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cover of episode The Transition to Electric Buses: The KMB Experience & Philanthrophy with William Louey

The Transition to Electric Buses: The KMB Experience & Philanthrophy with William Louey

2024/12/17
logo of podcast Analyse Asia with Bernard Leong

Analyse Asia with Bernard Leong
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William Louey：九龙巴士计划在2040年前实现巴士车队的全面电动化，这将极大地改善香港的空气质量和环境。然而，这项转型面临着巨大的挑战，包括需要建设新的充电站和车厂以满足大量的电动巴士充电需求，以及需要政府在电力供应和政策支持方面的密切合作。目前，由于电力供应的限制，电动巴士的部署速度受到影响。尽管如此，九龙巴士仍然致力于实现绿色环保的目标，并积极探索混合动力等新技术，以寻找更经济高效的解决方案。 William Louey还强调了在转型过程中维护员工福利和社会责任的重要性。他提到，九龙巴士在疫情期间没有裁员，并通过各种员工福利活动来提升员工的士气和归属感。他认为，九龙巴士不仅是一家运输公司，更是一个重要的社会网络，为香港市民提供便捷的交通服务。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why is KMB planning to replace its bus fleet with electric buses by 2040?

KMB aims to replace its fleet with electric buses by 2040 to transition to green energy, which is better for the environment. The current diesel buses are not sustainable, and electrification will reduce reliance on fluctuating diesel prices.

What challenges does KMB face in transitioning to electric buses?

KMB faces challenges such as the need for more power and electricity to accommodate the transition, lack of sufficient charging stations, and the need for government collaboration to ensure adequate power supply for charging the buses.

How is KMB addressing the infrastructure needs for electric buses?

KMB is building a seven-storey depot in Yuen Long that can charge 1,000 buses every night. However, the project is delayed due to concerns about whether the government can provide the necessary power for charging the buses.

What is the role of the government in KMB's electrification plan?

The government needs to collaborate with KMB to ensure there is enough power supply for charging the electric buses. Without government support, the infrastructure built for electric buses would be ineffective.

What is the current status of KMB's electric bus fleet?

KMB currently has 80 electric buses as a starting point, but the full transition to an all-electric fleet is delayed due to infrastructure and power supply challenges.

Why does KMB prioritize employee welfare and retention?

KMB prioritizes employee welfare because its business is heavily dependent on frontline staff, such as bus drivers. The company runs recreational clubs and holds annual events to keep employees happy and engaged.

What is the William S.D. Louey Educational Foundation, and what does it aim to achieve?

The William S.D. Louey Educational Foundation provides scholarships to academically outstanding students from Hong Kong and Greater China for overseas studies. It aims to help bright individuals make a significant impact in the world.

How does KMB plan to balance the transition to eco-friendly vehicles with maintaining affordable services?

KMB maintains affordable services by keeping the average bus fare at HK$7, which is crucial for serving the daily transportation needs of millions of passengers. The transition to electric buses is aimed at reducing long-term costs and environmental impact.

What emerging technologies is KMB exploring for its bus fleet?

KMB is exploring hybrid buses that can run for 2,000 kilometers without refueling, autonomous vehicles, and drone technology for potential future applications in public transportation.

What is the one thing William Louey knows about transforming Asia's bus fleets to electric that very few people do?

The transition to electric buses requires significant government support, particularly in providing enough power for charging stations. Without this support, the transition cannot be fully realized.

Chapters
William Louey discusses KMB's ambitious plan to electrify its bus fleet by 2040, highlighting the challenges of infrastructure, power supply, and government collaboration. He also touches upon hybrid and emerging technologies as potential solutions.
  • Plan to replace the entire fleet with electric buses by 2040.
  • Challenges include insufficient charging stations and power supply.
  • Exploring hybrid and emerging technologies like 2000km range hybrid vehicles.
  • Hong Kong's unique characteristics make it ideal for electric buses due to its compact size.

Shownotes Transcript

“ Yeah. We plan to replace the fleet by 2040. We can't scrap all of them now because each bus lasts 18 years. So we have the depreciation for 18 years. They're all from the U.K. All the buses are from the U.K. All the double-deckers. That's the only country that makes double-decker buses, and it's the same as Singapore. All the double-deckers are from the U.K. Because of COVID, when we replace all these diesel buses with electricity, you need a lot more power and electricity to accommodate this. So the government has to work with us. But today, we can't really see that if we import all these 4,000 electric buses to Hong Kong, there will be enough charging stations. We'll have to build a new depot that accommodates electric buses. So in Yuen Long, we're building a seven-storey, new depot that can charge 1,000 buses every night. But after we build it, the government has to give us the confidence that they can give us the power to charge these buses. So there's no point building a new depot if there's not enough electricity to charge it. So we're delaying it now. But the idea is still the same. We will have to replace it with green energy because it's much better for the environment.” - William Louey Fresh out of the studio, William Louey, 4th generation business leader of Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB), talks about his vision for transforming Hong Kong’s public transportation system through sustainability and innovation. He discusses KMB’s ambitious plan to electrify its bus fleet by 2040, highlighting the challenges of infrastructure, power supply, and government collaboration. He also shares his philanthropic efforts specifically on education and how they shaped the next generation of leaders to pay it forward. Last but not least, William shares what great would look like for KMB in a green and sustainable future.

Audio Episode Highlights: [00:46] Quote of the Day (#QOTD) by William Louey [02:07] Introduction to the Guest and KMB's Electrification Plan [02:53] Influences from Family and Philanthropic Leadership [04:44] The Beginnings of the Educational Foundation [07:31] Shifting from Wealth Accumulation to Making an Impact [18:11] Overview of KMB’s Role in Hong Kong’s Transportation Network [21:35] Vision for Green Transit: KMB’s Electric Bus Roadmap [23:15] Exploring Hybrid and Emerging Technologies [25:31] Infrastructure and Power Challenges for Electrification [28:46] Autonomous Vehicles and the Future of Public Transit [34:16] The One Thing William Louey Knows that Very Few Do [35:58] Balancing Technology and Employee Welfare [37:26] What Does Great Look Like for KMB? [40:19] Pet Buses and Women-Only Bus Routes in Hong Kong [42:49] Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Profile: William Louey, Businessman and Philanthropist in Hong Kong. William Louey serves as a non-executive director of Transport International and founding member of JNW Properties. He established the William S. D. Louey Educational Foundation in memory of his grandfather. The William S.D. Louey Educational Foundation provides scholarships and bursaries to academically outstanding students from Hong Kong and Greater China for overseas studies.

Podcast Information: Bernard Leong hosts and produces the show. Proper credits for the intro and end music: "Energetic Sports Drive" and the episode is mixed & edited in both video and audio format by G. Thomas Craig

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