Grab plans to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging network in Vietnam to more than 6,000 charging ports by 2028, significantly increasing its presence in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing EV markets.
The company aims to grow the network from approximately 400 charging ports currently available, with nearly half of the new installations planned for Hanoi as the Vietnamese capital advances policies to reduce emissions from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Partnership Model Supports Network Expansion
Rather than building and operating charging stations directly, Grab will expand through investments in local charging operator Eboost and partnerships with Charge+, EV One and ChargeLink.
The charging infrastructure will be integrated into the Grab Driver app through an EV Utility feature that enables drivers to locate, access and pay for charging stations regardless of the operator.
Grab Vietnam Managing Director Ma Tuan Trong said driver adoption of the platform has been encouraging.
“More than seven in ten drivers who try the feature return to it within a week.”
The expansion follows a memorandum of understanding signed with Hanoi authorities on June 30. Grab said it also plans to extend the unified charging platform to electric two-wheelers after its passenger vehicle charging network becomes more established.
The initiative builds on other electrification programs introduced by the company, including financial incentives announced earlier this year for drivers operating both conventional and electric vehicles.
Alternative to Proprietary Charging Networks
Grab’s charging strategy differs from the vertically integrated ecosystem developed by Vietnamese automaker VinFast.
VinFast’s charging subsidiary, V-Green, operates more than 150,000 charging ports across Vietnam, including a nationwide network of ultra-fast highway charging stations. However, the infrastructure is dedicated exclusively to VinFast vehicles.
By contrast, Grab’s platform is designed to support multiple vehicle brands, including VinFast, BYD, Hyundai and Toyota, allowing drivers using different manufacturers’ vehicles to access a common charging network.
The expansion also coincides with Hanoi’s gradual implementation of low-emission transport policies. The city began a pilot low-emission zone around Hoan Kiem Lake on July 1 and plans to progressively expand the restricted area through 2028, when tighter emissions requirements for two-wheelers are scheduled to take effect.
With millions of motorcycles and scooters still operating across Hanoi, Grab said expanding accessible charging infrastructure will help support the transition toward electric mobility regardless of vehicle brand, while strengthening its platform for drivers as EV adoption continues to increase.