As hazardous air quality levels rise, the Vietnamese capital looks to electric vehicles to combat worsening pollution

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, has been blanketed in dense smog in recent weeks, earning the city the unfortunate distinction of being the most polluted in the world. Early Friday, air quality readings in the city measured hazardous levels of PM2.5 particles at 266 micrograms per cubic meter, according to AirVisual, an independent air pollution monitoring platform.

The pollution, which has plagued Hanoi for years, is largely attributed to heavy traffic, industrial activities, and the widespread burning of trash. Locals, particularly the elderly, have reported worsening respiratory problems due to the poor air quality. “We the elderly can feel it very clearly when we suffer from respiratory problems that lead to breathing difficulties,” said Luu Minh Duc, a 64-year-old Hanoi resident to a local newspaper. “The situation seems to get worse recently.”

In response to the ongoing environmental crisis, the Vietnamese government has committed to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) as a key measure to reduce pollution. By 2030, Hanoi aims for 50 per cent of buses and 100 per cent of taxis to be electric.

The push for EV adoption is part of a broader strategy to address the country’s severe air pollution and protect public health. However, environmental and health ministries have yet to provide further details on additional measures to tackle the issue. The government continues to face increasing pressure to act swiftly to curb pollution in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing urban centers.