Is the cost of using an electric car cheaper than a gasoline car?

The policy of gradually eliminating vehicles using fossil fuels is being promoted in many large cities such as Hanoi , Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, etc. according to national projects and strategies approved by the Prime Minister.

Notably, from July 1, 2026, Hanoi will no longer allow gasoline-powered motorbikes on Ring Road 1 - the first step in a comprehensive conversion roadmap nationwide.

However, public opinion also raised many concerns and worries: the cost of switching vehicles could create additional financial burdens for households, while electricity bills are at risk of skyrocketing if people use electric vehicles en masse, requiring more electricity consumption...

Electricity can be cheaper than gas!?

Speaking with SGGP Newspaper on July 18, Dr. Duong Trung Kien, Vice Principal of the University of Electricity ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ) said that conversion is a necessary step to save energy and reduce emissions.

“Using electricity instead of gasoline means reducing fossil fuel consumption. Overall, this brings positive benefits to the whole society,” he said.

Dr. Kien further analyzed that the current electricity system has a difference between peak and off-peak hours. If we make good use of off-peak hours (when electricity production costs are low) to charge electric vehicles, people will not only enjoy cheap prices but also help optimize the load and increase the efficiency of exploiting energy sources.

However, the vice principal also admitted that people's electricity bills may increase due to the current tiered electricity pricing mechanism: the more electricity you use, the higher the price. "However, the cost of charging an electric car is still much lower than the cost of buying gasoline. I know many people who drive technology cars, who used to spend 400,000 - 500,000 VND per day on gasoline. Now switching to electric cars, it only costs about 100,000 VND per day," he cited.

Dr. Duong Trung Kien talks to the press and answers questions from SGGP Newspaper reporters

The representative of the University of Electricity also acknowledged that if the trend of using electric vehicles becomes more popular, the electricity industry will face more pressure on production. However, according to him, this is not a cause for concern, because the Government has made long-term preparations. Including nuclear power in the planning is one of the key solutions to ensure a stable supply for electric vehicles in the future.

Not yet worried

Although greening transportation is a trend, according to many people, the process of switching from gasoline vehicles to electric vehicles is still raising many concerns in public opinion and people's lives.

Many people believe that, while the cost of using an electric car may be cheaper, the price of buying an electric car is still high compared to the average income, especially in large cities with a large number of migrant workers. The lack of direct support policies for consumers in the early stages of the transition also makes many people hesitate.

Electric vehicle infrastructure such as public charging stations and integrated parking spaces, especially in residential areas and old apartment buildings, is still lacking. Many people have expressed concerns about the placement of vehicle chargers in narrow living spaces, which pose a potential risk of fire and explosion if there are no clear technical regulations and appropriate safety solutions.

Several recent fires involving lithium battery charging have also increased concerns. Therefore, for the transition to be successful and sustainable, synchronous policies on infrastructure, technical safety, and financial support are needed to ensure people’s peace of mind.

ANGEL

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/chi-phi-su-dung-xe-dien-co-re-hon-xe-xang-khong-post804387.html