Business Opportunities in Vietnam's USD 152 Million Electric Bus Market, 2025-2029: Ho Chi Minh City Sets Benchmark for Sustainable Urban Transit

Challenges include high initial investment and limited charging infrastructure, but rising public-private partnerships and increased international collaborations offer significant growth opportunities.


Dublin, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Vietnam Electric Bus Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2019-2029F" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Vietnam Electric Bus Market was valued at USD 42.75 Million in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 152.22 Million by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 23.57%. The electric bus sector in Vietnam is witnessing significant expansion, largely attributed to robust governmental backing for sustainable transportation initiatives.

The Vietnamese authorities have implemented a range of programs aimed at encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs), including tax breaks, financial assistance for electric bus acquisitions, and the development of EV infrastructure such as charging stations. These vehicles present an environmentally friendly alternative that supports the nation's objectives to lower greenhouse gas emissions and enhance air quality, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

Technological progress also plays a crucial role in propelling the electric bus market forward. The cost of batteries, which are a vital element of electric buses, has been consistently declining due to advancements in energy storage technology. This decrease in battery prices renders electric buses more attainable and feasible for fleet operators. Concurrently, enhancements in charging infrastructure are alleviating concerns regarding vehicle range and downtime, thereby fostering broader adoption.

As electric buses gain the capability to travel longer distances and function efficiently within urban transit frameworks, they are increasingly viewed as a preferable alternative to conventional diesel buses. Moreover, there is a growing interest from both corporate entities and the public in sustainability, which further amplifies the demand for electric buses.

However, despite the optimistic prospects, the electric bus market encounters several challenges. A primary hurdle is the substantial initial investment needed to acquire electric buses, despite their potential for long-term savings in fuel and maintenance costs. This financial barrier can deter fleet operators, particularly in smaller municipalities. Additionally, the limited availability of charging stations in certain areas can pose operational challenges.

Market Drivers

Government Policy and Incentives: The Vietnamese government's robust dedication to advancing electric vehicles (EVs) serves as a significant catalyst for the electric bus market. This commitment encompasses tax incentives, financial support for electric buses, and advantageous regulations that enhance the affordability of EV adoption for fleet operators. Furthermore, the government is channeling investments into EV infrastructure, including the establishment of charging stations, to facilitate the growth of electric vehicles within public transportation networks. Such initiatives foster a conducive atmosphere for electric buses to supplant traditional diesel vehicles, particularly in major urban areas aiming for improved air quality and diminished carbon emissions. For instance, in October 2021, the Vietnamese government approved the National Strategy for Green Growth (2021-2030) with a vision for 2050. To support this, the Prime Minister launched the Green Transition Program on July 22, 2022, aimed at reducing carbon and methane emissions in transportation and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Rising Demand for Eco-Friendly Transport: With the rise in environmental consciousness, there is mounting pressure on both the public and private sectors to implement sustainable transportation options. Electric buses are regarded as a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional buses that rely on fossil fuels, which are major contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. As urban areas experience increased congestion and elevated pollution levels, the demand for electric buses to enhance public transportation systems is becoming more pronounced, particularly in cities striving to minimize their carbon footprint.

Reduction in Operational Costs: Electric buses provide considerable financial advantages in fuel and maintenance when compared to diesel buses. The expense associated with charging an electric bus is markedly less than that of fueling a conventional bus, resulting in lower operational costs for fleet managers. Additionally, electric buses are designed with fewer moving components, which leads to decreased maintenance expenses and less vehicle downtime. Consequently, they represent a compelling investment for bus operators aiming to lower long-term operational costs while also promoting environmental sustainability.

Key Market Challenges

High Initial Investment: One of the primary obstacles to the implementation of electric buses in Vietnam is the substantial initial investment required. While electric buses offer greater cost efficiency over time, the upfront expenses associated with their acquisition are considerably greater than those for traditional diesel buses. This financial burden poses a significant challenge for public transport companies and fleet operators, particularly in smaller cities or rural regions. Although there are potential long-term savings in fuel and maintenance costs, the initial capital outlay continues to represent a major impediment.

Limited Charging Infrastructure: The presence of charging stations is a vital element influencing the extensive adoption of electric buses. While Vietnam's charging infrastructure is gradually advancing, it still faces limitations, especially in rural and underdeveloped regions. This situation may lead to operational challenges for electric bus fleets, such as issues related to range anxiety and the management of ensuring that buses are adequately charged for daily use. The insufficient availability of reliable charging infrastructure could impede market expansion unless additional investments are directed towards this sector.

Technician Shortage and Training Needs: As the prevalence of electric buses increases, the demand for qualified technicians capable of servicing and repairing these vehicles is also rising. The maintenance of electric buses necessitates distinct technical skills that differ from those required for conventional buses. The current lack of trained professionals in this field presents a considerable obstacle. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in training programs and educational initiatives aimed at equipping technicians with the necessary expertise to support the expanding fleet of electric buses nationwide.

