The pickup truck market in Vietnam has long been defined by traditional diesel-powered vehicles. However, the electrification trend is driving significant changes in the mindset of consumers and transport businesses. Electric pickup trucks are no longer a distant concept but are gradually becoming a practical choice.
Transitioning to green vehicles helps businesses optimize long-term operating costs. At the same time, this is an opportunity for businesses to get ahead of the sustainable development trend. The electric pickup truck market in Vietnam is at a major turning point in terms of both technology and support policies [3].
Development drivers from policy and infrastructure
The Vietnamese government is implementing many preferential policies to promote the transition to electric vehicles. According to Decree 10/2022/NĐ-CP, battery-powered electric cars are eligible for a 100% registration fee exemption until the end of February 2025 [4]. This significantly reduces the initial investment cost for transport businesses.
Furthermore, the special consumption tax on electric vehicles is maintained at a much lower level than for internal combustion engine vehicles. This is an important financial lever that helps electric pickup trucks compete fairly with traditional diesel rivals. Additionally, you can learn more about electric vehicles and the national grid: energy challenges in Vietnam to grasp the big picture.
Outstanding advantages of electric pickup trucks
Electric pickup trucks offer impressive operating performance thanks to electric motors that provide instant torque. The ability to accelerate quickly and strong towing capacity help the vehicle handle complex terrain well. For transport business owners, this is a major advantage when transporting goods on difficult routes.
Energy and maintenance costs are also key factors. Electric vehicles have fewer moving mechanical parts, which significantly reduces periodic maintenance costs. The V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) feature also allows the vehicle to provide power to external devices, which is extremely useful for construction sites or outdoor activities [3].
Electric pickup truck models shaping the market
VinFast made a big splash when it introduced the VF Wild electric pickup concept at CES 2024 [1]. This model features dimensions ideal for the mid-size pickup segment and a flexible truck bed design [2]. The VinFast VF Wild promises to be a game-changer if successfully commercialized.
In addition, the emergence of international vehicle lines such as the Riddara RD6 in Southeast Asia also creates positive competitive pressure. Vietnamese users now have a more open view of new electric vehicle brands. Product diversification will help the market grow more strongly in the coming years.
Challenges to overcome
Although the potential is huge, electric pickup trucks still face some technical barriers. Driving range when carrying maximum loads or towing heavy cargo is often significantly reduced compared to theoretical specifications. This is a problem that manufacturers need to solve to convince transport business owners.
Charging infrastructure in remote areas is not yet fully synchronized. Although the charging station systems of VinFast and V-GREEN are covering a wide area, traveling on off-road routes still requires careful preparation regarding energy. However, with the current pace of infrastructure development, these difficulties will soon be overcome [4].
The future of green transport in Vietnam
Consumer sentiment is gradually shifting from prioritizing the durability of diesel engines to performance and environmental friendliness. Modern transport businesses are beginning to calculate long-term costs rather than just looking at the initial purchase price. Cheap electric vehicles: an opportunity for the Vietnamese market will be an important stepping stone to popularize this type of vehicle.
Investing in electric pickup trucks is not just a business act but also a contribution to the national sustainable development goal. Preferential policies from the Government [4] along with advanced technology from automakers like VinFast [2] will create a complete green transport ecosystem. This is the golden time for businesses to research and transition their fleets.
More Information
- VinFast VF Wild: VinFast's first electric pickup concept vehicle, designed with an automatic seat-folding feature to expand the truck bed, aiming for maximum flexibility for users [1].
- Instant torque: A technical characteristic of electric motors, allowing the vehicle to reach maximum pulling force as soon as the accelerator is pressed, helping electric pickup trucks excel in acceleration and heavy hauling [2].
- V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) feature: Technology that allows an electric vehicle to act as a mobile power source, supplying energy to electronic devices, handheld tools, or household appliances [3].
- Registration fee: A mandatory fee when registering vehicle ownership. The Vietnamese government currently has a policy of 100% exemption for this fee for battery-powered electric cars until the end of February 2025 [4].
- BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle): A type of car that uses electricity entirely from batteries to operate, with no internal combustion engine and zero toxic emissions into the environment [5].