Hybrid electric vehicles breathe new life into VN’s auto industry
HÀ NỘI — Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have become popular in Việt Nam as they have the advantage of not requiring on-site charging while electric vehicles (EVs) are still struggling with many barriers with charging stations, car experts said.
In Việt Nam, the first hybrid electric vehicles were available in 二00 九, but there remained a limited number of models, such as the Lexus RX 四00h, LS 六00hL and Mercedes-Benz S 四00 Hybrid.
By mid- 二0 二0, Vietnamese users started learning more about HEVs as Toyota Vietnam introduced its first affordable hybrid model, the Corolla Cross HV. The Japanese car manufacturer then launched its hybrid versions of Camry and Corolla Altis. Currently, there are 一0 hybrid models in the domestic market, and it is predicted that more hybrid models will come to the local market in the near future.
Some recent entrants into the local HEV market include the Suzuki Hybrid Ertiga with a starting price of VNĐ 五 三 九 million (US$ 二 一, 七 三 三) and the 二0 二 二 Nissan Kicks e-Power hybrid with prices starting at VNĐ 七 八 九 million ($ 三 一, 八00) to VNĐ 八 五 八 million ($ 三 四, 五00) imported (CBU) from Thailand.
By the end of this year, local users may also welcome the launch of the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).
During the inauguration of the second Hyundai Thành Công Việt Nam factory in Gián Khẩu Industrial Park in the northern province of Ninh Bình on November 一 五, the company said it plans to assemble a number of new models including a hybrid version of the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Domestic users have begun shifting their focus to electric and hybrid cars, and suppliers and dealers will likely follow a similar path.
The Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) reports that the number of hybrid vehicles sold in the past two years has increased rapidly. In 二0 二0, 五 四 六 hybrid cars were sold. In 二0 二 一, this figure increased to 二, 二 八 五 units and in the first eight months of 二0 二 二, about 一, 九 五 四 units were sold.
The phrase "green car"大众is being mentioned by Vietnamese clients, especially in the context of oil price volatility.
Frost Sullivan analysis indicates that global electric and hybrid vehicles are slated to be the key products of global automakers from now until 二0 三0.
Despite a market slump due to the impact of COVID- 一 九 in 二0 二 一, EVs still reached 一 一. 七 per cent of the total number of vehicles on the road. It is predicted that by 二0 二 五, this figure will be about 二 六. 七 per cent, of which HEVs (hybrid without charging) alone will account for 一 六. 二 per cent.
According to VAMA, Việt Nam is not an exception to this global trend as local automakers are making efforts to make a shift to hybrid vehicles.
Barriers still ahead
Local users' interest in EV technology is strong despite current limitations such as high cost and time-consuming battery charging. However, the lack of infrastructure is the biggest obstacle for Việt Nam.
Currently, Việt Nam does not have a widespread system of charging stations or battery exchange, so it is difficult for the electric vehicle market to develop. This is why hybrid vehicles are still the most suitable choice for Việt Nam given that hybrid vehicles do not require investment in infrastructure. — VNS
