In line with the plan to ban gasoline-powered motorcycles within ring road 1 from 1/7/2026, Hanoi aims to have at least 10% of existing parking spaces equipped with charging stations by the end of 2026. For new projects, the target is 30%. The city also prioritizes installing charging stations on sidewalks and encourages investment in hydrogen and other clean fuel stations.

According to Nguyen Duc Vinh, Deputy Director of Hanoi Parking Exploitation Company, following the city's directive, the company has reviewed 150 parking spots within the inner city, identifying approximately 40 potential locations for charging stations.

Locations of the four proposed charging stations by Hanoi Parking Exploitation Company. Graphics: Do Nam

To prepare for the ban on gasoline-powered motorcycles within ring road 1, the company has initially proposed four locations with sufficient space for parking and electric vehicle charging stations.

The four locations are: The vacant land from house number 621 to 768 De La Thanh Street; the parking lot on the vacant land next to the Embassy of the Russian Federation, near the ring road 1 - Kim Ma - Cau Giay roundabout; the sidewalk and vacant land along Tran Khat Chan Street from the Bach Mai intersection to the Lac Nghiep intersection, spanning over 500 m; the vacant land in front of Vietnam National Shipping Lines headquarters at the Xa Dan - Giai Phong intersection.

These locations have been assessed as having ample space for motorcycle and car parking, as well as for installing electric vehicle charging stations. The company already manages these locations for car and motorcycle parking, making them suitable for repurposing.

Vinh stated that if the city approves the 40 proposed locations within the inner city, the company could begin construction as early as August. For ring road 1, the two most feasible locations for immediate installation are the sidewalk and vacant land along Tran Khat Chan Street and the vacant land in front of Vietnam National Shipping Lines headquarters. The remaining two locations are currently within the ring road 1 construction zone and can be developed after the project's completion.

According to Hanoi's Department of Construction, reports indicate that V-Green Global Charging Station Development Joint Stock Company has installed 1,000 charging stations, including personal and public ones (57 public stations with a capacity of 120-150 kw; 259 mixed AC/DC stations, and 684 personal AC stations).

The vacant land in front of Vietnam National Shipping Lines headquarters at the Xa Dan - Giai Phong intersection is proposed for a charging station. Photo: Hoang Phong

The Department of Construction has collaborated with various organizations to develop charging stations. TMT Motors Joint Stock Company and EVG Company have proposed shared charging stations for all vehicle brands.

These companies have suggested that the city allow the use of public spaces (shopping malls, bus stations, parks) for electric vehicle charging stations. TMT Motors has submitted detailed reports on investment, installation, management, and standards for charging stations. EVG Group Joint Stock Company has requested permission for pilot installations at several city-managed offices.

The Department of Construction has also consulted with the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers' Association, the Vietnam Motorcycle Manufacturers' Association, and other automobile and motorcycle manufacturers, requesting technical documents, standards for charging stations, and implementation roadmaps.

On 12/7, in Directive 20 on urgent tasks to address pollution, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed Hanoi to implement solutions for individuals and organizations to transition to electric vehicles, ensuring that no gasoline-powered motorcycles operate within ring road 1 by 1/7/2026.

From 1/1/2028, gasoline-powered motorcycles and personal cars will be restricted within ring roads 1 and 2; by 2030, this will apply to all gasoline-powered personal vehicles within ring road 3.

Ring road 1 encompasses Tran Khat Chan - Dai Co Viet - De La Thanh - Buoi - Cau Giay - Vo Chi Cong - Nghi Tam - Yen Phu - Tran Quang Khai streets. It has a circumference of about 25 km and an area of about 31 km2, including West Lake (5.2 km2).

Ring road 1 passes through 9 wards, including Ba Dinh, Ngoc Ha, Hoan Kiem, Cua Nam, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, Hai Ba Trung, and parts of Tay Ho, O Cho Dua, and Giang Vo. The area has a population of about 600,000 and nearly 450,000 locally owned motorcycles.

Vo Hai