On May 17, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc had a working session with the leaders of Vingroup Corporation to update the progress of projects, as well as remove obstacles in the process of implementing green transformation with the City.
In particular, there is a program to convert electric vehicles for all technology drivers and deliver two-wheeled goods in Ho Chi Minh City. The units have conducted field surveys, determined implementation needs, resting locations combined with charging stations for technology drivers.
According to the plan, in June, Ho Chi Minh City will complete the overall plan to convert about 400,000 technology motorbikes to electric vehicles, and organize seminars with experts to consult on implementation solutions.
It is expected that by July, the program and implementation roadmap will be officially announced at a thematic conference.
Currently, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant area of many multi-service platforms such as Grab, be, Xanh SM, along with specialized food delivery applications such as ShopeeFood and logistics units such as J&T, Viettel Post, VNPost...
Among them, Xanh SM is currently the only platform that has deployed all electric vehicles for drivers. The remaining platforms still let drivers choose whether to run on gasoline or electric.
Mr. Nguyen Van Thinh - a beBike driver for 3 years now - said: "I strongly support switching to electric vehicles because the operating cost is lower, without having to worry about increased fuel prices. But to buy an electric car, the price is still high, I am running an old car, my income is just enough to cover my daily expenses".
Mr. Thinh's concern is also a common concern of many other drivers. Ms. Tran Thi Mai - who is delivering goods to ShopeeFood - shared: "Eletric vehicles are really good, but where to charge them? In the middle of a business trip, if there is no electricity, how do you know? Currently, the city does not have many charging stations for motorbikes, not to mention the long charging time, if we lose customers, who will compensate?".
Dr. Tran Quang Thang - Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Economics and Management - said that Ho Chi Minh City pioneering the conversion of technology vehicles to electricity is the right and necessary step.
"The two-wheeled technology vehicle team is accounting for a large proportion of inner-city traffic, emitting high emissions and moving continuously. If the conversion is successful, it will create a great positive impact on the environment and form the habit of using clean vehicles" - Mr. Thang said.
However, Mr. Thang also emphasized the need for a clear and transparent conversion roadmap, and most importantly, accompanying drivers.
"The city should consider subsidization or preferential lending policies when buying electric vehicles, free or reducing charging fees in the initial stage. It is necessary to plan a charging station system in accordance with the driver's operating location, for example near residential areas, parking lots, and cargo transit stations" - Mr. Thang said.
Mr. Tran Le Minh - representative of a business operating a delivery platform - also proposed: "We are ready to coordinate with the government and electric vehicle suppliers to deploy a model of exchanging used cars for electric vehicles at preferential prices, or long-term leasing of electric vehicles under reasonable conditions. The important thing is that there needs to be a commitment from many sides".
At the meeting on May 17, Ms. Le Thi Thu Thuy - Vice President of Vingroup Corporation - proposed that the City develop mechanisms and policies to promote the development of green transportation such as limiting gasoline vehicles, aiming to prioritize electric vehicles from now until 2030, supporting the conversion to electric vehicles, developing a charging station system...
At the same time, pilot the zoning of some areas in the center to prioritize electric vehicles, public transport using electricity to operate...
