Drivers wait to charge their electric motorbikes at a cafe-cum-charging station in Lai Thieu on the afternoon of August 6th - Photo: CONG TRUNG
However, according to experts, for this model to continue developing safely and sustainably, a clear legal framework, mandatory technical standards, and a roadmap to support the transformation of residential charging points into licensed charging stations are needed.
Coffee shops that also function as charging stations are popping up everywhere.
Around 12 noon on August 6th, at a cafe located near the Lai Thieu toll station (Ho Chi Minh City), nearly a dozen ride-hailing drivers were lying in hammocks, drinking water, and taking a lunch break while their vehicles were all plugged in and charging in front of the cafe.
Electric scooter chargers are mounted on the walls, and some places even utilize the space around the billiard hall, installing 4-5 charging stations for electric scooters. "Nowadays, every shop in this area offers charging. When I'm on my way to work across the bridge, if my battery is almost dead, I just stop at any drink shop, order a glass of iced tea, and charge it right away," shared driver Dat (28 years old).
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Many establishments, without signs, equipped with just a few power outlets, chargers, fans, and instant noodles, are enough to operate a "mini charging station." This is a familiar sight to many residents of Ho Chi Minh City.
From mid-2024 to the present, hundreds of similar charging points have sprung up, initially mainly in Binh Tri Dong A, An Nhon, and Binh Thanh wards, or along National Highways 1 and 13..., and later appearing in cafes everywhere. Near delivery and transit stations, the number of "affordable" charging points has also increased significantly in the past few months.
According to a survey by Tuoi Tre newspaper , some places only offer slow charging using regular power outlets for 20,000 - 25,000 VND per session, while many others have integrated a combo of drinks, charging, and accommodation (hammocks or air-conditioned rooms) at a price of 45,000 - 60,000 VND per session.
No large signboards, no specialized equipment, just a few high-power sockets, some chargers, and free WiFi. The owner only needs to prepare a few hammocks, some stone benches, and even a pot of instant noodles to serve drivers who want to grab a quick lunch while waiting for their batteries to charge.
Ms. Phuong, the owner of a coffee shop in Linh Xuan ward, recounted that initially, a few drivers asked to use her charging station. Gradually, more people returned, so she installed three-phase electricity, added more outlets, and purchased fire safety equipment. Now, revenue from customers charging accounts for up to 70% of the shop's income. Each day, the shop receives about 10-25 vehicles that stop by to charge, with the busiest times being lunchtime and late afternoon.
"With fees ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 VND per visit, this service provides a stable income for many small businesses like ours," Ms. Phuong said.
Not only cafes, but some residents are also taking advantage of the ground floor to offer "electric vehicle charging services," with green vehicles frequently coming and going.
Technical standards are needed to avoid fire hazards.
Many electric vehicle drivers have reported difficulties finding official charging stations. VinFast 's charging stations and Selex Motors' battery swapping system are mostly located in shopping malls or fixed locations, lacking rest areas.
"Now, you can just stop at a roadside cafe to charge your phone and have a place to rest at the same time. It's so convenient," said driver Thanh Hoang (Go Vap ward). This practical need has created an opportunity for a new business model to emerge: charging stations integrated with convenient services.
No large space or complex technology is needed – just a few power outlets, a hammock, and strong WiFi are enough to create a true "rest stop." The total investment cost for a basic charging station (high-power outlets, cables, fan, hammock, etc.) ranges from tens of millions to 100 million VND.
"If we add a DC fast charger, the cost could reach 200-300 million VND. A regular AC charger costs between 7-16 million VND and takes 3-7 hours to charge, while a DC fast charger can cost up to 350 million VND but shortens the charging time to 30-60 minutes," said the owner of a coffee shop.
However, most charging points still use household electricity, with thin wires, extension cords without current limiting devices, separate circuits, and overload protection, posing many potential fire and explosion risks.
According to a charging station installation expert, without current limiting devices and with substandard wiring, even a short circuit could cause panic.
"Observations at numerous charging points show that electrical wires are exposed, wall-mounted household sockets are not inspected, and the makeshift electrical connections completely fail to meet technical standards," this person warned.
Experts also argue that "budget charging stations" should only be a temporary solution and cannot become a long-term infrastructure foundation. "Without control, the risk of fire and explosion will always be present. Therefore, clear standards are needed regarding who is allowed to operate them, how they are operated, and how they are supervised," one expert suggested.
Automatic battery swapping station
Selex Motors is currently deploying an automated battery swapping station model for electric motorcycles. To date, the company has more than 90 stations operating in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi , and Da Nang. Each station has 19 battery compartments, operates automatically via a touchscreen, and uses Li-ion batteries that meet IP67 standards for water resistance, dust resistance, and protection against overheating and overvoltage.
The entire technology, from design and manufacturing to operation, is developed by Vietnamese engineers, considered a professional, safe, and suitable approach for current urban conditions. Selex Motors' battery swapping station infrastructure model is built on an open approach, demonstrating a willingness to cooperate with other electric vehicle manufacturers.
Ho Chi Minh City begins planning its charging network.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Research and Development (HIDS), the city is developing a plan to convert approximately 400,000 gasoline-powered motorbikes owned by ride-hailing drivers to electric vehicles. The plan also proposes preferential policies on loans, tax exemptions, etc., to encourage businesses to invest in charging station systems, with a priority on using renewable energy.
Mr. Le Thanh Hai, director of the HIDS Economic Consulting Center, believes that if infrastructure is not prepared from the outset, the mass conversion to electric vehicles will lead to overload. "The charging station system must be built synchronously, covering the entire city, especially in parking lots, transfer points, and areas with high driver density," Mr. Hai emphasized.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/no-ro-tram-sac-binh-dan-xe-may-dien-20250807234459098.htm
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