Refined Motor launches Hong Kong EV conversion business

By AI, Created 10:44 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Refined Motor Co. says it has launched as Hong Kong’s first road-legal electric vehicle conversion specialist, targeting classic-car owners, dealers and fleet operators. The move comes as the city pushes toward zero vehicular emissions before 2050 and faces a growing need to cut transport-sector emissions.

Why it matters: - Hong Kong had 808,771 licensed vehicles at the end of 2024, so the conversion market has a large installed base to target. - The transport sector accounts for about 18.7% of the city’s total greenhouse gas emissions, making vehicle electrification a climate issue as well as a mobility one. - Refined Motor Co. is positioning conversions as an alternative to buying new EVs, which could lower manufacturing emissions tied to vehicle replacement. - Hong Kong’s February 2026 EV Roadmap targets zero vehicular emissions before 2050 and at least 4,000 fast chargers by 2030 for roughly 200,000 EVs.

What happened: - Refined Motor Co. announced its official launch on May 7, 2026 as a Hong Kong engineering firm focused on electric vehicle conversions. - The company says it is the first and only road-legal electric powertrain conversion specialist in Hong Kong. - Refined Motor Co. uses patented modular powertrains and battery systems to turn gasoline-powered cars into road-legal electric vehicles. - Angus Law, director of Refined Motor Co., said the company’s modular technology is designed for fast conversions and reduced workshop time.

The details: - Refined Motor Co. develops its modular electric powertrains, battery systems and controllers in-house. - Every conversion is road-legal in Hong Kong. - Each conversion includes a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. - The Bespoke Conversion model serves classic and vintage car owners and preserves the original character of the vehicle while replacing the internal combustion engine. - The Partnered Conversion model is a B2B turn-key option for automotive dealers and garages without in-house conversion expertise. - The OEM Conversion model covers vehicle sourcing, full EV conversion, restoration, custom modifications, quality control and aftersales support. - The B2B models also target fleet operators that want lower costs than buying new EVs or need to meet ESG requirements. - The company says replacing internal combustion engines with electric drivetrains can reduce common mechanical failure points such as gaskets, belts and complex transmissions. - Hong Kong ended the blanket emission exemption for classic vehicles in May 2022. - A revised policy introduced in June 2022 allows vehicles aged 30 years or older to seek exemption from certain noise and air pollution control rules at first registration. - Electric conversion gives classic-car owners another way to keep vehicles on the road without relying on emissions exemptions.

Between the lines: - Refined Motor Co. is trying to turn regulatory pressure and fleet decarbonization goals into demand for retrofit electrification. - The company’s focus on B2B customers suggests the bigger near-term opportunity may be fleets, dealers and garages, not just hobbyist classic-car owners. - The launch also fits a broader market trend: the global vehicle conversion market was valued at $7.4 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $19.7 billion by 2035, according to Research and Markets. - The global classic car market is also expected to grow, from $40.8 billion in 2025 to $86.58 billion by 2034. - Refined Motor Co. has institutional support through HKSTP incubation and ideation programmes and funding from the Innovation and Technology Fund.

What’s next: - Refined Motor Co. is likely to lean on its partnerships with HKUST, IVE and other sustainability-focused organizations as it scales. - The company will continue using industry events and media exposure, after showcasing its technology at the HKTDC Electronics Fair and the China Macau International Automobile Exposition. - The launch sets up a test of whether Hong Kong’s classic-car market and commercial fleets will adopt conversion as a practical path to electrification.

The bottom line: - Refined Motor Co. is betting that road-legal EV retrofits can fill a niche in Hong Kong’s clean-transport transition, especially for owners and operators who want electrification without replacing their vehicles.