Vietnam is emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic electric vehicle markets. Driven by government incentives, a rapidly growing middle class, and the ambitions of domestic manufacturers, the country’s EV ecosystem is evolving at a remarkable pace. As we move through 2026, the landscape presents both exciting opportunities and real challenges for companies operating in the EV charging and power electronics space.
The Current State of EV Adoption
Four-Wheel Electric Vehicles
Vietnam’s passenger EV market has been largely defined by VinFast, the country’s first domestic automaker. Since launching its VF e34 in late 2021, VinFast has expanded its lineup to include the VF 5, VF 6, VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9 models, covering segments from compact city cars to full-size SUVs.
Key statistics as of early 2026:
- Over 150,000 cumulative VinFast EVs registered domestically
- EV share of new passenger car sales has reached approximately 12–15%
- VinFast operates the largest proprietary charging network in Southeast Asia with over 4,000 charging stations
- International brands including BYD, Tesla, and Hyundai are increasing their EV presence in Vietnam
Electric Two-Wheelers (E2W)
Perhaps the most significant and often underappreciated segment of Vietnam’s EV transition is the electric two-wheeler market. With over 70 million registered motorcycles, Vietnam has one of the highest per-capita motorcycle ownership rates in the world.
- VinFast leads the E2W segment with its Klara, Vento, and Theon models
- Dat Bike, a Vietnamese startup, has gained significant traction with its performance-oriented electric motorcycles
- Yadea, Aima, and other Chinese brands have established a strong presence in the budget electric scooter segment
- E2W registrations accounted for approximately 8–10% of total two-wheeler sales in 2025
The E2W segment represents one of the largest addressable markets for EV charging infrastructure in Vietnam, requiring widespread deployment of low-power AC charging solutions suitable for apartments and parking facilities.
Electric Buses
Several cities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, have introduced electric bus fleets. VinBus, a VinGroup subsidiary, operates over 300 electric buses across multiple routes. This segment is expected to grow as cities seek to reduce urban air pollution and meet carbon reduction targets.
Government Policies and Incentives
The Vietnamese government has introduced a series of policies to accelerate EV adoption:
Tax Incentives
- Registration fee exemption: Electric vehicles were exempt from registration fees through 2025, with reduced rates extended into 2026
- Special consumption tax: EVs benefit from significantly lower special consumption tax rates compared to ICE vehicles
- Import duty reductions: Reduced import duties on EV components and charging equipment to support domestic manufacturing
Infrastructure Mandates
- New residential and commercial construction projects are increasingly required to include EV charging provisions
- The Ministry of Industry and Trade has published guidelines for charging station deployment along national highways
- Municipal governments in Hanoi and HCMC have issued regulations encouraging charging infrastructure in public parking facilities
Emissions Standards
- Vietnam is progressively tightening vehicle emissions standards, moving toward Euro 6 equivalent requirements
- The government has signaled long-term targets to phase out ICE motorcycle sales, though specific timelines remain under discussion
Charging Infrastructure Landscape
Current State
Vietnam’s EV charging infrastructure is growing but remains concentrated in urban areas:
- VinFast’s proprietary network: Over 4,000 stations, primarily Level 2 AC chargers with growing DC fast charging deployment
- Third-party operators: Companies like EverCharge, Charge+, and several new entrants are building open charging networks
- Home charging: The majority of VinFast EV owners charge at home using the bundled Level 2 charger
Key Challenges
- Grid capacity: Some areas face challenges with grid capacity for DC fast charging deployment, particularly in older urban districts
- Standardization: The market is still settling on charging standards, with CCS2 emerging as the dominant DC fast charging standard
- Land use: High urban density makes dedicated charging station siting challenging and expensive
- Payment interoperability: Multiple proprietary payment systems create friction for EV drivers using different networks
Opportunities for EVSELab
As a Vietnam-based design house specializing in EV charging hardware, EVSELab sees several significant opportunities:
- Localized charger design: Developing chargers optimized for Vietnam’s tropical climate, grid conditions, and space constraints
- E2W charging solutions: Designing compact, cost-effective AC chargers for the massive two-wheeler charging market
- OEM partnerships: Providing charger design and manufacturing services to Vietnamese and regional EV manufacturers
- Smart charging: Developing grid-aware charging solutions that manage power demand during peak hours
The E2W Opportunity: A Deeper Look
Vietnam’s electric two-wheeler market deserves special attention because of its scale and unique requirements.
Market Dynamics
- The total addressable market is enormous: 70+ million motorcycles to potentially convert to electric
- Average daily commute distance is 15–25 km, well within the range of most E2Ws
- Rising fuel prices and increasing environmental awareness are driving consumer interest
- Price parity between electric and ICE two-wheelers is approaching, especially in the scooter segment
Charging Requirements
E2W charging presents different technical requirements than four-wheel EV charging:
- Power levels: Typically 500 W to 3.3 kW for standard home charging
- Battery voltages: Commonly 48 V to 72 V systems, with some performance models at 96 V or higher
- Charging locations: Apartments, workplace parking, and public parking areas
- Safety considerations: Battery swapping stations present additional design and safety challenges
EVSELab’s E2W Focus
Our team is actively developing charging solutions for the E2W segment, including:
- Compact AC chargers designed for Vietnamese apartment building installations
- Multi-port charging systems for shared parking facilities
- Smart metering and billing solutions for property managers
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
Several trends will shape Vietnam’s EV market in the coming years:
Near-Term (2026–2027)
- VinFast’s continued expansion of its domestic lineup and charging network
- Entry of additional international EV brands, increasing competition and consumer choice
- Growth in third-party charging networks, improving coverage outside of VinFast’s ecosystem
- Increasing government focus on charging infrastructure standards and regulations
Medium-Term (2027–2030)
- Potential introduction of stricter ICE vehicle restrictions in major cities
- Maturation of the E2W market with more model choices and lower price points
- Development of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities as grid infrastructure improves
- Growth of the commercial EV segment (delivery vans, logistics trucks)
Vietnam’s Competitive Advantages
Vietnam has several structural advantages that position it well in the global EV value chain:
- Young, tech-savvy population eager to adopt new transportation technologies
- Established electronics manufacturing base that can support EV component production
- Strategic geographic position as a hub for Southeast Asian EV supply chains
- Government commitment to green energy transition and carbon reduction
Conclusion
Vietnam’s EV market in 2026 is characterized by rapid growth, evolving infrastructure, and enormous potential. For companies like EVSELab operating at the intersection of power electronics and EV charging, the opportunities are substantial. The key to success lies in understanding the unique requirements of the Vietnamese market — from tropical climate considerations to the massive E2W segment — and delivering solutions that are technically excellent, locally optimized, and commercially viable.
Want to explore partnership opportunities in Vietnam’s EV charging market? Contact EVSELab to learn how we can support your goals.