HCMC – HCMC will deploy 443 new electric buses across 27 routes starting August 1, raising its total number of electric buses to 613, or more than a quarter of the city’s commuter bus fleet.
The 27 new routes will operate alongside eight diesel-subsidized lines under a broader plan to expand public transit services. Operator Phuong Trang Futabusline Passenger Car Corporation will run all 443 electric buses, which meet international standards and have 30 to 40 seats each, with a maximum of 60 passengers per bus depending on the route.
Combined with around 500 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, environmentally friendly vehicles will make up nearly 48% of the city’s commuter bus fleet.
The rollout supports a city plan to transition all public buses to clean energy by 2030. The plan includes two phases. The first sets transition targets and support policies. The second will extend financial incentives to individuals and companies converting gasoline vehicles to electric, including ride-hailing and passenger transport operators.
The city estimates around 400,000 ride-hailing and delivery drivers generate high daily emissions, with average travel distances of 80 to 120 km. From January 2026, the city will stop issuing permits for new gasoline-powered ride-hailing vehicles and begin offering subsidies for electric vehicles.
Existing vehicles may continue to operate but must transition over time.
A battery recycling center is also planned to handle waste from the growing number of electric vehicles. The city is proposing regulations for battery collection and recycling to manage environmental risks.
