The recent incidents involving electric vehicles (EVs) in Vietnam have drawn significant attention, raising questions about safety and regulatory compliance. The story begins with Mr. Lỗ, who purchased a Zeekr 001 electric car for approximately 250,000 CNY (around 870 million VND). On February 6, 2024, the vehicle caught fire during the charging process at a charging station under snowy conditions.
According to Mr. Lỗ, the car was lent to a friend who discovered it had run out of battery. After pushing the vehicle to the charging station, snow accumulated on the charging apparatus. Reportedly, as snow and water infiltrated the engine compartment, the vehicle exploded shortly after he began charging it. Mr. Lỗ described the incident, saying, "There was snow falling, and I suspect some water may have entered the engine area. About five minutes later, the engine compartment exploded."
Following the incident, the charging station’s management offered to compensate Mr. Lỗ if they were found at fault. To clarify the situation, both parties commissioned separate assessments of the vehicle. The first report indicated the fire originated from the vehicle's control module and was not caused by external environmental factors. Mr. Lỗ expressed frustration with this, stating, "The area where the fire occurred is very clear; it is not due to external factors. Yet they only focused on the battery assessment, which feels like they are avoiding responsibility. It's like getting MRI results when you were complaining about stomach pain—they're missing the point entirely."
Conversely, the showroom engaged another assessment company, which concluded there were signs of short-circuiting on the battery. The showroom's representative, Ms. Tào, defended their position, explaining, "The car ran out of battery and was pushed to the station where melting snow may have caused the short circuit. We are prepared to cooperate with Mr. Lỗ for insurance assessments." Her remarks attempted to downplay allegations of product faults, underscoring the challenging balance between customer satisfaction and corporate liability.
Mr. Lỗ's dissent over the showroom's findings has resulted in tensions between the two sides. He suggested involving a third-party organization acceptable to both parties for re-assessment, but there is concern this may lead to lengthy legal battles if agreements can't be reached amicably. Legal expert Lý Húc weighed in, stating, "If both sides do not reach consensus, we may need to proceed legally. It’s important to establish accountability through fair assessments.”
At the same time, the regulatory climate for electric vehicles is also changing. The Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee has ordered two local tour companies engaged in operating electric tourist vehicles to cease operations starting February 15, 2024. The government justified this action, arguing the vehicles currently cannot meet safety standards or necessary regulations such as maintaining speed limits of 30km/h on applicable routes.
The two companies involved operate around 75 electric tourist vehicles, contributing to the ride-hailing market and environmental sustainability. Yet, Mr. Chu Văn An, deputy head of the Khanh Hoa Department of Transport, pointed out, "While the electric tourist vehicles reduce environmental pollution, they also need to adhere to safety regulations. Uncontrollable speeds and inadequate compliance could lead to hazardous situations."
This suspension reflects broader safety concerns posed by electric vehicles, particularly as operators and regulators navigate the challenges associated with the burgeoning market for electric transport. Following the new regulations, businesses stand to face significant economic impacts, including job losses and maintenance costs during inactivity.
Officials from both cities are undertaking extensive consultations on improved regulatory frameworks. The situation remains fluid, emphasizing the need for balance between innovation, safety, and public service. Given the reported incidents, stakeholders are urged to maintain open dialogues to avoid detrimental legal ramifications. The complexity of integrating electric vehicles within established regulatory frameworks begs the question: How will Vietnam continue to navigate the future of electric transport?