Hanoi (VNA) – As part of its broader sustainability goals, Hanoi is stepping up efforts to transition toward green transportation. While initial results have been encouraging, the city is still grappling with significant challenges, including underdeveloped charging infrastructure, a lack of standardised regulations, and high costs associated with electric vehicles.
One of the key obstacles is the absence of uniform standards for charging stations and connectors, making it difficult for different EV brands to share infrastructure.
According to Dao Viet Long, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Construction, the city also lacks a comprehensive master plan for both the power grid and charging network, particularly in the urban core. Furthermore, private investment in charging stations is hindered by the lack of a clear legal framework for pricing and management.
Currently, V-Green Global Charging Station Development JSC has submitted a report on the installation of EV charging infrastructure in Hanoi. The company has rolled out approximately 1,000 stations, including 57 public high-capacity chargers, 259 mixed AC/DC chargers, and 684 private AC units.
Infrastructure for electric buses remains limited. Only 113 chargers have been installed across 16 routes, serving five out of eleven operators. These chargers are incompatible with Vinbus’s network, which uses different specifications. The pace of station development has not kept up with the increasing number of EVs, especially at key transfer points, bus depots, and densely populated residential areas.
Securing space for public charging stations in inner-city areas is proving to be a challenge. There are a few vacant lots available for integrated charging and parking facilities.
Meanwhile, the supply chain for EV maintenance remains fragmented, and the availability of spare parts, particularly batteries, is limited and largely dependent on imports.
In response to these challenges, Hanoi authorities are working to accelerate infrastructure development.
Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen has directed the Department of Construction to review all relevant standards and regulations concerning charging infrastructure.
Enterprises that plan to build stations must coordinate with the department to ensure compliance and inclusion in the city’s official plans.
The city is also encouraging public-private partnerships and looking to raise community awareness about the transition to green transport.
Authorities plan to streamline procedures for permits and land use, including allowing temporary use of public land and technical corridors to build charging stations.Hanoi has identified four initial locations along Ring Road No.1 for combined parking and charging stations, in preparation for the planned phase-out of petrol-powered motorbikes in the area beginning July 2026.
These sites include a vacant stretch along De La Thanh Street, a lot near the Russian Embassy at the Kim Ma–Cau Giay intersection, sidewalks along Tran Khat Chan street from Bach Mai to Lac Nghiep, and an open area in front of the Vietnam Maritime Corporation headquarters at the Xa Dan–Giai Phong junction.The city is finalising a draft resolution to promote clean energy use, set to be submitted to the Hanoi People’s Council in this September. The proposal outlines several support policies.
By the end of 2026, at least 10% of parking spots in existing buildings must be equipped with chargers, while new developments must meet a 30% threshold. The city also aims to prioritise sidewalk charging stations and encourage hydrogen and other clean-fuel options.
To stimulate investment, Hanoi will offer financial incentives. These include subsidising 70% of interest on bank loans for charging station projects during the first five years, and covering 50% of land clearance costs and 100% of land rental fees for parking areas that install chargers at 30% of available spaces. Investors will also receive free technical support, including grid connection surveys and promotional assistance.
Private companies investing in clean transport infrastructure through public-private partnerships will be granted priority access to land and be exempt from rental fees at designated sites until 2033.
Additionally, Hanoi has committed to expanding technical and transportation infrastructure to ensure seamless integration with these green projects.
As public consultation on the draft resolution continues, the city remains committed to building a unified, future-ready transport ecosystem that supports Vietnam’s broader clean energy ambitions./.
