Ho Chi Minh City has added 27 new electric bus routes and 443 electric buses this month, marking what local officials describe as a significant step in improving public transport quality and reducing emissions.
The rollout began on August 1, bringing the city’s total electric bus fleet to 613 vehicles — more than 26% of its public transport system. Combined with around 500 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, nearly half of the city’s fleet now operates on alternative fuel. Authorities aim to reach 100% green energy-powered buses by 2030.
The fully subsidised electric buses, with seating capacities ranging from 30 to 60, come equipped with GPS, onboard cameras, free Wi-Fi, automated announcements and contactless payment systems. Children under 1.3 metres, disabled passengers, war veterans, injured soldiers and senior citizens will be eligible for free travel.
A network of charging stations has been installed to support the expansion. “This marks a major step in the city’s gradual transition to green energy in public transport,” said Nguyễn Vĩnh Toàn, deputy director of the Department of Construction.
The initiative aligns with Vietnam’s national strategy to decarbonise transport, which targets all public buses to operate on clean energy by 2030. Ho Chi Minh City is also introducing incentives for electric vehicle purchases, including subsidies and buy-back schemes for older vehicles. However, challenges remain, including insufficient charging infrastructure and a national grid that still relies heavily on coal and experiences regular outages.
