Firm proposes electric conversion for Vietnam’s gasoline motorbikes

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, which is now in charge of transport aspects after the Department of Transport was merged into it, has sent a document to the Vietnam Register (VR) regarding a company’s proposal to convert gasoline-powered motorbikes to electric engines.

Motorcycles TV Co. Ltd earlier called for updates of Vietnam’s legal framework to recognize its 'electric engine conversion system' for gasoline vehicles, a move that the company believes would support the country’s green transition commitments.

Following the proposal, the Department of Construction convened a meeting for Motorcycles TV Co. to present its electric conversion plan, with participants including officials from VR, the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers, the Ho Chi Minh City Automobile and Power Equipment Association, and the Motor Registration Center 50-03S.

During the meeting, the participants expressed support for creative initiatives in vehicle modification, particularly efforts to retrofit old gasoline-powered motorbikes with electric engines.

The proposal was meant to reduce costs for customers, limit the increase in private vehicle numbers, and promote Vietnam’s transition to a greener transportation system.

The company’s proposed electric engine conversion to gasoline motorbikes is similar to hybrid car models.

A VR official said there are now no specific rules governing the conversion of gasoline vehicles to electric ones, and current legal documents have yet to outline detailed provisions on such modifications.

The Department of Construction viewed the conversion of aging gasoline motorbikes to electric engines as a promising step toward the city’s clean-energy transition, helping curb carbon and methane emissions from urban transport.

However, to ensure technical safety, environmental protection, and adherence to national standards, the implementation requires a clear framework and unified guidance from central ministries.

The department called on the VR to work with the Ministry of Construction on introducing clear safety and technical standards for converting gasoline-powered motorbikes to electric engines, creating the legal framework for broader adoption and advancing the Southeast Asian country's green transport goals.

It also suggested that the VR support and guide Motorcycles TV Co. Ltd in registering pilot projects and assessing the quality of its electric engine conversion products for motorbikes.