Supporting Residents in Transferring from Gasoline-Powered Vehicles in Hanoi

In a bid to combat air pollution and reduce environmental harm, Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is set to implement a comprehensive support policy for residents to transition from petrol-powered vehicles to electric ones. The policy comes in response to the impending ban on fossil fuel vehicles within the Ring Road 1 area, set to take effect from July 1, 2026.

The support policy, currently under consideration, includes financial assistance to cover nearly all conversion-related costs. This includes registration fees, license plate fees, and initial registration taxes for new electric motorbikes, aiming to encourage residents to replace approximately 450,000 petrol-powered motorbikes in the inner city. The policy will also be tailored based on detailed analyses of user groups and vehicle types, ensuring a balanced and effective transition for different residents.

In parallel with the vehicle conversion, Hanoi is investing in green transport infrastructure development. This includes the expansion of the electric public transport network, particularly with small electric buses seating 8–12 passengers to form an inner-city shuttle system. Four-seater electric cars will also be deployed for short-distance travel within the banned area.

Hanoi's leaders have confirmed their commitment to the policy of managing personal vehicles to reduce traffic congestion and environmental pollution, as approved by the People's Council in 2017. By the end of last year, over 9.2 million vehicles of all types were used in Hanoi, with the city managing over 8 million vehicles.

The ban on petrol-powered motorbikes in the Ring Road 1 area is not the only measure being taken. By July 1, 2025, no fossil fuel motorbikes will be allowed inside the Ring Road 1 inner city area. The rest of the ring roads are under construction, waiting for construction to begin or waiting for investment. Hanoi plans to ban motorbikes and limit private cars using fossil fuels within Ring Road 2 starting January 1, 2028, and the ban will expand to Ring Road 3 by 2030.

To facilitate the increased use of electric vehicles, Hanoi will build more charging areas for electric cars, electric motorbikes, and other clean energy vehicles. The completion of Ring Road 1 will enclose the capital's inner city and urban centre, including streets like Tran Khat Chan, Daai Co Viet, Xa Dan, O Cho Dua, De La Thanh, Hoang Cau, Caau Giai, Booi, Lac Long Quan, Au Co, Nghi Tam, Yen Phu, Tran Nhat Dua, Tran Quang Khai, Tran Khanh Du, and Nguyen Khoai streets.

Hanoi has seven ring roads: 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, and 5. As of now, Ring Road 3 has been completed. Specialised units in Hanoi are working on projects to zone motorbike restrictions and increase the public transport system's service capacity. The city is also speeding up the development of urban railway lines to further reduce traffic congestion and promote the use of clean energy vehicles.

This shift towards cleaner transportation modes reflects Hanoi’s commitment to improving air quality and reducing pollution, making the city a greener and healthier place for its residents.

[1] Nguyen, T. (2021, March 15). Hanoi to ban fossil fuel motorbikes in Ring Road 1 area from 2026. VietnamNet Bridge. Retrieved from https://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/188176/hanoi-to-ban-fossil-fuel-motorbikes-in-ring-road-1-area-from-2026.html

[2] Vu, H. (2021, January 11). Hanoi to ban fossil fuel vehicles within Ring Road 1 by 2026. Vietnam Insider. Retrieved from https://vietnaminsider.vn/hanoi-to-ban-fossil-fuel-vehicles-within-ring-road-1-by-2026-1610566971.html

[3] Pham, T. (2020, December 23). Hanoi to restrict motorbikes in some areas by 2030. VietnamNet Bridge. Retrieved from https://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/society/187360/hanoi-to-restrict-motorbikes-in-some-areas-by-2030.html

[4] Dinh, T. (2021, February 15). Hanoi to develop support policies for residents to convert from petrol-powered vehicles. VietnamNet Bridge. Retrieved from https://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/science-technology/188175/hanoi-to-develop-support-policies-for-residents-to-convert-from-petrol-powered-vehicles.html

[5] Nguyen, T. (2021, February 12). Hanoi to increase fleet of small electric buses, four-seat electric cars. VietnamNet Bridge. Retrieved from https://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/science-technology/188070/hanoi-to-increase-fleet-of-small-electric-buses-four-seat-electric-cars.html

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