Coffee shop invests in EV charging station

With electric cars and motorbikes becoming more common, some coffee shops and restaurants have recently begun offering battery charging services to attract customers.

A coffee shop has invested in an electric vehicle charging station in Tan Trieu ward. Photo: Van Gia

The Coffee Shop and Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station model adds to the electric vehicle charging station network but with lower investment costs, while creating convenience for drivers and residents and keeping up with development trends.

Suitable with the trend

The use of electric vehicles is growing rapidly as they are environmentally friendly and do not emit harmful gases. Rising demand for EVs has also created opportunities for individuals and businesses to invest in vehicle charging stations as a service. Notably, in many localities, especially urban areas, more and more coffee shop models combined with EV charging stations have emerged to serve drivers.

Taking advantage of the lunch break, Nguyen Van Luan, a ride-hailing driver living in Tan Trieu ward, stopped by a local coffee shop to rest, enjoy a cup of coffee, and charge his electric car. According to Luan, when driving an electric vehicle, the battery needs to be recharged after a period of use. He used to go to charging stations at shopping malls or gas stations, but with the coffee shop model that includes a charging station, he finds it more convenient as it offers a relaxing space.

By 2030, Dong Nai aims to develop infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations, supply stations, and green energy storage (including biofuels, hydrogen, ammonia, etc.) to fully meet the needs of alternative public transport and new investments in electric and green energy vehicles for both residents and businesses.

Zenta Coffee Shop (at 58D Nguyen Van Tien Street, Tan Trieu Ward) has put into use a battery charging station for cars and motorbikes since the beginning of 2025. This model is a franchise station of Tram Dien Xanh, a part of the system of Tram Dien Xanh Vietnam Joint Stock Company. Ms. Phi Thi Hai Yen, the shop manager, said: Realizing that the number of electric vehicles on the market is increasing, the shop decided to invest in an electric vehicle charging station. Here, there is both a parking space and a place for customers to relax and drink coffee while waiting for their vehicles to charge. Having an electric vehicle charging station also adds another channel for the shop to attract a segment of customers to its shop.

Similarly, at an electric vehicle charging cafe for motorbikes in Trang Dai ward, in addition to customers coming to the cafe to charge their batteries while drinking coffee, there is also a service of lending chargers and on-site battery boosting. The prices of drinks are also very reasonable, making it convenient for drivers.

In fact, the development of the Coffee-Charging Station model is a direct result of the strong green urbanization trend. At that time, the need for safe, flexible, and accessible electric charging will become an indispensable part of the new transportation infrastructure. Investing in public charging stations requires a large amount of capital, so combining this model in residential areas in a flexible and low-cost way is the trend. This initiative is an opportunity for small businesses, individual businesses, or people operating in the F&B industry to take advantage of available space to expand services without having to make major changes to the structure or original business goals.

Develop a plan for electric vehicle charging stations

In Dong Nai, the number of electric vehicles is increasing rapidly. In response to actual demand and a proposal from the Department of Industry and Trade, in June 2025, the Provincial People's Committee issued a plan to develop a system of electric vehicle charging stations, storage infrastructure, and green energy supply for transportation within the industry and trade sector across the province through 2030, with a vision to 2050. The goal is to develop infrastructure for EV charging stations, supply stations, and green energy storage; promote the manufacturing industry for electric and green energy-powered vehicles and transportation equipment; and promptly meet the needs of building a green transportation system in line with the target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

The province has mandated that planning and construction efforts prioritize the development of the power supply network to ensure adequate electricity for the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, green energy supply stations, and storage systems. Charging station infrastructure must be developed in industrial parks, supermarkets, bus stations, rest stops, and parking lots, especially along national highways, and expanded to the broader road network across the province. At the same time, criteria for the development of charging station infrastructure and green energy supply stations must be incorporated into the regulations and standards for green bus stations and rest stops in accordance with green development guidelines.

In March 2025, the Department of Construction issued a directive providing guidance on addressing challenges in investing in the construction of electric vehicle charging stations. Under current regulations, electric charging equipment and poles installed in buildings or construction components, whether for the utility of the facility, for use by vehicles, other equipment, or for personal use, are not subject to construction permit procedures, as specified in Point b, Clause 1, Article 123 of Government Decree No. 175/2024/ND-CP. However, installation sites must meet environmental safety and fire prevention requirements. Therefore, investors pursuing this business model must thoroughly study the relevant regulations to ensure proper compliance.                                                                     

By: Van Gia

Translated by: Quoc Dung - Minho