Recognising the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, PolyU has inaugurated the Research Centre for Electric Vehicles (RCEV). The Centre's mission is to cultivate innovative talent and transform cutting-edge research into commercial results. It is creating an ecosystem for electric vehicles (EVs) that spans from professional training to industry applications. The Centre plans to expand its reach throughout the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond.

The RCEV Launch Ceremony, along with a forum on intelligent EV and energy for carbon neutrality, was attended by distinguished guests. These included Prof. Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Mr Neil Bush, Founder and Chair of the George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations; Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President; Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology; Prof. C.C. Chan, RCEV Director; Mr Pang Yiu Hung, Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services; Mr Peter Major, Chair of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development and Honorary Chairman of the World Digital Technology Academy; Mr Joseph Law, Managing Director of CLP Power Hong Kong; Mr Ye Shuiqiu, Deputy Director-General, Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; and Dr Leung Kai Ming, Kenneth, Principal Assistant Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Air Policy). They, along with approximately 350 PolyU staff and students, and leaders from the government, innovation and technology, energy, and academic sectors, witnessed this significant event.

During the Launch Ceremony, Memoranda of Understanding were signed between RCEV, China Power International Development Limited and Wisdom Motor (HK) Limited, respectively, aiming to initiate actions in accordance with the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint and the Outline Development Plan for the Greater Bay Area. The goal is to contribute to the development of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone and the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone.

RCEV is led by its Director, Prof. C.C. Chan, widely recognised as the “Father of Asian Electric Vehicles”. He is an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Distinguished Chair Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The Centre will focus on electric vehicle technologies, intelligent transportation systems and energy management to enhance energy efficiency and bring environmental benefits.