Electric Motorcycles: Leading the Way in Vietnamese Exports with Affordable, Innovative Designs

According to statistics from Motorcycle Data (McD), Vietnam maintains its position as the 4th largest motorcycle market in the world.

While foreign manufacturers, namely Honda and Yamaha, still dominate the market share, domestic manufacturers are also thriving and have even begun exporting their vehicles overseas.

The Rise of “Made by Vietnam” Motorcycles

Despite Vietnam’s relatively late entry into the motorcycle manufacturing industry, the country now boasts at least three producers with high localization rates: VinFast, Selex, and Dat Bike.

These three manufacturers offer a diverse range of models to the market, catering to the commuting needs of everyday users, those with bolder personalities, and those in the delivery sector.

For everyday commuters, models like the Evo200, Feliz S, or Klara S from VinFast, or the Quantum from Dat Bike for those who want a bolder look, are worth considering. Meanwhile, delivery drivers can explore the Selex line, which offers specialized designs for the delivery sector.

Moreover, an entirely new manufacturer is about to launch what is touted as the first high-performance electric motorcycle in the Vietnamese market. This model boasts an impressive design and a powerful engine.

Vietnamese Motorcycles Go Global

After establishing themselves in the domestic market, several Vietnamese motorcycle brands have set their sights on expanding into international markets.

VinFast seems to be leading the way in this regard, having showcased their electric motorcycle lineup at various global events and even organizing test drives. Most recently, VinFast displayed their electric motorcycles at the 2024 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS 2024) alongside their electric car lineup.

Previously, VinFast launched the VinFast DrgnFly electric bicycle in the US, but they have not yet officially sold any electric motorcycle models overseas.

Similarly, Dat Bike, another Vietnamese motorcycle manufacturer, has expressed interest in taking their products global. In 2023, the company’s founder and CEO, Nguyen Ba Canh Son, revealed that they had received numerous offers and were considering the right partners.

Rumors have surfaced suggesting that Dat Bike’s first export batch is expected to be shipped by the end of this year or early next year.

First Vietnamese Manufacturer to Export Electric Motorcycles

Selex Motors recently announced the export of its first batch of electric motorcycles to the Philippines. Specifically, on August 24, Selex began shipping its Camel 2 model, along with its battery swap system, to the Southeast Asian country.

In fact, Selex is the only company in Vietnam currently implementing a battery swap system for electric vehicles. This approach eliminates the long waiting times associated with charging, allowing users to get a fully charged battery in just a few minutes. This is especially beneficial for delivery drivers, who are Selex’s target customers.

In a statement, Selex’s representative said that their partner in the Philippines will use the vehicles for “delivery services first.” The company chose the Philippines as their first export market because it is “in the early stages of electric vehicle development and has strong promotional policies.”

The representative also mentioned that their Philippine partner had researched several other companies before signing with them, citing “strong promotional policies” as the deciding factor.

Nguyen Huu Phuoc Nguyen, founder and CEO, shared on social media: “Selex is fortunate to have attracted the attention of many partners who wish to import our entire ecosystem and business model to develop in the Philippines. After a long period of working together, we have finally chosen the right partner to work with.”

However, Selex’s electric vehicles will not be limited to the Philippines, as the company plans to expand into other Southeast Asian markets soon.