Accelerating Ride-Hailing Apps Drive the Shift to Electrification

Leading ride-hailing companies are aggressively transitioning to electric vehicles, proactively aligning with urban centers' timelines to restrict gasoline-powered cars.

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According to transportation companies’ calculations, the operational costs of electric vehicles are 30% to 40% lower than gasoline vehicles, not to mention the tax and fee incentives for green transportation. This is seen as a long-term economic solution for taxi and ride-hailing companies.

Businesses Join the Electric Revolution

Grab Vietnam recently partnered with BYD to launch a program supporting drivers in transitioning to electric vehicles, starting in major cities. Similarly, Be Group, owner of the Be ride-hailing app, has developed the Be Green ecosystem, offering flexible leasing packages to help drivers easily access electric vehicles.

Ride-hailing customers are increasingly preferring electric vehicles.

Traditional taxi companies are not lagging behind, investing heavily in electric vehicles to optimize their business efficiency. For instance, Sun Taxi has signed a contract to purchase 3,000 VF 5 Plus vehicles from VinFast, Lado Taxi plans to deploy 2,500 electric vehicles within three years, and Mai Linh aims to replace nearly 4,000 gasoline vehicles with electric ones.

The pressure to go green comes from both policy and market demands. In terms of policy, Hanoi is pioneering a pilot plan to charge fees for cars entering the inner city and aims to restrict gasoline vehicles in central areas. Ho Chi Minh City is also studying a phased restriction on gasoline motorbikes while encouraging clean vehicles in passenger transport. Market-wise, passengers increasingly prefer green services, forcing transport companies to adapt quickly to retain both customers and drivers.

Be Group boasts a network of over 400,000 drivers nationwide. The company allows drivers to choose their vehicles and operating areas based on their capabilities and needs. A Be Group representative stated they will strive to connect with partners to support drivers in transitioning vehicles, maintaining stable jobs and incomes. Be has launched the BE5X Center, a comprehensive support model helping drivers access loans, leasing, vehicle purchases, insurance, and fuel. Drivers can proactively upgrade or change vehicles to suit their needs.

Ms. Dang Thuy Trang, Director of External Affairs at Grab Vietnam, said the company is collaborating with clean energy vehicle manufacturers and suppliers to support and encourage driver transitions. Grab is also developing a feature on GrabMaps to integrate electric vehicle charging station information, helping drivers locate the nearest stations.

According to Mr. Tran Luu Van, CEO of Let’s Go, the company has invested in over 1,000 electric vehicles and plans to add another 1,000 next year to expand its market. “Investing in electric vehicles is not just a trend but also helps businesses cut financial costs by up to 50%,” Mr. Van acknowledged.

A Significant Catalyst

Observers believe that the roadmap to restrict gasoline vehicles in major cities will be a powerful catalyst for the electric vehicle market. The earlier companies invest, both traditional and ride-hailing, the greater their brand advantage, market share, and policy adaptability. However, without timely government support and ecosystem collaboration, rapid transitions cannot be achieved.

Through the partnership between BYD and Grab Vietnam, drivers are guaranteed incomes of up to 25 million VND per month and an 8-year battery warranty. Meanwhile, Dat Bike, an electric motorcycle manufacturer, has received substantial orders from ride-hailing companies for several years. These vehicles are sold to drivers on installment plans, easing financial pressure on drivers.

Ms. Hoang Ha Chau, representative of Yadea Vietnam, said that since July 2025, the company has implemented a gasoline-to-electric vehicle exchange program with a subsidy of up to 2 million VND. Subsequently, the old-for-new exchange program, also with a 2 million VND subsidy, has attracted significant interest from both individual and service company customers.

Mr. Hoang Manh Tan, Deputy CEO of Son Ha Group, said many ride-hailing companies have connected with the group to implement plans supporting driver transitions through leasing or installment purchases. “However, ride-hailing companies have not yet implemented comprehensive transition plans, only testing the waters while monitoring policies,” Mr. Tan noted. He believes that clear, comprehensive regulations on green vehicle transitions would reassure transport companies to accelerate their efforts.

Article and Photos: NGUYỄN HẢI

– 07:46 28/09/2025

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