Some EVs use more energy than others, warns watchdog

Energy consumption by electric vehicles within the same category can vary by up to 25 percent depending on their design, material and weight, Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog warns.

Citing a report by the UK-based International Consumer Research & Testing, the Consumer Council said this meant that the variance can lead to a substantial difference in the range of an electric car.

The watchdog received 179 complaints about EVs last year on issues ranging from unstable power supply and insufficient charging spots to fee disputes.

This was increase from 122 in the previous year. 

One EV owner reported being charged 10 times the standard fee after charging their vehicle for 40 minutes.

The council reminded owners to regularly inspect their charging facilities to ensure they deliver the promised capacity and coordinate with car-park management firms to ensure their expectations are met.

(Stacy Shi)