Converting gasoline-powered motorbikes to electric ones: When 'green' ideas encounter technical and legal problems

DNVN - Converting gasoline-powered motorbikes into electric ones is being implemented by a number of Vietnamese enterprises at a cost of about 8 million VND per vehicle. However, many experts warn that technical and legal issues have not yet been resolved, posing a big challenge to replication.

A domestic company claims it can convert gasoline-powered motorbikes to electric motors at a cost of about 8 million VND per motorbike.

But behind that attractive introduction, a series of technical and legal questions remain: how safe is it? Who will be responsible if a fire or explosion occurs? Management agencies need to standardize assessment and inspection before this solution is widely replicated.

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From an engineering perspective, converting a motorcycle from a gasoline engine to an electric one – or a hybrid – requires complex interventions. While a gasoline-powered motorcycle has already been designed with a frame, center of gravity, braking system and suspension suitable for an internal combustion engine, adding a lithium-ion battery, electric motor, inverter and changing the mass distribution scheme will affect stability and safety.

Experts warn that among the large number of motorbikes in Vietnam, if just 1% of cases have problems, it can lead to thousands of vehicles being affected.

Regarding the legal framework, Vietnam currently does not have common standards and clear corridors for converting gasoline motorbikes to electric.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction has proposed that the Vietnam Register supplement technical standards, safety regulations and inspection mechanisms so that businesses and people can carry out renovations in a legal manner.

Although the conversion solution is seen as a way to make use of old cars, reduce emissions and save on the cost of buying new cars, assessments show that the actual cost can be higher in many cases.

“ In theory, switching from gasoline cars to electric cars is possible,” but in practice, it is necessary to carefully consider costs, safety and scale of implementation.

Charging infrastructure and maintenance are also major challenges. Converting a motorcycle to electric or hybrid without a network of charging stations and synchronized services can reduce efficiency and pose risks.

Given these analyses, many experts recommend starting with pilot projects, specific vehicle lines, and creating a clear legal corridor before widespread replication.

Nguyen Bach

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/hoan-cai-xe-may-chay-xang-sang-dien-khi-y-tuong-xanh-gap-bai-toan-ky-thuat-va-phap-ly/20251107053414571