So Vietnam is pushing hard for EV adoption with motorcycles, when will cars be at risk?
Starting 1 July 2026, Hanoi will begin banning gas-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) motorbikes from operating within Ring Road 1, the city’s central zone. This move marks the first phase of a broader plan outlined in Directive 20/CT-TTg to gradually eliminate ICE motorcycles from Hanoi.
The restriction will extend to Ring Road 2 in 2028 and Ring Road 3 by 2030, with similar measures expected for gasoline and diesel cars. While the goal is to combat air pollution and promote green transportation, the impending ban raises a pressing question: what will happen to the millions of existing gas-powered motorbikes?
Moreover, by the end of 2024, Hanoi had around 6.9 million motorbikes, of which approximately 6.4 million run on gasoline. These figures do not account for vehicles registered elsewhere but frequently used in the city. Experts predict that as the phased ban takes effect, millions of these vehicles will be displaced from Hanoi’s urban core.
A likely outcome is that these motorbikes will be relocated to the city’s outskirts or neighboring provinces such as Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, and Thai Nguyen, where environmental regulations are less strict. However, this shift would only be temporary. As surrounding areas adopt similar emissions policies, the number of places these bikes can operate will diminish.
Some may also be sold at low prices or discarded, potentially creating environmental and waste management challenges in rural regions. While Hanoi’s green initiative is commendable, transitioning to electric transport demands robust infrastructure. Concerns remain about the city’s readiness in terms of EV supply, charging stations, and support services.
On top of that, during a recent Dan Viet webinar, Khương Kim Tao, former Deputy Chief of the National Traffic Safety Committee Office, emphasized the central role motorcycles play in everyday life in Vietnam, particularly where public transit is limited. Though polluting, motorcycles remain essential for daily commuting and economic activities, especially for lower-income populations.
Nguyen Manh Thang, Director of WhatCar Vietnam, pointed to examples from cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai, where public transportation and EV incentives paved the way for successful green transitions. However, he warned that Hanoi’s dense layout, dependency on motorbikes, and underdeveloped public transport systems require a tailored approach.
For the city’s policy to succeed, he said, it must be backed by strong infrastructure and well-planned support to avoid disrupting the lives of millions. We got all this from VietnamNet and their full article is linked here. Thank you VietnamNet for the information and images.
