-GM-Wuling, a mainland Chinese joint venture, has launched the Darion Taxi in Hong Kong, with deliveries expected to begin next month. The six-seat electric vehicle offers a 540km range and 30-minute quick charging capability, priced at approximately HK$300,000. However, lawmakers warn that insufficient charging stations pose the biggest obstacle to achieving the government's target of 3,000 electric taxis by 2027. The launch comes as Hong Kong only had 988 electric taxis as of 2025, representing a fraction of its total fleet of about 18,000 cabs.
Key Points
- SAIC-GM-Wuling is a joint venture between SAIC Motor, General Motors China, and Guangxi Automobile Group
- DH Legend Motors, the Hong Kong distributor, expects to deliver the Darion Taxi starting in October 2026
- The vehicle features a 540km range, 30-minute quick charging, and comes with a 500,000km warranty
- The taxi is priced at about HK$300,000, with the company projecting sales of at least 300 units
- A battery repair centre planned for next year could reduce battery repair costs by approximately 60 per cent
- Hong Kong had only 988 electric taxis as of 2025, far short of the 18,000 total cabs
- Lawmaker Mark Chong Ho-fun warned that lack of quick charging stations remains the biggest challenge
- Wong Po-keung of the Taxi Owners' Association noted real-world range may be closer to 400km due to traffic and air conditioning use
Why It Matters
The introduction of the Darion Taxi represents a significant step toward Hong Kong's green transport goals, but the electric vehicle currently accounts for less than 6 per cent of the city's taxi fleet. Without rapid expansion of charging infrastructure, the government's ambitious 2027 target for 3,000 electric taxis may remain out of reach, potentially slowing Hong Kong's broader decarbonisation efforts in the transport sector .
The introduction of the Darion Taxi represents a significant step toward Hong Kong's green transport goals, but the electric vehicle currently accounts for less than 6 per cent of the city's taxi fleet. Without rapid expansion of charging infrastructure, the government's ambitious 2027 target for 3,000 electric taxis may remain out of reach, potentially slowing Hong Kong's broader decarbonisation efforts in the transport sector .