Key Market Trends

Public-Private Partnerships: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly recognized as a significant trend in the advancement of electric bus fleets in Vietnam. The collaboration between governmental bodies and private sector companies is promoting the integration of electric buses by enabling joint investments in necessary infrastructure, charging facilities, and the growth of fleets. Such partnerships facilitate the consolidation of resources and expertise, thereby expediting the shift towards electric buses and enhancing the sustainability of urban transportation systems.

Electrification of Entire Bus Fleets: A growing trend is emerging towards the complete electrification of bus fleets, particularly in prominent urban areas such as Ho Chi Minh City. Numerous local governments are establishing ambitious goals to substitute all or a significant number of their traditional buses with electric alternatives. This initiative is motivated by environmental considerations as well as the pursuit of long-term cost efficiency. The transition to fully electrified fleets signifies a wider dedication to clean energy and sustainable transportation in urban settings.

Increased Collaboration with International EV Manufacturers: Vietnam's electric bus sector is experiencing an increase in collaborations with global electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, particularly those from China and Europe. These partnerships introduce cutting-edge technology, specialized knowledge, and economical solutions that enable domestic manufacturers to create more competitive electric buses. Prominent companies such as BYD and Yutong are at the forefront, providing electric buses for Vietnam's public transportation systems. These alliances promote the exchange of knowledge, enhance production efficiency, and contribute to the establishment of a sustainable electric bus infrastructure within the nation.

For instance, according to the Ministry of Transport in Vietnam, the investment in electric buses manufactured in China is deemed the most economical option, with an average acquisition cost of approximately VND7 billion (USD 290,000) for a bus equipped with a 255 kWh battery, capable of covering a distance of 230-250 km on a single charge. In contrast, a large-capacity bus produced by VinFast, a Vietnamese company, is priced at around VND7.4 billion (USD 292,000). As a result, electric buses are four times more expensive than conventional buses and 3.2 times more costly than larger buses currently utilized for depreciation assessments in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Region Insights

In 2023, the Southern region of Vietnam emerges as the leading area in the electric bus sector. This prominence is primarily attributed to the swift growth and economic importance of Ho Chi Minh City, the nation's largest urban center and a significant catalyst for the adoption of electric vehicles. The public transportation system in the city is transitioning towards cleaner and more sustainable options, with electric buses playing a pivotal role in this evolution. In its efforts to mitigate air pollution and address the negative impacts of traffic congestion, the southern region has been actively incorporating electric buses into its public transit frameworks.

Ho Chi Minh City's status as Vietnam's economic center has also spurred increased investments in infrastructure, including the establishment of charging stations and other essential facilities for electric buses. The demand for environmentally friendly public transport alternatives has surged, fueled by government initiatives promoting electric vehicles and a growing consciousness regarding environmental sustainability among residents. The local government's commitment to lowering carbon emissions and promoting green energy solutions further bolsters the region's drive towards the electrification of public transport.

Other provinces in the southern region have taken cues from Ho Chi Minh City, concentrating on expanding their electric bus fleets, supported by advantageous government incentives and subsidies. As urbanization continues to rise in the region, the integration of electric buses is viewed as a vital measure for developing a more sustainable and efficient public transportation system. Additionally, this region benefits from enhanced industrial growth and greater resource availability for infrastructure projects, which have enabled a more rapid rollout of electric buses compared to other areas of the country.

Key Players Profiled in Vietnam's Electric Bus Market:

  • VinFast Commercial and Services Trading Limited Liability Company
  • Mercedes-Benz Vietnam
  • THACO AUTO Limited Liability Company
  • Yutong Bus Co., Ltd.
  • Beijing Foton International Trade Co., Ltd.
  • Tata Motors Limited.
  • Olectra Greentech Limited.
  • HYUNDAI THANH CONG COMMERCIAL VEHICLE JSC
  • Toyota Motor Vietnam Co., Ltd.
  • CHERY Automobile Co., Ltd.

Report Scope

In this report, the Vietnam Electric Bus Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Vietnam Electric Bus Market, By Propulsion Type:

  • BEV
  • PHEV
  • FCEV

Vietnam Electric Bus Market, By Range:

  • Less than 200 miles
  • More than 200 miles

Vietnam Electric Bus Market, By Battery Capacity:

  • Upto 400 kWh
  • Above 400 kWh

Vietnam Electric Bus Market, By End Use:

  • Public
  • Private

Vietnam Electric Bus Market, By Region:

  • Northern
  • Southern
  • Central

Key Attributes

Report AttributeDetails
No. of Pages85
Forecast Period2023-2029
Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023$42.75 Million
Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029$152.22 Million
Compound Annual Growth Rate23.5%
Regions CoveredVietnam

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/y7ffyz

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Vietnamese Electric Bus Market

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