Drivers rest while recharging their electric vehicles at a cafe in HCM City
At lunchtime, a cafe on Phan Van Tri Street in An Nhon Ward is packed with customers. Covering 160 square metres, it offers 40 hammocks, food and drinks, and a charging area that fits up to 26 electric motorbikes. Each charging station has four sockets, allowing users to rotate while resting. Full charges take around three hours.
Tran Anh Thanh, founder of the cafe chain, said the first location opened in April 2024 and quickly attracted 70 to 100 customers per day. The business has now expanded to four locations, with a fifth on the way.
All stations are staffed with technicians to ensure electrical safety and respond to emergencies.
Ho Ngoc Binh, a ride-hailing driver, said, “These cafes are incredibly convenient. I can rest and recharge my vehicle during lunch and head out again in the afternoon.”
Charging costs range from VND 10,000 to 16,000 (approximately USD 0.40 to 0.65) for a three-hour session. Fast charging ranges from VND 20,000 to 30,000, depending on battery level. Some locations also offer vehicle maintenance.
Bui Van Khoi, 33, runs a franchised cafe from a brand with over 30 branches in HCMC. His shop charges VND 20,000 for vehicles with a battery above 50 per cent, and VND 30,000 for those with a battery below 50 per cent.
In addition to charging, his location provides complimentary iced tea, showers, hammocks, and even rooftop laundry facilities. The shop serves up to 10 users at once. On busy days, drivers may have to wait, but they can rest comfortably in the meantime.
Most locations offer free phone charging, restrooms, and refreshments. Instant noodles cost just VND 5,000, and drinks start at VND 12,000.
Driver Le Vu Truong Thinh shared, “Being able to eat and recharge at the same time saves us a lot of time. After lunch and a quick rest, my vehicle is ready for the afternoon shift.”
Experts believe that as HCMC pushes toward electrification, this model will continue to grow, easing range anxiety and serving the rising number of EV users.
Besides franchise chains, some local entrepreneurs have independently launched their own EV cafe stations.
Dinh Van Chi, who previously drove an electric bike, saw rising demand and opened a 24-hour charging cafe combined with food, lodging, and rest services on Ta Quang Buu Street.
He said, “My shop charges an extra VND 5,000 for hammock use overnight, but overall prices are very competitive.”
With around 400,000 delivery and ride-hailing drivers in HCMC averaging 80 to 120km per day, the city’s Research Institute for Development is finalising a plan to help drivers shift from gas to electric two-wheelers, signalling strong growth ahead for EV-related services.