“Fire Safety First: Why Dorms and Apartments Should Focus on Fire Hazard Prevention Rather Than Electric Vehicle Bans”

According to the World Bank’s report on the proposed roadmap and national action plan for the transition to electric vehicles in Vietnam, developing a charging station network is crucial for the adoption of electric vehicles in the country.

The World Bank proposes that from now until 2027, centrally-run cities in Vietnam should focus on developing a public charging network, prioritizing residential and modern apartment buildings. They suggest that apartment buildings should have charging facilities in parking lots, followed by parking areas in commercial centers, supermarkets, and similar locations. From 2027 to 2030, there should be an expansion of the public charging network in outlying areas.

By the 2030-2035 phase, the development of the charging network will shift from geographical expansion to increasing density in both urban and outlying areas, as stated in the World Bank’s report.

Regarding EV charging stations in apartment buildings, there has been recent news about apartment buildings and hostels in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi refusing to allow electric vehicles in their parking lots, causing a stir.

In an interview with Tien Phong regarding this issue, lawyer Hoang Tuan Vu from the Hanoi Bar Association shared his perspective. He attributed the refusal of apartment management or hostel owners to safety concerns and the lack of fire prevention and control measures in place for electric vehicle charging areas.

If they allow electric vehicles without ensuring fire safety, the apartment management or hostel owners could face administrative fines in case of a fire. More severe consequences, such as criminal liability, may arise if a fire causes significant damage to life and property.

As a solution, Lawyer Vu pointed out the provisions of Article 24 of the Law on Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue 2024. It stipulates that using equipment for charging electric vehicles must comply with national technical regulations. Charging electric vehicles indoors requires fire safety measures, and concentrated indoor charging areas must have fire prevention solutions and appropriate fire-fighting equipment that meets the standards.

The representative from the Hanoi Bar Association emphasized that banning electric vehicles in apartment buildings is inconsistent with current legal regulations and infringes on the legitimate rights of residents. It also goes against the government’s green transition agenda. Therefore, he suggested shifting from a “prohibition” mindset to “risk control.” This involves identifying potential risks, such as explosions or electrical shorts, and establishing strict management, operation, inspection, and monitoring procedures to ensure the safety of residents and their property.

Apartment buildings should proactively develop a safe and civilized electric vehicle management model that controls risks instead of imposing bans. This proactive approach will contribute to the successful implementation of green transportation development and environmental protection goals.

Lawyer Vu emphasized that the current legal framework, including the 2023 Housing Law, the 2024 Law on Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue, and the Government’s Decree 106/2025, provides comprehensive regulations regarding EV charging in apartment buildings. These regulations cover the necessary requirements for charging areas, fire safety, and management operations according to the latest standards.