(Vietnam Insider) Imagine zipping through the vibrant streets of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) on a sleek, eco-friendly electric motorbike! Last Saturday, the city administration dropped an exciting bombshell at a high-energy meeting: a game-changing proposal to convert all 400,000 motorbikes used by ride-hailing services into electric motorbikes.
This ambitious move is set to revolutionize how Vietnamese commuters and delivery drivers navigate the bustling metropolis, and it’s got everyone talking!
HCMC, a pulsating hub for ride-hailing giants like Grab, Xanh SM, and Be, as well as delivery champs like ShopeeFood, Ahamove, J&T, Viettel Post, and VNPost, relies heavily on two-wheelers to keep the city’s pulse racing. While Xanh SM, backed by powerhouse Vingroup, has already gone all-in on electric motorbikes, other players let their driver-partners choose between gasoline and electric rides. But change is coming, and it’s electric!
City officials aren’t just dreaming big—they’re doing the groundwork. Teams have been hitting the streets, conducting on-site surveys to map out what’s needed, from rest stops to cutting-edge charging stations for these green machines. After gathering expert insights, a detailed roadmap is slated to drop in July 2025, promising to light the way for this electrifying transformation.
But that’s not all! HCMC is doubling down on its green vision with a vehicle emissions control program, set to roll out in Q4 2025. This plan isn’t just for motorbikes—it’s a full-on eco-overhaul targeting taxis, buses, and even public agency vehicles. Expect juicy incentives, conversion plans, and even a buy-back scheme to swap out old gas-guzzlers for shiny new electric motorbikes. By 2030, fossil fuel vehicles could face restrictions as the city races toward a cleaner, greener future.
The stakes are higher now that HCMC’s borders have expanded to include Binh Duong and Ba Ria – Vung Tau provinces, following a massive administrative shake-up reducing Vietnam’s provinces from 63 to 34. The Department of Construction is working overtime to assess the impacts and ensure this green revolution is feasible across the newly enlarged city.
At the meeting, Vingroup’s vice chairwoman, Le Thi Thu Thuy, stole the spotlight with a passionate call to action: ban gasoline vehicles, champion electric motorbikes, support conversions, and supercharge the charging network. City chairman Nguyen Van Duoc couldn’t agree more, declaring the green transition a “global trend and a pressing need” that will fuel sustainable growth and create a new vibe for HCMC.
To steer this bold vision, the city is forming a dedicated green transition committee, kicking off with a consultative group to keep the momentum going. With HCMC leading the charge, Vietnam is poised to become a trailblazer in eco-friendly transport. So, dear readers, buckle up—HCMC’s electric future is about to spark a revolution, and you won’t want to miss it!
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Source: Vietnam Insider