Vietnam targets 25% electric motorbikes to combat pollution crisis

In Vietnam, especially in the capital city of Hanoi, air pollution has reached alarming levels, affecting citizens and prompting action from the government. In 2023, Hanoi was ranked among the top 10 most polluted capital cities globally, leading local officials to establish targets for reducing pollution caused predominantly by petrol vehicles. As part of this initiative, Vietnam has mandated that 25% of two-wheelers on the roads should be electric by 2030. Despite this ambitious goal, as of 2023, only 9% of two-wheelers sold were electric, highlighting a significant gap that needs to be addressed. A significant challenge in transitioning to electric vehicles is the entrenched habits of older drivers, who find it difficult to switch from petrol vehicles to electric options. Many consumers express discomfort with the time spent at charging stations, which can take hours, while refueling petrol bikes only takes a few minutes. Electric motorbikes, which can also be charged at home, face skepticism over battery safety. This has led many users to rely on abundant EV charging points across Vietnam, installed mainly by the company VinFast. However, not all consumers have the necessary space for home charging, particularly those living in crowded apartments. Teenage taxi driver Phung Khac Trung exemplifies the struggles facing many in Hanoi. He rides his VinFast electric motorbike through polluted streets, often wishing he could ignore traffic signals to escape the unpleasantness of petrol vehicle fumes. He spends up to three hours daily waiting to charge his scooter while navigating the rush hour, which significantly affects his ability to earn a living as a motorbike taxi driver. Experts argue that a swap battery system could alleviate some of these challenges—especially for delivery firms and urban taxi services that heavily rely on efficiency. Policy experts and transport analysts are advocating for a broader transformation of Hanoi's transportation infrastructure, emphasizing not only the promotion of electric vehicles but also the integration of efficient public transport solutions. They suggest that improving public transport alongside the push for electric two-wheelers will help alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution. Such a multifaceted approach could be pivotal in achieving the air quality goals set by Vietnamese authorities and ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.