HCMC eyes electric shift for 400,000 ride-hailing motorbikes

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is set to convert approximately 400,000 gasoline-powered motorbikes to electric ones in the coming years, targeting ride-hailing and delivery drivers as part of a broader effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut fuel costs.

Mr. Le Thanh Hai, Director of the Center for Economic Application Consulting at the HCMC Institute for Development Research, noted that this group of drivers has emerged as one of the city's largest sources of emissions.

According to a recent survey conducted by the institute, each driver covers an average of 100 km daily, operating for 8-12 hours, contributing significantly to air pollution.

In 2023, the institute surveyed over 400 drivers from three major platforms—Grab, Be, and Gojek. Findings revealed that gasoline-powered motorbike drivers spend an average of VND70,000 - 100,000 ($2.7 – 3.86) per day on fuel.

In contrast, electric motorbike users spend only around VND20,000 ($0.77) per day on charging, resulting in a daily savings of VND40,000 - 60,000 ($1.55 - $2.31)—equivalent to over VND1 million (nearly $38.6) per month.

Calculations suggest that if these savings are redirected towards installment payments for an electric motorbike, drivers could fully own their new vehicles within 24-30 months without requiring upfront capital investment.

If approved and implemented effectively, this policy could see at least 80% of gasoline-powered ride-hailing motorbikes replaced with electric ones within the next two years. The goal is to achieve a full transition within 3-5 years, aligning with HCMC's broader push for stricter vehicle emission control measures.