Assessing the readiness for electric vehicle adoption: A study of clean energy infrastructure and transformation in Ho Chi Minh City

Zero-emission transportation is the ultimate goal for many countries around the world. The decreasing availability of fossil fuels and global climate change have compelled governments to take immediate action on energy transformation. This study investigates public perception of electric vehicle (EV) adoption and the concerns that people may have regarding this transformation, including commuting and travel, willingness to switch to EVs, decision-making criteria, and charging infrastructure. Results indicate that 51.16 % of survey respondents trend towards switching to EVs within the next 5 years, while others are satisfied with their current motorcycles. The investigation identified the most significant concerns affecting clean vehicle transformation, including battery performance (41.03 %), accessibility of charging infrastructure (20.36 %), and maintenance costs (18.9 %). Moving towards a net-zero emissions future, plug-in electric vehicles represent the best alternative for transportation, offering significant environmental benefits. However, the transition to EVs faces practical challenges due to obstacles in charging infrastructure, battery-related issues, initial purchase costs, and other factors. Additionally, the study identifies promotional services and tax incentives as potential levers to boost EV adoption.