Vietnam Drafts EV Charging Station Technical Regulations

Overview

Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) has released a draft national technical regulation on EV charging stations and chargers for public comment. The draft aims to unify technical and safety requirements, including metering accuracy and data transparency, to protect consumers and support the growing EV market. This regulatory development is relevant to VFS, the EV charging subsidiary of Vingroup, which operates a large charging network across Vietnam.

Key Facts

• The draft regulation covers structural requirements, electrical safety, shock protection, overload protection, and electromagnetic compatibility for charging equipment.
• Charging stations must meet requirements for site layout, infrastructure, equipment safety, fire prevention, power supply, and grid connection.
• Meters at charging stations must display energy consumption, unit price, service fees, time, and total cost, with data storage and retrieval capabilities.
• In 2023, 15,676 pure electric cars were sold in Vietnam, of which 15,486 were domestically produced and 190 imported.
• In H1 2024, pure EV sales reached 17,536 units, with 17,482 domestically produced and 54 imported.
• A network of approximately 150,000 charging ports with power up to 360 kW has been developed nationwide.

What Happened

The MOIT published the draft national technical regulation on EV charging stations and chargers to solicit feedback. The regulation sets out detailed technical and safety requirements for charging equipment and stations, including structural integrity, electrical safety, and fire prevention. Notably, it mandates that charging meters must accurately display energy consumption, unit price, service fees, time, and total cost, and must be capable of storing and retrieving transaction data. This aims to help users monitor transactions, compare services, and reduce billing disputes.

The draft also addresses certification, conformity declaration, and quality inspection for imported goods. The MOIT’s move comes amid rapid growth in Vietnam’s EV market, with domestic sales of pure EVs increasing from 15,676 units in 2023 to 17,536 units in the first half of 2024 alone. The ministry notes that a large charging network of about 150,000 ports has already been established, and many domestic and foreign suppliers are entering the market, necessitating unified safety and quality standards.

Market Context

VFS, listed on the HNX, closed at 10,200 VND on 2026-08-11. The company is a key player in Vietnam’s EV charging infrastructure, operating a vast network of charging stations. The draft regulation could impose additional compliance costs but also enhance consumer confidence and standardize the market, potentially benefiting established operators like VFS. The broader Vietnamese EV market is expanding rapidly, with domestic production dominating sales, and the regulatory framework is evolving to keep pace.

Strategic Significance

For long-term investors, the draft regulation signals a maturing EV ecosystem in Vietnam. Standardized technical and safety requirements can reduce operational risks and improve service quality, which is crucial for mass adoption. VFS, as a major charging network operator, may need to invest in upgrading equipment to meet new standards, but it could also gain a competitive edge if smaller players struggle to comply. The regulation’s emphasis on metering transparency aligns with consumer protection trends and could foster trust in public charging services.

What to Watch

• Finalization and effective date of the national technical regulation.
• VFS’s compliance plan and any capital expenditure guidance for upgrading charging infrastructure.
• Market reaction from other charging network operators and equipment suppliers.
• Updates on EV sales and charging network expansion in Vietnam.
• Any additional regulatory measures on EV charging pricing or grid integration.