Hong Kong is expanding policy support for the new energy vehicle and autonomous driving sectors.

In a written reply to the Legislative Council on July 8th, 2026, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry outlined measures covering investment attraction, research collaboration and cross-boundary autonomous vehicle projects. The full statement was published by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

The government stated that Hong Kong's position could support both the local transition to low-emission transport and the international expansion of mainland China's new energy vehicle industry.

Investment and listing activity linked to new energy vehicles

According to the government, more than 10 enterprises connected to the mainland new energy vehicle supply chain have listed in Hong Kong over the past five years, raising approximately HKD 120 billion (US$ 15.3 billion). Officials stated that reforms introduced by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited in recent years, including a specialist technology company listing regime introduced in 2023, have expanded fundraising channels for companies involved in autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles and related technologies.

The government stated that several companies are also participating in local autonomous driving trials and airport-based unmanned transport projects.

Expansion of autonomous vehicle testing and regulation

Hong Kong is continuing to expand its autonomous vehicle testing framework. The government introduced a new regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles in March 2024, alongside a code of practice covering technical, operational and safety requirements.

As of June 2026, seven pilot licences covering 63 autonomous vehicles had been issued for locations including North Lantau, the West Kowloon Cultural District, Cyberport, Kai Tak, Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge port area.

Officials stated that the government is discussing cross-boundary autonomous vehicle projects with mainland authorities, including proposed shuttle services connecting Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Discussions include regulatory co-ordination, cybersecurity, vehicle data management and cross-border data compliance.

The transport programme also includes measures related to low-emission mobility infrastructure, including the adoption of electric commercial vehicles and charging capacity. Earlier initiatives included support for electric commercial vehicles, fast-charging networks and digital traffic management programmes funded through the Smart Traffic Fund.

Research collaboration and talent measures

The Education Bureau stated that universities funded by the University Grants Committee already offer programmes related to smart engineering and smart manufacturing. Several institutions are collaborating with mainland vehicle manufacturers on research into autonomous driving systems, fuel cells and artificial intelligence applications for transport technologies.

To support workforce development, the government stated that the Technology Talent Admission Scheme has been updated to simplify applications and broaden eligibility for research and development personnel. The revised scheme allows companies working in areas such as automotive engineering, vehicle software and the Internet of Things to recruit overseas and mainland technology specialists more efficiently.