Hong Kong’s taxi industry is about to witness an electric revolution! Long Sing New Energy is set to launch the world’s first right-hand-drive battery-swappable Hongqi E-QM5 taxi in April 2025, with its 99-second rapid battery-swapping technology drawing widespread industry attention.
This electric taxi, powered by CATL’s battery technology, boasts a maximum range of 500 kilometers and can complete a battery swap in just 99 seconds—effectively addressing the pain point of lengthy charging times associated with traditional EVs. For taxi drivers who spend long hours on the road daily, this translates to significantly improved operational efficiency, saving approximately 450 hours annually on energy replenishment.
The vehicle specifications are equally impressive. Measuring 5 meters in length and 1.9 meters in width, with a spacious 1.1-meter legroom between front and rear seats, the cabin rivals the comfort of luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Two flexible purchase options are available: a “battery-free” version priced at HK$188,000 with an additional monthly battery rental fee of HK$1,388, or an inclusive battery version priced at HK$288,000 with an annual “battery network service fee” of HK$2,499.
The battery-swapping service operates on a monthly subscription model. For HK$5,000 per month, drivers enjoy unlimited swaps, with the service being entirely free throughout 2025. Long Sing notes that this monthly fee is comparable to current LPG taxi fuel costs, posing no additional financial burden on drivers.
The battery-swapping station network is also progressing systematically. Initially launching in April 2025, three stations equipped with at least 13 battery packs each will be established in Fanling, Tsing Yi, and Ma On Shan. By the end of 2025, five more stations are planned for Yuen Long, Tuen Mun, Lai Chi Kok, North Point, and Kwun Tong. By 2027, six additional stations will open in Kwai Chung, Tung Chung, Sheung Wan, Kai Tak, Tseung Kwan O, and Tai Po, bringing the total to 14 stations across Hong Kong.
Currently, Long Sing has received around 300 pre-orders for the Hongqi E-QM5 taxi. Two member companies of the Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association have each planned orders of 20 to 30 units. Industry feedback has been positive, recognizing the technology’s potential to resolve lengthy charging times and, in the long run, boost driver earnings.
It’s worth noting that battery-swapping technology isn’t entirely new. As early as 2007, Israeli company Better Place attempted a similar model but failed due to immature market conditions. Today, with greater EV market acceptance and advancements in battery technology, the swapping model has found renewed momentum.
Of course, challenges remain—such as battery standardization, station costs, and battery wear disparities—but Long Sing New Energy is confident. The company anticipates delivering up to 100 vehicles monthly starting April 2025, soon bringing Hongqi’s fresh new taxis to Hong Kong streets.
The future of electric mobility is brimming with possibilities, with battery-swapping, fast-charging, and hydrogen technologies collectively driving sustainable development. The Hongqi E-QM5 taxi could well be a pivotal step in this green revolution.
