Author: Pinky Chong

（Hong Kong, 31^st May 2023）Cornerstone Technologies (Stock Code: 8391), one of Hong Kong’s leading electric vehicle (EV) charging solution providers, is enhancing its comprehensive charging network, supporting facilities and services to promote the adoption of EV in response to the government’s “Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles” (2021). Last year, Cornerstone Technologies became one of the EV charging service providers for Link Property Management Services Limited (Link) and is currently in the process of installing Cornerstone GO charging stations in Link’s 33 car parks across Hong Kong.

The Cornerstone GO EV charging station at The Link – T Town South Carpark was officially launched today. To commemorate the event, Cornerstone Technologies held a ceremony for the launch of the Cornerstone GO charging station and the “EV Green Transport Pilot Program”. Cornerstone BUSINESS, a new brand under Cornerstone Technologies, led the first cross-industry “EV Green Transport Pilot Program” in Hong Kong in collaboration with The Link, Lalamove, and the Hong Kong Taxi & PLB Association to promote the industry’s implementation of the transformation of Commercial EV. 

The launching ceremony was officiated by Mr. Vincent Yip, CEO of Cornerstone Technologies, as well as Dr. Sunny Cheung, Principal Environmental Protection Officer (Air Policy) of Environment and Ecology Bureau, Mr. William Lai, Managing Director of Link Property Management Services Limited, Mr. Gary Chow, Managing Director of Lalamove, and Mr. Chow Kwok-Keung, Chairman of the Hong Kong Taxi and PLB Association. The event announced the “EV Green Transport Pilot Program” and marked an important milestone in the popularisation of EV.

Launching the “EV Green Transport Pilot Program”, responding to industry demands, leading businesses and associations towards sustainable development

“Commercial EV will face a period of transformation, and enormous business opportunities lie ahead,” said Mr. Vincent Yip, CEO of Cornerstone Technologies. “To prepare for the future development of commercial EV in the transportation and logistics industry, Cornerstone Technologies’ new brand, “eC-VAN” has already invested in and purchased the first batch of commercial EVs. We aim to lead the way in commercial EV and provide a one-stop solution for ‘rental, charging, and parking’ to enable industries to invest in green logistics with “zero investment and low threshold”. With the strong advantage of the charging network established by Cornerstone GO, we have confidence in entering the commercial electric vehicle market. We expect that over a hundred commercial vehicles will be converted to electric vehicles within the industry this year, with further growth expected to increase exponentially.”,

Mr. Yip added, “Most importantly, the operating cost of “eC-VAN”’s commercial EV is significantly lower than that of diesel vehicles, with each kilometre of charging costing only a quarter of that of diesel vehicles when discounted. This will increase industry profits and provide greater incentives for drivers to transition to EV. The “EV Green Transport Pilot Program” will be of great benefit in achieving the goal of zero carbon emissions. According to data, electric vans can reduce carbon emissions by 63% per kilometre compared to a conventional diesel van, while electric taxis can reduce carbon emissions by 35% per kilometre compared to an LPG taxi.”

Dr. Sunny Cheung, Principal Environmental Protection Officer (Air Policy) of Environment and Ecology Bureau, said, “In 2019, only 6% of private cars were EVs, but this has increased to 63% in the first quarter of this year. This means that one out of every two new private vehicles is now electric, and sufficient charging facilities are a key factor in promoting EV. The “EV Green Transport Pilot Program” led by Cornerstone Technologies has brought together different enterprises and business associations, including Lalamove, The Link, and the Hong Kong Taxi & PLB Association to promote the use of commercial EV and create an EV ecosystem.”

Mr. William Lai, Managing Director of Link Property Management Services Limited, said, “We are committed to providing more comprehensive parking and charging facilities for green transport, and are actively studying preferential schemes for commercial vehicles to make it easier for the industry to transition to EV and create a win-win situation.”

Mr. Gary Chow, Managing Director of Lalamove Hong Kong, said, “Through the pilot programme with Cornerstone Technologies, we want to provide a low barrier path for driver partners to switch to electric vans. Leveraging Cornerstone Technologies’ one-stop solutions, coupled with the suite of offers by Lalamove, including quicker onboarding process, special onboarding perks, mission bonuses and more, we hope to motivate and attract drivers to switch to EV. Looking ahead, we will launch a series of promotions and driver recruitment workshops to introduce the benefits of adopting EVs to the public and interested driver partners, while improving the programme as we gather feedback from driver partners through surveys. Together, we hope to accelerate the adoption of EVs and green every mile we move.”

Mr. Chow Kwok-Keung, Chairman of the Hong Kong Taxi and PLB Association said, “The Hong Kong Taxi and PLB Association has always been very supportive of the use of electric taxis and green transport in the industry. With the launch of the “EV Green Transport Pilot Program”, there is now more practical support for the industry, including charging discounts and subsidies for the first batch of electric taxis, among other benefits. By the end of 2024, the industry estimates that at least 800 to 1,000 taxis will need to transit to electric taxis to catch up with the government’s goal of having 3,000 electric taxis by the end of 2027.”

Two new brands,”eC-VAN” and “eC-TAXI,” make it easier for the industry to transit to green transport

New brand “eC-VAN,” launched by Cornerstone BUSINESS, partners with logistics and delivery leader Lalamove to provide all-round support services for light truck drivers, from registration, EV leasing, charging services to parking discounts, making it easier for light truck drivers to participate in green logistics.

Furthermore, “eC-TAXI” collaborates with the Hong Kong Taxi & PLB Association to connect with Hong Kong taxi drivers, tailoring charging discount programs and support services, including charging introductory courses, and 7×24 customer service hotlines and many more, to encourage association members to participate in green transport and promote the popularization of EVs.