Honda dealerships in Vietnam began accepting deposits for the UC3 electric scooter last week. This early deposit initiative comes amid growing demand for electric vehicles, particularly in the urban segment.

According to dealership information, the deposit amount is several million dong, intended to secure a purchase slot when the product officially launches. Dealerships are currently quoting an estimated price of approximately 58 million dong for the standard version, while the special version is about 1,5 million dong higher. This is an initial reference price and not the official price from the manufacturer. Deliveries to customers are anticipated around the end of June.

A company representative stated that the official price would be announced around the end of May, but did not confirm details regarding the vehicle's origin, specifically whether it will be imported from Thailand or assembled in Vietnam. Earlier this year, Honda announced plans to assemble the UC3 in Vietnam starting mid-2026.

The Honda UC3 electric scooter displayed at a Honda Vietnam event in January. Photo: Luong Dung

The projected price of the UC3 in Vietnam is about half that in Thailand, where Honda first introduced and also assembles the model. In Thailand, the UC3 is currently listed between 132,600-136,200 baht, which is equivalent to approximately 107-110 million dong.

This significant price difference between the two markets reflects Honda's pricing strategy, production costs, and its goal of expanding its electric vehicle market share in Vietnam. When the UC3 was introduced in Vietnam earlier this year, Honda stated that initially, the vehicle would be officially imported from Thailand before shifting to local assembly in Vietnam in 2026.

Offering a lower price compared to the Thai market is not an isolated case for Honda. Previously, when introducing the CUV e: electric vehicle in Vietnam, the company applied a similar pricing strategy. On the international market, the CUV e: ranges from approximately 3,400-4,000 USD. In Vietnam, the announced price was 45 million dong with battery rental, and 65 million dong for the version including two batteries.

The UC3 is positioned as an electric scooter for urban commuting needs, featuring a compact design that targets daily commuters. It utilizes a fixed LFP battery, which is water-resistant and suitable for real-world operating conditions in Vietnam.

The scooter offers approximately 8 horsepower, a top speed of nearly 80 km/h, and a range of about 120 km per charge. This model is equipped with three riding modes, a combined braking system, and a reverse gear feature to assist users when maneuvering in tight spaces. It comes in two versions, with the only differences being the color and exterior, while the engine and other features remain unchanged.

With an estimated price of nearly 60 million dong, the UC3 is categorized as a mid-range electric scooter in Vietnam, significantly higher than many popular models on the market. This segment does not have many models; for instance, the Dat Bike Quantum S1 is priced at 50-51 million dong. VinFast previously offered the Theon S, priced over 60 million dong, but it has been discontinued.

The UC3 uses the Motor Charger Hub fast-charging station. Photo: Motorforward

In addition to the product, Honda is gradually building electric vehicle infrastructure in Vietnam. According to the company, the UC3 can use a charging station system called Honda Motor Charger Hub, which employs CHAdeMO fast-charging technology with a power output of about 1,200 W per charging port. This network of charging stations, along with battery swapping cabinets for the CUV e: model, is expected to be rolled out at electric vehicle dealerships, initially in major cities.

Ho Tan