Complete infrastructure creates trust for users to switch
Market reality shows that electric vehicle sales in Vietnam have continuously increased in recent years. One of the important reasons is the synchronously invested electric vehicle ecosystem, from the charging station network, service workshops to the rescue and maintenance system.
Notably, VinFast has currently built about 150,000 charging ports nationwide, becoming one of the largest electric vehicle charging networks in the region. Along with that are more than 400 service workshops and a system of 99 super charging stations being deployed on key traffic routes, contributing to expanding connectivity for long-distance journeys.
Charging stations are present from urban centers, residential areas, commercial centers, parking lots to national highways, expressways and tourist destinations, helping users to proactively plan their travel.
Many experts in the automotive industry believe that when the charging infrastructure reaches a sufficient coverage, the psychology of fear about electric vehicles will gradually disappear. Consumers not only look at the car but also assess the accompanying ecosystem. This is also a factor that creates an important competitive advantage in the market transition to green vehicles.
Real-world experiences make many people unwilling to return to gasoline cars
As one of the people who switched from gasoline to electric vehicles more than a year ago, Mr. Nguyen Huy Nam (Hanoi) said that what surprised him the most was not the operating ability but the convenience in the process of use.
I used to be very worried that if I went to other provinces, there would be no place to charge. But in fact, going on many routes from Hanoi to Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Ninh Binh or Thanh Hoa is quite convenient because it is easy to find charging stations. Every time I take a break to eat or drink coffee, I take advantage of charging my car, almost not affecting the schedule" - Mr. Nam shared.
According to him, after using electric vehicles, operating costs are significantly reduced compared to before. The vehicle operates smoothly, accelerates well, has no engine noise and almost does not have to change oil or maintain many items like gasoline vehicles.
Sharing the same view, Ms. Le Thu Huong (HCMC) said that initially her family was quite worried because they often travel by car. However, after many inter-provincial trips, the worries gradually subsided.
From Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet, Da Lat or Vung Tau, you can proactively charge. Applications also display quite fully the location of the charging station, so it is very easy to plan. More importantly, the station system is increasing, so it feels very secure" - Ms. Huong shared.
According to her, what makes her family most satisfied is that the total usage cost is significantly lower, and the car does not emit emissions during operation, contributing to reducing environmental pollution.
Many users also believe that the expansion of the after-sales service system helps them feel more secure when deciding to switch. With more than 400 service workshops nationwide, maintenance or repair has become much more convenient than the early stages of the electric vehicle market.
According to Dr. Vo Tri Thanh - Director of the Institute for Brand and Competitiveness Strategy Research, recent fluctuations in the world energy market, looking back at the history of previous oil shocks, often create two major impacts: Promoting technological innovation and changing consumer behavior. Previously, it was energy saving, but now, the requirements are higher, which is green and clean.
“Electric vehicles are therefore not only a replacement solution, but also part of a comprehensive green transition to help reduce urban environmental pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit negative impacts on the ecosystem. However, it is necessary to recognize the reality that pollution in Hanoi comes not only from transportation but also from construction, production and inter-regional factors.
The important thing is that policies must closely follow market movements. Green transformation must be linked to actual needs, costs and consumer choices" - Dr. Thanh said.
In the context of Vietnam promoting green transformation and reducing emissions in the transportation sector, continuing to expand the charging network, improve service quality and improve the ecosystem will create more motivation for more and more people to choose electric vehicles instead of indoor vehicles.
