Vietnam Drafts EV Charging Standards: Impact on VinFast and Rivals

Overview

Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is drafting a national technical regulation (QCVN) for EV charging stations and piles, aiming to establish mandatory minimum technical requirements. This move responds to the rapid growth of the EV market and the need for standardized safety and quality controls. The regulation will impact all charging network operators, including VinFast (VFS), EV One, EverCharge, and others, potentially reshaping competitive dynamics.

Key Facts

• MoIT is drafting a national technical regulation for EV charging stations and piles, setting mandatory minimum technical requirements before market entry.
• In 2023, Vietnam consumed 15,676 battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with 15,486 domestically assembled and 190 imported.
• In H1 2024, 17,536 BEVs were consumed, with 17,482 domestically assembled and 54 imported.
• VinFast operates 150,000 charging ports across 34 provinces, with power output up to 360kW.
• Other charging providers include EV One, EverCharge, EverEV, GreenCharge, StarCharge, and Autel.
• The regulation aims to control risks in design, construction, installation, acceptance, operation, maintenance, and renovation of charging stations.
• It will clarify responsibilities for manufacturers, importers, investors, design units, construction units, operators, power utilities, and conformity assessment organizations.

What Happened

According to a report from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the draft regulation is being developed to address the fragmented application of technical standards among charging station operators. Currently, businesses apply various standards that are not mandatory minimum requirements, leading to potential risks such as electrical short circuits and fires. The new QCVN will establish a unified technical framework, making compliance compulsory for all charging piles before they can be sold or installed.

The ministry emphasized that the regulation is necessary to manage the transition from individual electrical products to a comprehensive infrastructure system that interacts with the power grid, buildings, fire safety, metering, payment, data, and consumer rights. The draft is part of Vietnam’s broader strategy to promote green transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Market Context

VinFast (VFS), listed on the HOSE, has the largest charging network in Vietnam with 150,000 ports, giving it a significant first-mover advantage. However, the new regulation could impose additional compliance costs on all operators, potentially affecting smaller players like EV One and EverCharge more severely. The Vietnamese EV market is growing rapidly, with domestic production dominating sales. The regulation aligns with government efforts to standardize infrastructure, which could enhance consumer confidence and accelerate EV adoption. As of August 13, 2026, VFS closed at 10,000 VND, reflecting market sentiment amid regulatory developments.

Strategic Significance

For long-term investors, the new regulation signals a maturing market where safety and quality standards become key differentiators. VinFast’s extensive network and established infrastructure may give it a competitive edge in meeting compliance requirements, while smaller operators could face higher barriers to entry. The regulation also supports the government’s green energy transition goals, potentially attracting more investment into the sector. However, the impact on profitability will depend on the specific technical requirements and implementation timeline, which are not yet fully disclosed.

What to Watch

• Finalization and publication of the QCVN, including specific technical requirements and compliance deadlines.
• Any transitional provisions for existing charging stations to upgrade to new standards.
• Response from charging network operators, including potential price adjustments or network expansion plans.
• Updates on VinFast’s charging network expansion and any strategic partnerships in response to the regulation.
• Government incentives or support programs to help smaller operators comply with the new standards.