The experimental tour by electric cars around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter was not launched in the first quarter of 2010 as scheduled because the imported electric cars are not yet licensed to run.
The 12 electric cars worth $204,000, imported by Dong Xuan Joint Stock Company, are now on display in front of Dong Xuan market.
Director Do Xuan Thuy explained that these vehicles meet Vietnam’s environmental standards, but Vietnam doesn’t have standards for electric cars and these cars do not meet standards for normal cars.
He said that before importing these vehicles, this vehicle was licensed in Lao Cai,  Haiphong, Hue, Da Lat and Nha Trang. However, when his firm imported 12 electric cars and brought them to the registration agency, he knew that, based on standards for regular cars, the electric cars would not be allowed to circulate.
According to the Ministry of Transportation’s Registration Department, the vehicle imported by Dong Xuan JS Company is designed for tourist sites and golf courses, so it cannot be registered for running on the street.
The Registration Department said that to bring these cars to Hanoi’s streets, the company must obtain Hanoi authorities’ verification that the routes are for tourists.
Previously, Hoan Kiem District authorities announced to put electric cars in operation in February 2010 to serve tourists to Vietnam  They said that there will be four routes for the electric cars but initially, just two routes will open around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem lake.
Each car has up to 12 seats, with a ticket price set at around 10,000 dong per tour. Tickets are sold on the car and at stations.  

(Source: VNS)