On February 27, the city issued an official plan to transition fossil fuel-powered taxis to electric and green-energy alternatives.

Under the roadmap, Hanoi aims to complete 100% of the conversion by 2030, with interim targets set at 63–64% by 2026; 68–70% by 2027; 74–77% by 2028; 88–96% by 2029; and full conversion the following year.

The plan is aligned with Hanoi’s low-emission zone project. The city will gradually restrict, and eventually halt, the circulation of substandard fossil fuel vehicles within designated areas.

The municipal People’s Committee will submit a resolution to the People’s Council to introduce support policies for the transition to clean-energy vehicles. Proposed measures include interest rate subsidies for taxi operators investing in electric vehicles; improved access to preferential loans from the city’s Development Investment Fund and Environmental Protection Fund; reductions in registration and license plate fees; preferential parking rates; and financial support, including land clearance assistance, for investors building charging stations.

The city has also proposed extending the 100% exemption of registration fees for electric cars, particularly those used for taxi services.

Hanoi currently has more than 14,300 taxis in operation, of which nearly 8,800 are already electric. In addition, around 13,600 vehicles have suspended operations and are awaiting replacement. In total, nearly 28,000 taxis are expected to undergo conversion by 2030.

Charging infrastructure has been identified as the decisive condition for success. Charging stations will be prioritized in central districts, along ring roads, at airports, railway stations, bus terminals and major transport hubs. The city also encourages the use of public parking lots and existing fuel stations for the installation of charging facilities.

Vu Diep