Vietnam proposes new technical standards for EV charging stations

Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade is seeking public opinion on a draft circular to establish national technical standards for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and pillars. The proposed regulations aim to mandate requirements for equipment quality, power supply systems, site layout, electrical safety, fire prevention, measurement, billing, and operational management.

The standards are intended for public charging areas, centralized parking lots, and rest stops. Charging stations located within residential buildings, apartment complexes, shopping centers, and indoor parking lots will follow relevant construction and fire safety regulations. Under the proposal, existing stations may need to undergo significant upgrades, including replacing electrical cabinets, cables, and switching devices to ensure safety.

If implemented, the new standards would become mandatory starting July 1, 2027. Charging pillars produced or imported before this date may continue to circulate for a 12-month transition period. Domestic products must be certified and marked with a conformity seal, while imported pillars will undergo state quality inspections. To prevent businesses from rushing equipment into the market before the deadline, the Ministry proposes strict controls on the origin and timing of production and imports. Existing stations must complete a system review within six months of the deadline and implement corrective actions within 24 months.