Vietnam’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a strong wave of new legislation, strategic plans, and government incentives. The government’s clear commitment to electrification is attracting foreign investment, supporting advanced production, and reducing reliance on internal combustion engine (ICE) imports. Recent national strategies, sector regulations, and technical standards demonstrate a rare level of regulatory momentum in Southeast Asia, positioning Vietnam as a competitive player in the global EV supply chain and an attractive market for foreign investors. An overview of legal developments for the EV sector in Vietnam is presented below. National Action Program for Green Transportation A key driver of Vietnam’s EV growth has been the National Action Program for Green Transportation through 2050 stipulated in Decision No. 876/QD-TTg of the prime minister dated July 22, 2022. The National Action Program sets a detailed roadmap for the green energy transition in road transport. For the period 2022–2030, the focus is on promoting the manufacturing, assembly, import, and conversion of road motor vehicles to electric power, expanding the use of 100% E5 gasoline for road vehicles, developing charging infrastructure to meet the needs of residents and businesses, and encouraging both new and existing bus stations and rest stops to meet green criteria. For the period 2031–2050, the roadmap aims to gradually restrict and ultimately cease by 2040 the manufacturing, assembly, and import of fossil fuel-powered cars, motorcycles, and mopeds for domestic use. By 2050, the goal is for 100% of road motor vehicles and construction vehicles participating in traffic to use electricity or green energy, for all bus stations and rest stops to meet green criteria, and for all machinery and equipment for loading and unloading to transition from fossil fuels to electricity or green energy. The program also calls for the completion of nationwide

On June 27, 2025, the National Assembly of Vietnam officially passed the amended Law on Atomic Energy, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. This legislative milestone follows the release of the fourth draft in June 2025, which was circulated for public consultation and builds upon earlier drafts from February, April, and early June. (See our previous article on the draft version here), Many provisions have been retained or refined to ensure greater specificity and alignment with Vietnam’s current legal framework. Once in force, the amended law will replace the 2008 Law on Atomic Energy (No. 18/2008/QH12), marking a significant step forward in modernizing Vietnam’s legal infrastructure for nuclear energy. The new law aims to harmonize with international standards, promote the safe and sustainable development of nuclear power, and facilitate future nuclear projects in the country. Noteworthy Updates in the Final Legislation Definition of National Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (NRNSA): The law introduces a clear definition of the NRNSA, outlining its roles and responsibilities in line with IAEA standards. Currently, this function is performed by the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARANS) under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Digital Transformation Requirements: New provisions mandate the development of an integrated digital platform for data management, administrative procedures, and safety oversight, enhancing transparency and security. Policy Support for Training and Privatization: The law sets out principles for workforce incentives and sector privatization, with detailed regulations to be issued by the government. Dedicated Safety and Security Mechanism: A new section outlines inspection, supervision, violation handling, and enforcement procedures in the field of atomic energy, particularly for nuclear power plants. The NRNSA is empowered to conduct unscheduled inspections, suspend operations, and recommend license revocation when safety risks are identified. Key Provisions Retained or Clarified from the Draft Licensing

The final article in our series analyzing the recent European blackout and its implications for Thailand. It presents key lessons for Thailand on strengthening its energy system to prevent similar disruptions in the future.