Ho Chi Minh City – Residents of Hanoi are increasingly concerned about air pollution, a topical issue in Vietnam’s capital. Mai, a local inhabitant, reported alarming levels of pollution, which she attributes primarily to exhaust fumes from the extensive use of motorbikes and ongoing construction projects. With approximately seven million motorbikes populating the streets, Hanoi frequently ranks among cities with the worst air quality worldwide.
In response to this pressing issue, Vietnamese authorities have announced a plan to ban gasoline-powered motorbikes from the city center. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued Directive 20, which prohibits all gasoline motorbikes from operating within Ring Road 1, set to take effect by July 1, 2026. While Mai is supportive of this initiative as an owner of an electric motorcycle, she acknowledges that public opinion in Hanoi is divided. “There are two opposing views among the residents: half are in favor of change, while the other half remain skeptical,” she noted.
Experts have raised concerns regarding the practicality of enforcing such a ban within the designated timeframe. Challenges include limited public transportation, a sporadic electricity supply, and a lack of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs). Additionally, critics argue that the new policy may disproportionately impact low-income residents and view it as a potential advantage for Vingroup, the nation’s largest conglomerate and a leading player in the electric vehicle market with its brand VinFast.
Academic observations suggest that the current policy may lean towards industrial favoritism rather than environmental protection. Hanh Nguyen, a Vietnamese-born PhD candidate, cautioned that the introduction of millions of electric vehicles could put significant pressure on Vietnam’s already inconsistent electricity supply, especially during peak demand in the summer months.
The initiative aligns with a nationwide ambition to phase out fossil fuel transportation. Directive 20 aims to extend the ban to Hanoi’s Ring Road 2 by January 2028 and to Ring Road 3 by 2030, alongside the introduction of stricter regulations concerning gasoline vehicles. Proposals for expanding similar measures to Ho Chi Minh City are currently under review.
Despite air pollution being a major concern, experts advocate for a comprehensive strategy that addresses both local and regional pollution sources. Ngo Tho Hung, an air quality specialist, emphasized that approximately half of Hanoi’s fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) originates outside the urban environment, from activities such as field burning and emissions from informal recycling sectors.
The financial burden of transitioning to electric motorbikes poses additional challenges for low-income residents. In light of this, the Hanoi Department of Construction has proposed financial incentives for residents making the switch, including coverage of registration fees and additional support amounts.
As the policy moves forward, authorities will need to navigate the complexities of enforcing such significant changes in a city with a population of around ten million. Critics of the ban, including medical professionals and industry insiders, express apprehensions about the societal implications of this rapid transition.
While a shift towards electric vehicles represents a progressive step for environmental sustainability, the successful implementation of such policies in Hanoi will require careful planning, adequate infrastructure, and consideration of the needs of all residents, especially the economically disadvantaged. The dual ambition of safeguarding public health and advancing towards cleaner urban transport may ultimately hinge on collaboration across sectors and a commitment to balanced development strategies.
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