The rapid development of electric vehicles (EVs) in Vietnam is contributing to the creation of a green, low-emission transportation system.

However, charging infrastructure has not kept pace with this growth, revealing a lack of comprehensive planning and posing significant challenges to national energy transition goals.

These infrastructure shortcomings not only inconvenience EV users but also create obstacles to achieving national targets for cleaner energy.

According to a report by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in coordination with the Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam consumed 15,676 electric cars in 2023. In just the first half of 2024, this number reached 17,536. Several domestic enterprises are manufacturing and assembling EVs, including VinFast, Hyundai Thanh Cong, Thaco, and TMT.

With this fast-paced development, many businesses are eager to invest in EV equipment and service markets, particularly EV charging stations. Currently, the most extensive EV charging network in Vietnam is operated by VinFast, with approximately 150,000 chargers installed nationwide.

Vietnam’s EV charger market falls into several main categories: branded home chargers provided by car manufacturers and installed at dealerships or sold with the vehicles for home use; public charging stations operated by companies like EV One and EverCharge, typically located at parking lots, shopping centers, or residential areas; and home charging solutions from providers such as EverEV, GreenCharge, StarCharge, and Autel.

To ensure national grid safety and user protection, many countries have introduced strict legal and technical regulations for EV chargers, including those in Europe, the US, China, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and India.

Chargers must meet technical standards, pass safety testing, and be evaluated by independent certification bodies before being put into operation.

In contrast, Vietnam currently lacks a synchronized regulatory framework and clear technical standards for constructing charging stations, managing operations, and ensuring user safety.

The lack of a national master plan for the EV charging network has left infrastructure development to businesses, resulting in fragmented deployment, inconsistent standards, and overlapping interests. As a result, EV users face major difficulties in locating convenient and safe charging points.

Mai Huy Duc, a resident of Giang Vo Ward in Hanoi, shared his experience: after dinner, he urgently searched for a charging station near Nguyen Cong Hoan Street. The nearest one listed on the app was a fast charger in the basement of a shopping mall, but it was full. He had to drive all the way to Tay Mo to wait two hours for a charge. He recalled once having to call for roadside assistance during a business trip when he couldn’t find a charging station and his vehicle battery ran low.

Another barrier is the complexity of procedures for building public charging stations. Businesses must seek approval from multiple agencies for land use, power connections, fire safety, and construction permits.

Nguyen Van Khoi, Head of Standards at the National Committee for Standards, Metrology and Quality, emphasized that resolving the shortage of EV chargers requires coordinated efforts among all relevant ministries.

These efforts should focus on drafting a legal framework for grid infrastructure planning, site allocation for charging stations, safety regulations, fire prevention, environmental protection, and clearly defined technical standards for charger features, plug compatibility, meter calibration, and end-of-life battery disposal.

The Ministry of Science and Technology is currently leading the development of a National Technical Regulation (QCVN) for EV chargers. This regulation aims to ensure electrical safety, protect property and public health, and create a legal foundation for EV infrastructure investment.

The draft regulation is based on the international IEC 61851-1:2017 standard, widely adopted globally. It requires EV chargers to meet key technical criteria such as protection against electric shock, overload and short-circuit protection, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) to avoid interference with other devices, and safe, secure connector compatibility. Built-in energy meters in chargers must also be inspected and approved like traditional electric meters to ensure transparent electricity billing.

The regulation outlines conformity assessment methods and the responsibilities of charger manufacturers, assemblers, importers, and sellers.

According to Khoi, the regulation will be issued this year, with mandatory application for imported EVs starting in July 2026 and for domestically manufactured or assembled EVs from July 2027. This timeline is designed to give domestic enterprises time to upgrade their technologies.

The draft regulation also encourages businesses to voluntarily adopt the standards early to prepare proactively and improve product quality.

Once the charger standards for cars and trucks are in effect, an impact assessment will be conducted to expand the regulations to electric bicycles and motorcycles.

Issuing this regulation will provide legal clarity, remove barriers for businesses, and enable regulatory bodies to better monitor infrastructure quality. However, another challenge remains: the lack of interoperability between vehicles and charging stations.

Some carmakers embed proprietary communication codes, preventing other-brand vehicles from using chargers with compatible plugs. Experts stress the need for synchronized solutions in technology, planning, and legal frameworks to ensure open access at all charging stations.

This would promote a transparent EV market, conserve resources, and protect consumer rights - critical steps in building a green transportation future for Vietnam.

PV