The proposal is part of the draft amendment to QCVN 04:2021/BXD – the national technical regulation on apartment buildings. It introduces technical requirements for EV charging stations and battery swap facilities.

According to the ministry, Vietnam currently has around 6.7 million cars, including 200,000 electric vehicles. There are about 70 million motorbikes, of which 3 million are electric. Most of these EVs are concentrated in major cities and their numbers are expected to rise sharply, creating an urgent need for dedicated EV parking and charging infrastructure.

Current building codes only specify the layout and space for conventional parking. Although Vietnam has adopted TCVN 13078:2020-equivalent to IEC 61851:2014-for wired EV charging systems, there remains a lack of legal framework covering the planning, construction, installation, and fire safety of EV charging systems in residential buildings.

Under the draft, EV parking areas must be included within the approved project footprint. If they cannot be placed outdoors or at ground level, they may be located in the building’s indoor parking facilities.

These zones must be near entrances and ramps for easy access. If placed underground, the area must ensure proper ventilation and facilitate firefighter access in emergencies.

The ministry recommends separating EV parking areas from those for internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). Additionally, car and two-wheeler EV zones should be separated by at least 2 meters. If space does not permit, a fireproof partition at least 2 meters high must be used.

The EV parking area will count toward the building’s total parking space as per regulations. Circulation within this area must be well-planned to avoid congestion and ensure pedestrian and vehicle safety.

These EV parking zones must be equipped with surveillance cameras capable of early fire detection via temperature, smoke, or flame recognition. Fire response plans tailored to EVs and battery risks are also mandatory. Ventilation and smoke extraction systems must meet all existing fire safety standards.

For new buildings, EV parking will be mandatory and must align with local green transport goals. For existing buildings, implementation will depend on the available space and infrastructure, but must still meet all technical safety requirements.

Charging zones in apartments

The draft regulation also outlines requirements for EV charging areas. These must also fall within the project’s approved area. In apartment buildings, charging stations are only allowed on basement level 1 or semi-basements. If placed deeper underground, additional safety measures must be in place and approved by authorities.

Charging zones must be near access points and must not obstruct emergency exits or fire lanes. They must be separated from other functional zones in the building. Car charging areas must be distinct from those for electric two-wheelers.

The minimum distance between separate charging zones is 2 meters. If that is not possible, fireproof partitions at least 2 meters high must be used. Each charging spot must have enough space for equipment and operation.

Indoor charging areas must be fire-compartmentalized and equipped with automatic fire detection and suppression systems. Surveillance cameras for early fire detection must relay signals to a 24/7 monitored control room.

For car charging zones, each fire compartment may contain no more than 20 charging points. Each compartment must not exceed 1,500m² above ground or 1,000m² if located underground. Compartments must be separated by firewalls, buffer zones, or equivalent safety solutions.

Two-wheeler charging zones may contain up to 150 points per area. Each zone must not exceed 500m² above ground or 300m² in basements. These zones must have direct emergency exits and independent ventilation systems.

The draft also defines responsibilities for investors, management boards, and operating units regarding the safe management of EV parking, charging, and battery swap zones.

Residents will not be allowed to charge EVs in lobbies, hallways, or escape routes; nor can they bring batteries or EVs into elevators or private units, or use power from their apartments to charge in common areas.

Hong Khanh