Viet Nam’s automaker VinFast and Vietnam Oil Corporation (PV Oil) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on implementing charging stations and leasing batteries for electric vehicles.

Under the MoU, PV Oil will provide 600 petrol stations nationwide for VinFast to install its charging station system in the first phase. This will rise to 20,000 stations by 2020.

Based on these locations, VinFast will be able to flexibly deploy models to meet the needs of customers in terms of electric power, including fast charging systems, battery rental and overnight charging stations.

PV Oil is one of the leading petroleum retailers in Viet Nam with a network of shops and agents covering 63 provinces and cities. The cooperation with PV Oil is an important step for VinFast’s plan to launch smart electric motorbikes by the end of 2018 and electric cars in the future.

In addition to identifying locations, VinFast is promoting the development of battery charging stations using advanced intelligent green power control technology. This system will allow the identification of vehicles and customers automatically, understanding habits to facilitate and as well as taking care of customers effectively. Customers can also pay for fast charging and battery charges with Vingroup’s loyalty card (VinID), as well as other payment methods.

Nguyen Viet Quang, general director of Vingroup, said the cooperation with PV Oil would be the beginning of VinFast’s plan to set up 30,000 - 50,000 charging stations and battery leasing terminals nationwide.

On top of coordinating with PV Oil, VinFast will continue to seek prestigious partners, having the advantages of location to expand the network of charging stations, with the aim of rapidly increasing the coverage and meeting the requirements of customers. — VNS