Keyvan KARGAR’s Post

We're seeing it in country after country in the Global South—a push for rapid electrification. Not only because it will save lives, but because it offers economic opportunity and greater energy security for fossil importing countries. "Unlike the car market, most motorbikes in Vietnam are made locally, so a shift to electric bikes could also boost domestic production, foster innovation, and attract new investment. “These countries look at each other. Look at the experience,” Zifei Yang said, suggesting that Vietnam’s transition could serve as a template for other developing nations grappling with similar air quality crises." https://lnkd.in/gE_tKGJS

The electrification of transportation in Southeast Asia builds momentum as it contributes to a growing Cleantech economy and transforms the streets in Vietnam and across SE Asia. The country’s 77 million two-wheelers — including 7 million in Hanoi and 8.5 million in Ho Chi Minh City — power small businesses, shape daily commerce, and set the rhythm of cities. Electric motorbike sales have surged since the ban was announced, with purchases of smaller bikes up 89% and full-sized bikes 197% in the first eight months of 2025. VinFast led as its sales more than quadrupled, #sustainableopportunity #cleantech #cleanair #ghgemissions #domesticproducion

Vietnam runs on two wheels — and those wheels are beginning to go electric. The government and domestic firms like VinFast are betting big on electric motorbikes to cut emissions and reduce oil imports. Yet many riders remain unconvinced: gas bikes are cheaper, easier to refill, and proven on long trips. Charging access and battery durability remain sticking points. My latest for AP on the push — and the hesitation — behind Vietnam’s electric motorbike transition: https://lnkd.in/g3DCJQNB

🇻🇳🚗 VIETNAM IS EXPORTING ELECTRIC CARS TO THE PHILIPPINES… 🇵🇭 Meanwhile, we’re still debating where to charge our e-bikes.  Once upon a time, Vietnam looked to us for progress. Now they’re sending us their electric vehicles while we’re busy importing—not technology, but political drama. 🤦♂️ They built factories, we built commissions. They trained engineers, we trained influencers. They export EVs, we export talents (and sometimes the talented leave for good). Vietnam is driving toward the future — quietly, efficiently, electrically. We, on the other hand, are still stuck in traffic... arguing about whose convoy gets to pass first. 🚓💨 So, should we finally start innovating — or keep “charging” our phones while others charge their cars? ⚡📱

Vietnam's looming ban on petrol-powered motorbikes marks the country's biggest transport disruption in decades. With 77 million bikes on the road, the shift to EVs is expected to reshape sectors like ride-hailing and auto manufacturing. Find out how the likes of Grab and VinFast are adjusting - and the opportunities that have opened to them with the shift. https://lnkd.in/dSRCYFfw

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗩 𝘄𝗮𝘃𝗲.   Motorbikes are the country’s pride.   Now, they are turning electric. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀   - ASEAN’s key motorbike hub: home to Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki   - 2024 production: 1.89M units (down 11% YoY)   - 2024 domestic sales: 1.68M units (down 9.3%)  𝗘𝗩 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁   - Electric motorbike sales: 25,020 in 2024 (+14.1% YoY)   - Backed by EV 3.0 & 3.5 policies: up to ฿10,000 subsidy, tax perks, battery swap stations   - Barriers: high battery cost, weak charging infra, low consumer awareness  𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹   - Grab Thailand launched “End-to-End EV Rental” at ฿138/day with insurance, battery swap, and maintenance included   - 3,000+ riders already using EVs for food delivery and mobility   - Expanding from Bangkok and Chiang Mai to Chonburi, Songkhla, Udon Thani  𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀   - Deco Green Energy’s “Hannah” model became cost-competitive with ICE bikes once subsidies applied   - Plans to expand beyond Thailand into ASEAN markets  𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱   - 2025–2027: steady 1.5–2.5% annual growth expected   - ICE bikes will remain dominant, but EVs are rising   - Future growth depends on battery tech, charging networks, and subsidy continuity   - Low-cost Chinese EV imports could intensify competition  𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲   Thailand’s motorbike industry can’t avoid electrification.   Government push + private platforms like Grab = a market ready for change.  Source: KOTRA Bangkok, Krungsri Research, ASEAN Automotive Federation, Statista, Thailand Automotive Institute, Grab Thailand, Deco Green Energy — September 26, 2025  Seungho Im, Korean Product Exporter   Email: seungho24h@steadyseoul.com

Japan calls for a delay in Vietnam’s motorbike ban Japan is urging Vietnam to slow down its plan to ban petrol motorbikes in Hanoi from 2026, warning the move could wipe out thousands of jobs and disrupt a $4.6 billion industry dominated by Honda. The Japanese embassy said the ban could harm local dealers, suppliers, and workers. #Honda, which holds 80% of the market, saw sales drop 22% right after the ban was announced. The company employs thousands and supports nearly 2,000 small businesses nationwide. Vietnam says the ban is essential to tackle worsening air pollution, but experts fear the transition is too abrupt. Manufacturers want a 2–3 year grace period to build charging networks and retrain workers. As petrol bike sales fall, VINFAST (Vietnam’s own EV brand) has seen its electric motorbike sales soar 55% in one quarter. The shift shows Vietnam’s clean mobility future is coming fast, but whether workers and small firms can keep up remains uncertain. https://lnkd.in/dppqyPFJ

We are excited to announce that we have signed a contract with the National Motorway Company to construct a new motorway near Žilina, Slovakia. The contract value is EUR 261 million, about SEK 2.9 billion. The 9.6-kilometer stretch will include a multi-level interchange and 20 new bridges. Once completed, it will divert heavy traffic from local roads, enhancing safety while reducing noise and emissions. Find out more in the press release: https://bit.ly/4pNdAqr #PressRelease #motorway #infrastructure #safety #travel #Skanska

Vietnam’s mobility landscape is rapidly evolving. Our latest survey shows that government initiatives to promote electric vehicles (EVs) are strongly influencing consumer decisions. As a result, the share of those planning to choose EVs over ICE motorbikes is rising sharply, with many respondents explicitly citing policy as a key factor behind their choice. This shift is also reshaping brand dynamics. While VinFast’s current ownership share is still in single digits, over 30% say they would choose VinFast for their next bike — highlighting the brand’s growing momentum in the transition to electric mobility.