Vietnam has introduced new technical rules requiring public electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations to serve all compatible vehicles and clearly display charging prices, Technode Global reported.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued the regulation on national standards for EV charging stations, which will take effect on July 1, 2027. The move is part of the country’s broader efforts to promote greener growth.
The regulation, QCVN 32:2026/BCT, applies to charging stations in public places, car parks and rest areas, as well as outdoor and stand-alone charging sites. It does not cover chargers located in basements or indoor garages, private charging stations, wireless chargers, in-car chargers or testing equipment.
Under the new rules, public charging stations must meet technical requirements for connectors, charging methods and other specifications so that compatible EVs can use them. Charging control systems will not be allowed to prevent vehicles from charging when they use systems already declared compatible.
Commercial charging stations will also have to display their prices, explain how customers will be billed and show the amount of electricity used before and during each charging session. The ministry said the information must also be protected against unauthorised changes.
Charging stations installed before July 2027 will be allowed to continue operating. However, they must be maintained safely and undergo safety checks every six months. Operators will have up to two years to correct any shortcomings. Any repairs or expansion carried out later will have to comply with the new standards.
The rules come as Vietnam’s EV charging sector moves towards more open networks. Charging infrastructure is currently operated by vehicle manufacturers, distributors and independent companies. While some networks are restricted to their own customers, others are available to EV users more broadly.
VinFast, Vietnam’s best-selling EV brand, has the largest charging network in the country. Companies including TC Group, TMT and Tasco are also investing in charging networks that can be used by different EVs.
The new regulation sets technical requirements and deadlines for charging station operators but does not specify penalties for failing to comply.
