Generic image of Vietnam; Generic image of Vietnam;

Developing an emobility roadmap for Vietnam, Nationwide

Accelerating nation-wide green transport

Responding to the urgent impact of climate change, Vietnam has set ambitious targets to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 27% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. To achieve these goals, the nation is strategically embracing electric mobility (e-mobility) to decouple transport development from dependency on imported fossil fuel while setting specific net-zero targets for the transportation sector. 

Arup has been commissioned by the World Bank, the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Ministry of Transportation to develop a national-level e-mobility roadmap and city-level deployment strategies. 

This roadmap is essential for Vietnam to achieve large-scale transportation electrification. It will also foster growth of related industries in the e-mobility ecosystem, including the manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, grid digitisation, and the integration of vehicles with electric power systems, bringing positive impacts to the environment, public health, and the economy. 

Project Summary


9% GHG emission reduction by 2030

100%use of electric bus fleet by 2030

285battery swap stations in pilot districts by 2030

Data analysis

As a developing country, Vietnam recognises the importance of nurturing ‘green’ transport and EVs to sustain its upward trajectory. An e-mobility roadmap is the most comprehensive pathway for national and subnational governments to monitor progress, measure outcomes, and achieve sustainable development goals. 

Drawing on our multidisciplinary expertise, Arup identified gaps in existing policies and regulations, power systems, electricity transmission, distribution networks and industrial capacity that might hinder the e-mobility development. 

To address these issues, we leveraged our global experience to conduct benchmarking analyses of countries that have made significant progress in EV adoption. This was followed by market demand assessments and electricity supply chain analyses, formulating the foundation for subsequent e-mobility recommendations.

EV Bus Rapid Transit in Ho Chi Minh City ©World Bank EV Bus Rapid Transit in Ho Chi Minh City ©World Bank
EV Bus Rapid Transit in Ho Chi Minh City ©World Bank

From national-level to city-level

We presented a roadmap that provides policy options for the Vietnamese government to consider at the national level and a downstream implementation approach for a selected pilot city. 

At the national level, the study developed strategies for charging infrastructure deployment, expansion of public charging networks, and considerations of mobility patterns, land use, planning codes and grid distribution. In addition, we identified roles and responsibilities of the government and key stakeholders, analysed capabilities and institutional integration to ensure the roadmap’s implementation. 

At the city-level, we focused on facilitating efforts on a target pilot city, developing enabling policies and frameworks applicable to other large cities across Vietnam.

A solid foundation for a more sustainable Vietnam

The exceptional quality and efficiency of this study led the World Bank to expand the project's scope, entrusting us with the crucial task of conducting a pre-feasibility study for the first electric Bus Rapid Transit  route in Ho Chi Minh City, also a historic first for Vietnam.

This project was also selected to be showcased during the UK Smart Cities Trade Mission to Vietnam, an event organised by the UK government to foster connections between UK and Vietnamese businesses, as a part of the contribution of UK businesses to the development of smart cities in Vietnam.

Following our successful partnership on urban bus and green mobility in key cities in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, we are thrilled to collaborate with the World Bank again to strengthen our strategic expertise in advancing e-mobility, sustainable transport, and low-carbon city development across Southeast Asia. ” Corey Wong Corey Wong Director in Transport Consulting and Southeast Asia Transport Lead