With fluctuating fuel prices, consumers are increasingly turning to electric vehicles as a cost-saving solution. This trend has contributed to a vibrant electric vehicle market, reflecting a shift towards green, environmentally friendly transportation.
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| Electric vehicles are in high demand as gasoline prices fluctuate. |
Purchasing power increased sharply.
Under the impact of fuel costs, the wave of electrified transportation, and incentive policies from businesses, consumer interest in electric bicycles is gradually increasing. Observations at many stores and dealerships in the area show a significant increase in the number of customers inquiring about and purchasing electric bicycles, especially on weekends.
At electric bicycle and electric motorbike shops, people not only come to browse but also directly experience and choose the most suitable means of transportation. The main customer group consists of students, office workers, housewives, etc., who need to travel within the city at an affordable cost.
Along Nguyen Hue Street (Long Chau Ward), many electric motorbike dealerships have also recorded a significant increase in sales. At the Vinfast Vinh Long store, Mr. Le Tan Duong, a sales consultant, said: “In the same period last year, sales only reached about 50% of the target, while now they have already exceeded 100%. Recently, the display area often empties faster due to the high number of customers, and the store has to wait for new vehicles to arrive to meet demand.”
According to Mr. Duong, electric motorbikes for students aged 16 and above are currently priced from 15 million VND, while electric motorbikes requiring a driver's license range from 20 million VND upwards. This price range is attracting the most interest from customers in the area. Notably, VinFast electric motorbikes offer various incentives such as installment payment support programs, promotions, and discounts, including direct price reductions of up to 13%, and a "trade-in gasoline for electricity" program supporting conversion from gasoline motorbikes to electric motorbikes with an 8% discount, all contributing to stimulating purchasing power.
Besides price, consumers are increasingly interested in integrated technologies in vehicles such as GPS, smart locks, app connectivity, and performance display. In the electric motorcycle segment, many major brands have entered the market with improved models in terms of battery life, range, and features.
One notable point is that charging stations and battery swapping stations are gradually becoming more widespread, giving users more options. Homeowners often prefer charging at home, while renters or those living in densely populated areas may utilize battery swapping or charging services at stations.
At Khai Tri Shopping Center (Long Chau ward), Ms. Vo Thi Thao Ngan, a sales employee, said: "Purchasing power has increased significantly compared to previous months. Customers mainly choose models priced from 8-10 million VND/unit, suitable for students."
According to Ms. Ngan, electric bicycles are suitable for people traveling short distances at moderate speeds and do not require a driver's license. They are a safe and economical choice for high school students and the elderly. Meanwhile, electric motorbikes have higher power and speed, require license plates, but better meet a wider range of transportation needs.
Choosing an electric motorbike in the 20 million VND price range for commuting to work, Mr. Tran Minh Kien (Tan Hanh ward) shared: “If I used a gasoline motorbike, I would spend about 50,000 VND on gasoline every two days. Meanwhile, an electric motorbike only costs about 10,000 VND per charge or battery change, and I can still travel several tens of kilometers. It's a significant saving, especially when my income is limited.”
Green vehicle trends
Beyond simply saving money, electric scooters are also seen as a solution towards sustainable consumption. At Tan Thanh 3 motorcycle store (Long Chau ward), Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Chau, the store manager, said that many customers are interested in electric scooters with their compact design, integrated technology, and environmental friendliness. Current models are equipped with many convenient features such as information display screens, flexible driving modes, app connectivity for monitoring vehicle status, and anti-theft GPS tracking, meeting the increasingly high demands of consumers.
For those working in the service industry, the pressure of fuel costs is becoming increasingly apparent. Nguyen Hong Bao Bao (Long Chau ward), a food delivery driver on an app, said that previously, fuel costs ranged from 150,000 to 180,000 VND per day, but now they have nearly doubled while income hasn't increased. Finding cost-saving solutions has become an urgent necessity. Therefore, Bao is considering switching to electric vehicles or joining an electric vehicle delivery platform to reduce cost pressure.
To use the scooter safely, efficiently, and extend battery life, the manufacturer recommends that users avoid letting the battery drain below 20%; after riding, wait about 10-15 minutes for the battery to cool down before charging. When charging, follow the correct procedure: plug the charger into the scooter first, then connect to the power source, and disconnect the power before unplugging to ensure safety. During operation, ride steadily, avoid sudden acceleration, and do not overload the scooter. Also, use a standard power outlet, ensure a stable power supply, and prioritize using the original charger included with the scooter to avoid risks.
However, despite the obvious benefits, consumers still have many concerns. The limited range of some electric scooter models, maintenance costs, and the lack of widespread charging stations and repair services are factors that many people consider when buying an electric scooter.
In reality, for sustainable development of electric vehicles, a synchronized ecosystem is needed, encompassing infrastructure, technology, and policies. Among these, charging station infrastructure is considered a key element.
Over time, the charging station system has gradually expanded in urban areas and shopping centers, helping to alleviate user concerns. Battery technology is constantly improving, increasing driving range, shortening charging time, and reducing operating costs.
In the context of increasingly urgent demands for energy conservation and emission reduction, the development of electric transportation is seen as an inevitable trend. As consumer awareness of the environment increases, the "green" factor is no longer just a choice but is gradually becoming an important criterion in consumption.
Text and photos: THAO TIEN
Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/kinh-te/202604/soi-dong-thi-truong-xe-dien-ffd0576/
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