A parking garage at an apartment building in Hanh Thong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre
The management board of Tan Phuoc condo building in Tan Son Ward, previously part of old District 11 before a recent administrative reorganization, issued a notice on July 23 instructing its parking operator not to accept electric bicycles, motorbikes or cars in the underground garage.
The board cited fire safety concerns related to the specific risks of battery systems, accumulators, and improper charging practices as the reason for the ban.
Residents said the prohibition has created difficulties for those who have already switched to electric vehicles.
“I bought an electric motorbike legally and with full insurance. Now I’m told I can’t park it in my own building,” complained Hoang Minh, a resident.
Critics argue the restriction goes against the government’s push to reduce emissions by encouraging electric vehicle use.
Vietnam is accelerating its push for greener transport, aiming to phase out fossil-fuel vehicles by 2050 under a national energy transition strategy approved by the prime minister in 2022.
The country is planning pilot programs to replace gasoline-powered motorbikes with electric vehicles in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
A notice at Tan Phuoc apartment complex prohibits the parking of electric vehicles in the basement garage. The announcement was shared on social media.
The Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies recently proposed a plan to build 3,000 public charging and battery swap stations by 2028.
As per the proposal, new residential and commercial projects would be required to include charging infrastructure.
Legal experts say the ban may violate housing laws.
“Under current legislation, there is no provision that allows apartment building management to prohibit electric vehicles,” said Dang Thi Thuy Huyen, director of HPL & Partners law firm.
“This practice also undermines national efforts to support clean energy transition.”
Authorities have not issued specific national standards for EV parking and charging in multi-unit buildings.
Lawyers and residents are urging the government to clarify regulations to balance safety with the rights of electric vehicle owners.
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