VinFast India launched two mid-sized electric vehicles, the VF6 and VF7, in the Indian market. This launch has not only brought new eSUVs but also an entire ecosystem, including a service and charging network, warranties, and promises.
Would this new entrant alter the competitive landscape of the Indian EV market? Let’s explore how it poses a challenge to local giants like Tata Motors and global players like Tesla in this article.
VinFast India Launch Date
The VinFast India launch event took place at their new manufacturing facility within the SIPCOT Industrial Park in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, on September 6, 2025.
Does the Launch Imply Potential Growth of the Indian EV Market?
VinFast, the Vietnamese EV maker, makes a landmark debut in India, a market already crowded with prominent local giants like Tata Motors and global players like Tesla. Let’s understand why this brand is considering India to implement its expansion plans.
Who is VinFast?
VinFast is a part of Vingroup, the largest private conglomerate in Vietnam, established in 2017. They manufacture and sell electric cars, scooters, and buses across Asia, Europe, and America. They have ambitious expansion plans with the goal of becoming a global EV leader and have recently entered the Indian market.
Why do they prefer India?
The Vietnamese EV maker enters India, as it is the world’s fastest-growing automobile market. India’s EV market growth has been phenomenal so far and has bright potential as well. The government has been consistently offering a strong push through subsidies and policy initiatives toward clean and green mobility.
Government initiatives, such as ‘Make in India,’ have strengthened the country’s manufacturing capabilities and infrastructure. That’s why local assembly brings a strategic advantage. Other significant aspects, such as rising fuel prices, urban pollution challenges, and increased public awareness, make the overall scenario favourable for high-spec and competitively priced EVs.
VinFast VF6 & VF7 India: Key Features, Specs, and Pricing
Let’s take a look at the features, technical specifications, and tentative pricing of VinFast India EV SUVs:
VF6: Compact and Practical
- This EV SUV has a 59.6 kWh battery pack, with a 25-minute charging time (10-70%)
- VF6 features a single-motor, front-wheel drive setup.
- VF6 has a travel range of about 468 km on a single charge (ARAI certified).
- VF6 delivers a power-packed performance with an output of 174-201 bhp.
- VF6 features LED headlamps with projector lights.
- The company plans to add multiple drive/regen models.
- VF6 features a panoramic glass roof, a 12.9-inch touchscreen, and a head-up display (HUD).
- The ex-showroom price of the VinFast 6 starts at ₹16.49 lakh for the base variant, with higher trims available at approximately ₹18.29 lakh.
VF7: Larger and Premium
- This eSUV offers two battery options: a 59.6 kWh pack or a larger 70.8 kWh pack.
- VF7 provides a range of up to 532 kilometres in various variants.
- VF7 has All Wheel Drive (AWD) options for power and torque in higher trims.
- VF7 offers excellent features compared to VF6, including larger wheels, a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), a panoramic roof, and improved performance.
- The VinFast VF7 will be available in multiple trims, including Earth, Wind, Wind Infinity, Sky, and Sky Infinity.
- The ex-showroom price of the VinFast VF7 eSUV model starts at around ₹20.89 lakh for the base model and ₹25.49 lakh for the top trim.
VinFast India’s Upcoming Models
VinFast plans to launch additional models and variants in the upcoming months:
- VinFast VF 3: This compact 2-door electric micro-SUV is expected to be priced between ₹7.5 lakh and ₹ 10 lakh. Probably launches in October 2025.
- VinFast VF e34: This mid-range eSUV is sized similarly to the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. It may be offered at a price of about ₹12 to 14 lakh and is expected to hit the Indian market in October 2025.
- VinFast VF 8: This mid-sized electric SUV will compete with premium models, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volvo EX30. It is priced at approximately ₹50 to ₹ 55 lakh and is expected to arrive in Indian showrooms tentatively by January 2026.
- VinFast VF 9: This will be VinFast’s flagship electric SUV in India, featuring a 7-seat layout. It is expected to be priced at around ₹70 to ₹ 75 lakh and is anticipated to be launched by April 2026.
VinFast Ecosystem and Strategy for the Indian Market
VinFast has delivered 97,399 EVs in 2024 primarily in Vietnam, with significant penetration and expansion in Indonesia and the Philippines. The EV maker plans to double this figure by the end of the year. They have recently entered the Indian and the Middle East car markets. Let’s take a look at their strategy for the Indian EV market.
Local Manufacturing & Assembly
VinFast has established its manufacturing facility at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Initially, they aim to produce CKD kits with a 50,000-unit capacity. They have ambitious plans to scale up their EV production to 1,50,000 units in the next three years.
Dealers & Support Network
VinFast opened its first showroom in Surat, Gujarat, and plans to add 35 more dealerships across 27 Indian cities shortly. VinFast is also collaborating with major players, like MyTVS and Batex Energies, to expand its EV charging network.
Well-thought-out Ownership Offers
VinFast will offer attractive warranties for longer durations and higher kilometres. Additionally, they plan to provide free maintenance for their eSUVs for the first three years and offer free charging facilities to early buyers (tentatively until mid-2028).
VinFast is collaborating with major banking players, including SBI, Axis Bank, and HDFC Bank, for comprehensive EV financing solutions. That way, it brings a great deal of ease in opting for EV financing, targeting the upper-middle class.
Market Positioning
VinFast is positioning itself within a robust, nationwide ecosystem by offering a widespread after-sales support network and charging infrastructure, backed by a local assembly advantage. So, for Indian EV buyers, VinFast models won’t be simply another EV brand. VinFast is prioritising the offer of premium eSUVs at the most competitive price range.
What Does VinFast India Launch Mean for Competitors
Considering Tata, Tesla, and VinFast in India: The most crucial parameter for consistent success will be wise investments in building an ecosystem by the competitors. Even other competitors, such as Mahindra and MG, must strive to offer excellent value for money, provide comprehensive features, and offer extensive warranties.
A splendid premium option for Tesla: VinFast presents a more locally attuned premium option with its service, charging network, and local assembly. These aspects will pose challenges to Tesla in terms of pricing, service, acceptance, and readiness in urban India.
Winding Up
VinFast has altered the market dynamics. VinFast has carefully priced VF6 and VF7 to compete in the Indian eSUV landscape. Even their free service for three years and longer warranty duration will raise customer expectations.
All in all, VinFast has played its cards by offering something delightful that Indian eSUV buyers are unlikely to reject.
