VinFast EV’s India Debut: A Reciprocative Trust Between Tech and Market

Well, it can be said that we can see the upcoming Bharat Mobility Global Expo as a conjecture of private and public efforts done in the last few years to transition the market from ICE to electric vehicles. The potential of the Indian market is well reflected in the fact that the Vietnamese company VinFast has chosen India as its fourth global EV market after Canada, the USA and Europe. The consumer-driven market of India needs affordable high-tech rides that can serve well on Indian roads and varying terrains. Amidst the attempt to provide such transformation, VinFast has emerged as a promising player, bringing its innovative EV solutions to market in India and across the globe. Now, with its first foray into India through Bharat Mobility, VinFast is ready to disrupt the Indian EV market with its promise of technological superiority and sustainable mobility.

Who is VinFast?

VinFast, a subsidiary of the Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, is relatively new to the automotive industry, having been founded in 2017. Despite its young age, VinFast has quickly made a name for itself with its ambitious vision and rapid product development. The brand debuted in the global automotive arena with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles but swiftly transitioned to focus exclusively on EVs by 2021. This bold pivot underscores its commitment to driving the world toward a greener future.

With a strong emphasis on cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and customer-centric designs, VinFast has established a presence in several international markets, including the United States, Europe, and now India. Its entry into the Indian market through Bharat Mobility is a strategic move that reflects the growing potential of India as a key player in the global EV ecosystem.

Why India? The Potential of the Indian EV Market

India is one of the world's fastest-growing automotive markets, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion and increasing urbanisation. However, the penetration of EVs in the Indian automotive market is still relatively low, accounting for less than 2% of total vehicle sales as of 2024. The researchers have indicated that this number is going to rise significantly in the year 2025, with the four-wheeler EV market expected to see a penetration of about 10%. This gap is filled by the EV manufacturers who are all set to introduce innovative products tailored to Indian consumers' needs.

Several factors make India a promising market for EVs:

Government Initiatives: Policies like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, subsidies, and incentives on EV purchases encourage consumers to switch to electric mobility.

Environmental Awareness: With rising air pollution levels in major cities, the demand for cleaner, greener alternatives is on the rise.

Growing Infrastructure: The expansion of EV charging networks and renewable energy sources makes it more feasible for consumers to adopt EVs. According to a report by Forvis Mazars, “With the number of public charging stations increasing from 1,800 in early 2022 to over 16,000 by March 2024, the landscape is evolving rapidly.”

Cost Sensitivity: Indian consumers are highly cost-conscious, and the promise of lower running costs for EVs compared to traditional ICE vehicles is a significant draw.

Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: India's PLI scheme has been successful in attracting global manufacturers to set up operations in the country. The fact that VinFast opened a manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu six months ahead of schedule in the first half of 2025 speaks to the effectiveness of the scheme. The facility is in line with India's "Make in India" initiative but also speaks to the commitment of VinFast to localizing production to reduce costs and create more jobs.

As such, this is going to be one of the major production facilities for VinFast Electric Vehicles in India. As such, it will provide more localized solutions for the market while supporting the government's goals of electrification and self-reliance in the automobile sector.

Showcasing Innovation at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

VinFast is set to make waves at the upcoming Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, scheduled from January 17 to 21. Among the highlights are two of its most anticipated electric sports utility vehicles (SUVs): the VF 7 and VF 9.

The VF 7: Sleek Design Meets Performance

The VF7 electric car is a five-seater sporty ride which comes with a swoopy, crossover-like appearance complemented by sleek lights at the front and rear in a design of VinFast’s “V”, symbolising innovation and vision. In markets outside of its home country, the VF 7 is supplied in two variations: Eco, with a net 75.3kWh battery pack and, another with a similar net 75.3kWh battery pack.

Performance: The Eco variant features a single motor delivering 204 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque, while the Plus variant boasts a dual-motor setup, offering 354 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque.

Range: The Eco trim has a WLTP-rated range of 450 km, and the Plus variant offers 431 km.

Technology: Both trims come equipped with a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite. The Eco trim features a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the Plus variant is upgraded to a 15-inch screen.

Wheels: Alloy wheels vary by trim, with 19 inches for the Eco and 20 or 21 inches for the Plus.

The VF 7 is a testament to VinFast’s ability to blend aesthetics, functionality, and advanced technology, making it an ideal choice for Indian urban and semi-urban consumers.

The VF 9: Redefining Luxury and Utility

As the largest e-SUV in VinFast’s lineup, the VF 9 is designed for families and adventure enthusiasts. This three-row SUV can comfortably seat six or seven passengers and boasts dimensions larger than the Audi Q7.

Performance: Both the Eco and the Plus variants will have a 123kWh battery pack with a dual-motor all-wheel drive, with 408 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque. The Eco can accelerate from 0-40 km/h in 6.6 seconds, while the Plus does it in 6.7 seconds, depending on the seating configuration.

Range: The VF 9 offers an impressive WLTP-rated range of up to 531 km, ensuring the solution to your range anxiety.

Luxury Features: From spacious interiors to advanced infotainment systems, the VF 9 caters to consumers seeking both luxury and practicality.

These models highlight VinFast’s commitment to catering to diverse customer needs, from urban professionals to large families.

What Sets VinFast Apart?

VinFast’s entry into the Indian market is a testament to its confidence in delivering value and innovation. But what truly sets the brand apart from its competitors?

1. Technological Superiority

VinFast has consistently invested in state-of-the-art technology to ensure its EVs offer an unparalleled driving experience. The VF comes with an AWD powertrain and two motors delivering 402 HP making the ride stand out in performance terms. Features like smart parking assist can assist the driver in entering and exiting parking spaces by navigating from parallel, perpendicular, or inclined parking locations. The vehicle also comes with Blind Spot detection which supports a safe lane change manoeuvre by using radar sensors to alert drivers of the objects in the blind spots. Moreover, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), over-the-air (OTA) updates, and integrated AI-based solutions add feather in the cap.

2. Sustainability Focus

From adopting renewable energy in manufacturing facilities to focusing on eco-friendly materials in vehicle interiors, VinFast emphasizes reducing its carbon footprint. Its commitment to battery recycling and second-life applications contributes to a circular economy.

3. Customer-Centric Approach

VinFast ensures its vehicles are adaptable to diverse market conditions, designing for durability and cost-efficiency tailored to Indian roads and consumer preferences.

4- Aesthetics like never before

The vehicle comes with “Premium Innovation With 3 Rows of Seating For 7 People,” making the ride suitable for your large family. The configuration gives the ride a bulky look. VinFast has featured an on-of-its-kind Glass Roof in its ride. The interior of the vehicle is also designed very sophisticatedly, as seen in the ride’s dynamic ambient lighting that can be customized according to your mood. Vegan leather hugs the seats of the vehicle and the digital cockpit makes the ride an aesthetical statement. 

5- Safety reimagined

While manufacturing the VF series it seems like the company has paid a special emphasis on the user’s safety. In the vehicle, ADAS helps keep you and your passenger safe with features including collision warning, fully automatic parking assist, remote parking, on-ramp and off-ramp assistance, cruise assistance, motorway driving aid, auto lane-changing assist, and summon mode. 

A Bright Future: Transforming Indian Mobility

VinFast’s partnership with Bharat Mobility, coupled with its showcase at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, underscores its ambition to lead India’s EV revolution. With cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and customer-centric designs, VinFast is set to redefine mobility in India.

As India accelerates toward a greener future, collaborations like this will shape the narrative of sustainable transportation for generations to come. VinFast and Bharat Mobility are poised to lead this transformation, one innovative EV at a time.