On 16 December 2025, Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) People’s Committee, approved the policy to install electric motorcycle battery-swapping cabinets on sidewalks and in public spaces (within the road infrastructure protection corridor) as part of the city’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and promoting the transition to green transportation. Fees for the temporary use of roadways and sidewalks for this installation shall be collected in accordance with prevailing regulations.
The HCMC People’s Committee assigned the Department of Construction to:
(1) develop and disclose criteria for selecting enterprises to invest in, install, manage, and operate battery-swapping cabinets, as well as a list of streets with eligible sidewalks, ensuring transparency and openness;
(2) serve as the focal agency responsible for providing implementation guidance and for conducting regular monitoring, inspection, and supervision of the installation and operation of battery-swapping cabinets at each approved location; and
(3) promptly address violation and impose sanctions, including temporary suspension of operations or dismantling of facilities that fail to meet requirements related to traffic safety, electrical safety, fire prevention and firefighting, public security, and urban aesthetics.
The HCMC Public Security Department, the Department of Industry and Trade, HCMC Power Corporation (EVNHCMC), and commune-level People’s Committees are tasked with proactively coordinating with the Department of Construction to facilitate enterprises in installing battery-swapping cabinets in line with the approved policy. Investors shall coordinate with the Department of Construction and commune-level People’s Committees to agree on eligible installation locations.
Entities participating in the installation of electric motorcycle battery-swapping cabinets are required to: (1) ensure traffic safety, electrical safety, fire and explosion prevention, and public order at installation sites throughout construction, operation, and management; and (2) refrain from advertising on the cabinets; and to commit to self-relocate, dismantle facilities, and restore sites; to cease operations within the prescribed timeframe; and to waive any claims for compensation or complaints upon request by competent municipal authorities.
Previously, Great Wealth Trading Service Company Limited and V-Green Global Charging Station Development Joint Stock Company proposed that the Department of Construction considers permitting the installation of 20,000 battery-swapping cabinets adjacent to streetlight poles on roads with suitable sidewalks, to meet the mobility needs of ride-hailing and delivery drivers. Both companies also committed to completing installation in the first quarter of 2026 to contribute to HCMC’s green transition roadmap, subject to municipal approval.
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References: 1. Tuoi Tre, 6 January 2026
2. VTC News, 6 January 2026
https://vtcnews.vn/tp-hcm-chap-thuan-cho-lap-dat-tru-doi-pin-xe-may-dien-tren-via-he-ar997024.html
