A Nation on Two Wheels
Vietnam’s streets are a sea of motorbikes, defining the country’s mobility and daily life. With over 50 million two-wheelers on the roads, motorbikes are the backbone of transport in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, where they outnumber cars significantly. Unlike Western urban landscapes, where cars dominate, Vietnam’s economy and daily movement rely on affordable, flexible, and fuel-efficient two-wheelers.
As we move into 2025, the question arises: What’s next for Vietnam’s two-wheeler revolution? How can this motorbike-centric nation decarbonise mobility, reducing air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels?
The Push for Electrification
Governments across Southeast Asia are prioritising transport decarbonisation, and Vietnam is no exception. Several key trends suggest that electric two-wheelers (E2Ws) could be the next big shift in Vietnam’s mobility landscape:
Government Incentives – Vietnam has begun rolling out incentives and policies to encourage the adoption of electric motorbikes, including tax cuts and subsidies. However, these policies are still in their infancy compared to other markets like Taiwan.
Domestic Manufacturing – Local players like VinFast have started producing electric scooters, but adoption is still limited due to high upfront costs and concerns over charging infrastructure.
Infrastructure Challenges – Unlike cars, motorbikes require frequent refuelling, and with limited public charging stations, range anxiety remains a major barrier to E2W adoption.
Companies Leading the Way in Electric Two-Wheelers
While Gogoro has been a key innovator in battery swapping for two-wheelers, other companies worldwide are also pushing the boundaries of electric mobility in similar ways:
- Ather Energy (India) – Ather Energy is a fast-growing EV manufacturer focusing on high-performance electric scooters with smart connectivity and fast-charging infrastructure across India. Their Ather Grid charging network is expanding rapidly to make EV adoption more convenient.
- NIU Technologies (China) – NIU is a leader in connected smart scooters, integrating IoT and AI-powered battery management to optimise energy efficiency. With operations in over 50 countries, NIU is expanding rapidly in both personal and fleet mobility.
- Ola Electric (India) – Ola Electric has disrupted the Indian two-wheeler market with affordable, high-range electric scooters supported by a Hypercharger network for rapid recharging across urban centres.
- Horwin (Europe & China) – Horwin focuses on premium electric motorcycles and scooters, offering models with long-range battery capacity and AI-driven performance optimisation.
- Swobbee (Germany) – Swobbee operates a battery-swapping network for micro-mobility solutions, similar to Gogoro’s model but focused on e-bikes, cargo bikes, and scooters across European cities.
These companies highlight different approaches to electrification, from fast charging and smart networks to battery swapping and connected mobility solutions.
Can Vietnam Follow Taiwan’s Gogoro Model?
Taiwan presents a compelling case study for Vietnam’s electric mobility future. The Gogoro model has revolutionised two-wheeler transport through a battery-swapping network, removing the need for long charging times and making electric scooters as convenient as petrol-powered ones.
Key aspects of Taiwan’s success that could be adapted to Vietnam:
- Battery Swapping Infrastructure – Gogoro’s extensive network allows riders to swap depleted batteries in seconds, making EV adoption seamless. Could Vietnam develop a similar network to drive adoption?
- Government Backing & Subsidies – Taiwan’s government played a crucial role in supporting electric two-wheelers through incentives and partnerships. Vietnam’s policymakers could accelerate EV adoption with similar backing.
- Public-Private Collaboration – Gogoro succeeded through strategic partnerships with manufacturers, energy companies, and the government. Vietnam’s growing EV market could benefit from similar collaboration.
The Road Ahead for Vietnam’s Two-Wheelers
While Vietnam is still at an early stage of two-wheeler electrification, the potential is immense. The success of Taiwan’s Gogoro system suggests that with the right infrastructure, incentives, and public-private partnerships, Vietnam could transition to sustainable two-wheeler mobility faster than expected.
Let’s Shape the Future of Mobility Together
At NovAzure, we work with innovators, investors, and policymakers to drive the transition to sustainable transport. Whether you are a mobility start-up, a battery technology provider, or a business looking to enter the EV space, we can help you navigate the challenges and opportunities in this evolving market.
Get in touch to explore how we can accelerate the electrification of two-wheelers and shape the future of sustainable mobility!
