Vietnam’s first-ever smart electric bus service has been put into operation in Hanoi.

Vinbus Ecology Transport Services Limited Liability Company (VinBus), a member of Vietnam's largest private conglomerate Vingroup, launched the smart e-bus route at the Vinhomes Ocean Park urban area in Gia Lam District on Thursday.

The bus service will be operated across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc Island off southern Kien Giang Province in the future when authorities complete necessary procedures to connect it with local public transport systems.

The e-buses were manufactured and assembled at VinFast Automobile Production Complex in the northern city of Hai Phong, according to Vinbus deputy director general Nguyen Van Thanh.

The vehicles are able to automatically lower its floors so that passengers, especially the elderly, children, people with disabilities, and pregnant women can get on and off easily.

There are electronic boards announcing upcoming stops, free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, entertainment screens, and a security camera system aboard each bus.

VinBus' smart e-bus service is launched at the Vinhomes Ocean Park urban area in Gia Lam District, Hanoi, April 8, 2021. Photo: Tuan Phung / Tuoi Tre

The smart e-buses are also equipped with an automated system able to control driving behavior and give warnings about unsafe situations.

A driver alert system at the steering wheel can give warnings when the driver is drowsy, fatigued, or eating while driving.

All journey data is transmitted directly to an operation center, and any issue will be handled promptly.

Passengers get on a smart e-bus operated by VinBus in Hanoi, April 8, 2021. Photo: Tuan Phung / Tuoi Tre

With a battery capacity of 281 kWh, each bus can travel between 220 and 260 kilometers on a single charge.

The battery can fully recharge in about two hours at VinBus’ 150 kW charging station network.

Each bus can carry up to 68 passengers and has a special area for the disabled.

Inside a VinBus smart e-bus. Photo: Tuan Phung / Tuoi Tre

Each smart e-bus can carry up to 68 passengers. Photo: Tuan Phung / Tuoi Tre