Many apartment buildings in Ho Chi Minh City start installing EV charging points

At several apartment buildings such as Vinhomes Grand Park in Long Binh Ward and Landmark 81, the infrastructure for EV charging is already in place.

These include designated areas for charging electric cars and motorcycles, with clear signage prohibiting gasoline-powered vehicles from parking nearby.

Instruction boards on how to use the charging stations have also been installed for residents’ reference.

Between five and six fully-equipped EV charging zones are located across Vinhomes Grand Park.

These facilities allow multiple electric vehicles to charge simultaneously.

Residents have expressed strong support for these developments.

Tan Thanh, a 40-year-old resident of Vinhomes Grand Park, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that he felt reassured and encouraged to purchase an electric car thanks to the on-site charging availability.

“This infrastructure is not only convenient and time-saving but also aligns with the broader mission of environmental sustainability,” he said.

“I hope the city continues to expand green transport solutions.”

Thanh also noted the challenges his friends face in other residential areas where electric vehicles are either restricted or completely banned from parking lots.

In those cases, residents struggle to find charging options, deterring them from making the switch to EVs.

As observed by a Tuoi Tre reporter on Saturday, other apartment buildings such as Hoa Sen in Binh Thoi Ward and Jamona City in Phu Thuan Ward already installed charging points.

However, some residents said that these efforts were still too modest to meet rising demand.

Phuong Thao, a dweller of Hoa Sen Apartment Building, shared that she appreciated the initial investment, but hoped for more extensive development.

“Having charging stations in the apartment building is reassuring, but they must meet safety standards,” she said.

Many residents suggested that authorities and apartment management boards should act swiftly to expand EV infrastructure.

“Once the investment is made, people can rest easy and feel more confident in choosing electric vehicles,” some said.

Despite the progress in some areas, others still face major challenges.

In several apartment complexes in the city, there are no designated areas for EV parking or charging.

Without access to power outlets or secure locations, residents are often left scrambling for alternatives.

A reader named Trung shared that he found it hard to park or charge his e-bike in the apartment building where he lives.

“I bought an electric motorbike for daily commuting, but parking and charging have become a nightmare," he said.

“The building doesn’t allow charging in the parking lot, and if I park there, I get complaints. 

"I’m forced to stash my e-bike in a bicycle corner, and sometimes security guards move it without telling me."

When the battery runs low, he has to seek charging permission from other buildings, he added.