The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee is intensifying its efforts to expand the use of electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a broader initiative to develop green transport and reduce environmental pollution in accordance with with the government’s strategy. 

The municipal administration has outlined a multi-phase plan to fuel this transition, focusing on encouraging clean energy alternatives in the public transport system.

The municipal Department of Transport was tasked with overseeing the development of policies that support the shift from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric and other clean energy alternatives. 

The department will consult with various agencies to propose modifications to current regulations, ensuring they align with environmental goals and national strategies.

The first phase, set to launch in the first quarter of 2025, will primarily focus on boosting the development of electric buses and other forms of green public transportation.

During the second phase, beginning in the third quarter of 2025, the green transport program will be expanded to include other types of electric vehicles. 

The second phase will feature a pilot project in the outlying district of Can Gio and districts in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.

The city is also working to build a comprehensive electric vehicle charging network. 

The department was assigned to collaborate with relevant agencies to create technical guidelines for designing and operating electric bus charging stations, plus identify suitable locations for charging infrastructure. The target to complete this process is set for the second quarter of 2025.

The municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment was asked to locate high-emission zones within the city, and then propose taxes and environmental fees to reduce the number of high-pollution vehicles, further supporting the transition to cleaner modes of transport.

In addition, the city will review land-use policies to facilitate the establishment of parking lots and charging stations for electric vehicles. The process should be completed by the end of the first quarter.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade is responsible for working with relevant units to ensure sufficient power for charging stations, and for proposing regulations on electricity pricing at charging stations to encourage investment in the EV infrastructure.

The municipal Department of Construction is in charge of issuing guidelines for authorities in Thu Duc City and other districts regarding the approval and management of electric vehicle charging station projects. This task is scheduled for completion by the end of the first quarter.

The municipal administration also directed the Department of Finance to study policies to incentivize public agencies and state-owned enterprises that switch to electric vehicles.

In late 2024, the city launched 17 new electric bus routes to connect directly to the first metro line, which began its official service on December 22, marking a significant step forward in the development of green public transport.

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