Expensive prices, lack of charging station infrastructure, and stereotypes are the main factors that make electric motorbikes unpopular with many Vietnamese.

According to the latest research by motorcycledata.com, Vietnam is currently the third largest consumer of electric motorcycles in the world after China and India. According to the report, the number of electric motorcycles shipped in Vietnam in 2022 has increased by 22% compared to 2021.

However, the number of electric motorbikes sold still accounts for a very small part compared to gasoline motorbikes. There are many reasons why many Vietnamese are still not keen on electric motorbikes. The biggest problem is the lack of infrastructure for public electric vehicle charging stations. Electric motorbikes inherently have the disadvantage that the journey for a single charge is low (mostly about 100km/charge – lower than the average of about 200km/fuel tank of petrol-based motorbikes). So, the lack of charging stations further worries customers, especially those who commute long distances daily.

In addition, the general selling price of electric motorbikes is also expensive compared to gasoline motorbikes. Dat Bike Weaver 200 is priced at 54.9 million VND, and the newly launched Yamaha Neo’s is also priced at 50 million VND.  After about 3-4 years of use, the battery of electric scooters also needs to be replaced as battery integrity decreases over time. This cost is not small, especially for models using lithium batteries.

And finally, prejudice and invisible fears also discourage many from choose electric motorbikes. For many people, electric motorbikes are rickety and fast to wear down as electric motorbikes used to be mainly of unknown origin.

However, with more and more big brands participating and distributing, it is promised that in the future electric motorbikes will be a popular means of transport on Vietnamese streets.

Source: 24h.com.vn