Ho Chi Minh Fast-Tracks E-Motorbike Battery Swap Expansion

Photo courtesy of VN Express

Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have called on businesses to expedite the setup of battery-swap cabinets and charging stations for electric motorbikes, targeting the installation of over 3,000 cabinets by April 20. The city's initiative aims to have 60 charging stations and 3,000 battery-swap cabinets operational by the end of April, with plans to expand to 100 stations and 20,000 cabinets by year-end.

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Currently, the project is behind schedule. The Department of Construction revealed that 762 locations have been earmarked for 2,111 cabinets, and 300 locations have been formally licensed for 850 cabinets. However, only 411 cabinets have been installed across 173 locations, significantly lagging the anticipated timeline.

To address this, the Traffic and Technical Infrastructure Management Center and the Urban Traffic Operations Management Center have been tasked with reviewing potential sites across the city. This includes bus stops, sidewalks, and vacant areas suitable for the installation of charging and battery-swap facilities.

These departments must submit a comprehensive list of identified locations to the Department of Construction by April 10. They are also responsible for ensuring these sites maintain traffic safety and urban aesthetics, while also monitoring ongoing installations to ensure compliance with regulations.

Businesses have been urged to review their approved locations and expedite necessary procedures such as permits for temporary sidewalk use. The Department of Construction has emphasized the need for complete documentation to avoid delays and clarified that installing cabinets on sidewalks, without excavation, doesn’t require a construction permit under current road traffic laws.

Companies are under pressure to meet the target of having over 3,000 cabinets ready for operation before the specified deadline.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 31 Mar 2026