The opportunity of electric vehicles in reducing air pollution
Electric vehicles have proven to be an effective solution in reducing emissions from transportation, especially in developed countries such as the US, China and Europe.
According to Professor Daniel Kammen, University of California, Berkeley, switching to electric vehicles can reduce polluting emissions from transportation by up to 50%. This is an important step in the fight against environmental protection and climate change.
In Vietnam, companies like VinFast are pioneering the development of electric motorbikes and cars with the ambition of popularizing these products to a large number of people. In the context of large cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City being threatened by air pollution, electric vehicles offer great hope for improving air quality and minimizing negative impacts on public health.
However, for electric vehicles to truly become a comprehensive solution, support from state policy, infrastructure and public awareness is needed.
Challenges in deploying electric vehicles in Vietnam
Despite the many benefits of electric vehicles, Vietnam still faces many barriers in the implementation process.
First of all, the infrastructure for electric vehicles, especially the charging station system, has not yet been developed synchronously. Professor Daniel Kammen pointed out that even in California - one of the most popular places for electric vehicles, building a network of charging stations is still facing many difficulties.
Second, the price of electric vehicles is still quite high compared to the average income of Vietnamese people. This makes access to electric vehicles limited, especially for low-income households. The battery is one of the most expensive parts of an electric car, accounting for up to 1/3 of the total value of an electric car.
However, analysts at Goldman Sachs expect battery manufacturing costs to fall 23% overall by the end of this year compared to last year and fall another 20% by 2025.
Besides the price, public awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles also needs to be raised. Many people still do not clearly see the role of electric vehicles in protecting the environment and reducing air pollution.
Which direction for electric vehicles to be effective?
To promote the use of electric vehicles, Vietnam needs a specific and synchronous roadmap. First of all, it is necessary to invest in developing charging station infrastructure in large urban areas where there is high demand for electric vehicles. The government can support by reducing import taxes on charging station equipment and encouraging businesses to participate in developing this network.
In addition, there should be financial support policies for people, such as direct subsidies or preferential loans to buy electric vehicles. This is a strategy that has been successfully applied by countries such as China and India, helping to increase the rate of electric vehicle use in a short time.
Finally, public awareness needs to be raised through media programs, seminars and promotional campaigns about the benefits of electric vehicles. Educating the public about the impact of air pollution and the role of electric vehicles will create stronger incentives for this transition.
Electric vehicles have the potential to be a key player in reducing air pollution and protecting the environment. However, to realize this potential, there needs to be consensus among the State, businesses and the entire community.
