The city of Hanoi has partnered with LG Energy Solution and Honda to develop a large-scale battery-swapping network for electric motorcycles in the Vietnamese capital. The partners plan to launch 50 pilot swapping stations in 2026 before expanding the network to around 1,000 locations across Hanoi from 2027.Symbolic imageImage: Unsplash/Elliot AndrewsThe project will begin with a pilot phase in the third quarter of 2026. Around 50 battery-swapping stations and approximately 500 electric motorcycles are set to be deployed in central Hanoi, particularly around Hoan Kiem ward, where the city plans to first introduce low-emission regulations.Following an evaluation phase, the partners aim to expand the network from the third quarter of 2027, with a target of 1,000 battery-swapping stations across Hanoi.The three parties agreed to jointly install swapping stations, develop standardised battery and safety management systems and establish a business platform for electric motorcycles.Under the agreement, LG Energy Solution will supply 2170 cylindrical battery cells and oversee battery safety management, swapping station operations and battery lifecycle systems. Honda will provide electric motorcycles, battery packs and swapping equipment, while Hanoi authorities will support licensing procedures, local coordination and policy implementation.Vietnam remains one of the world’s largest motorcycle markets. According to the National Traffic Safety Committee, the country had around 80 million motorcycles in circulation in 2025, including approximately 3.2 million electric models. Hanoi alone currently has around eight million vehicles on its roads. The city also plans to introduce a pilot low-emission zone within Ring Road 1 from 1 July to reduce urban emissions.