Background

Studies have found that as much as 40% of emissions in the city of Hanoi come from motor vehicles; motorcycles being the primary source. Electric two-wheelers (e-bikes) offer a potential solution to this air pollution problem.

Purpose

To create an innovative business model for recharging and servicing e-bikes in Hanoi that alleviates poverty among the poor and handicapped reduces CO2 emissions and is ready for up-scaling.

Implementor

Caritas Switzerland

The purpose of the project is to develop a business model for solar-charged e-bikes in Vietnamese cities.

Outputs

• Feasibility Study - integrated social business model for e-bikes in Vietnamese cities
• Baseline study for solar charged electric two-wheelers in Vietnamese cities

Background

Extending reliable grid-based systems to sparsely populated areas is often not financially viable and this fact has proven a barrier to the electrification of parts of rural Vietnam. World Vision has already succeeded in establishing reliable community-driven networks for the distribution of energy efficient stoves in rural Africa and Latin America. This approach leveraged local community organisations to promote the interventions and required intensive government consultation and interface with all partners.

The baseline report outlines the characteristics of the target market for solar-charged two-wheelers in Vietnamese cities - high school and university students. Relevant baseline information on technological capacity and policy in Vietnam is also analyzed in this context. The findings indicate a potential in this market, although further research within the framework of developing their business plan needs to be conducted in order to confirm this potential. Lack of awareness and unfamiliarity with renting a vehicle was seen as key challenges to be addressed in their business plan.

Purpose

As an integral part of the GEF Strategic Energy Programme for West Africa, the project would focus on promoting knowledge management in the field of RE and EE in the target region and with international partner institutions; in addition to ensuring coherence and coordination between country level projects, and building capacity through training workshops at the regional / national level. The project will also aim at strengthening regional integration and networking, and deepening programmatic framework approach adopted under the umbrella programme.