VinFast is set to debut in India with a bang, introducing the VF 5 and VF e34 electric SUVs.
Vietnamese electric car company, VinFast, has its sights set on India. They plan to introduce two pre-built models, a compact SUV and a crossover hatchback, sometime in the latter half of India’s fiscal year 2025. To benefit from import breaks on these vehicles, VinFast will likely apply for India’s recently announced EV policy.
Out of VinFast’s six electric vehicle models, sources suggest the VF e34 and VF 5 could be the two that hit Indian roads within a year.
- VinFast plans to keep prices competitive even though these are imported vehicles. This aggressive strategy could shake up the market dominated by Tata Motors, MG Motor, and Mahindra & Mahindra, all of whom are launching their own EVs in the next year.
- VinFast VF 5: A Compact SUV Gunning for the Nexon EV
- The VinFast VF 5, also available as the VF 5 Plus, is a contender for the title of Nexon EV rival. This small electric SUV boasts a slightly smaller footprint than the Nexon EV (3967mm x 1723mm x 1578mm vs 3994mm x 1811mm x 1616mm). It packs a 37.23kWh battery offering a claimed NEDC range of 326km.
- The VF 5 is a compact EV powered by a 136hp, 135Nm electric motor driving the front wheels. This setup is said to propel the 1,360kg car from 0 to 100 kph in 10.9 seconds.
- Competitively priced imports are VinFast’s strategy, hinting at a possible price tag near the Nexon EV’s range of Rs 14.49 lakh to Rs 19.29 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Internationally, the VF 5 features a 7-inch digital driver display, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six airbags, and ADAS technology for enhanced safety.
- VinFast VF e34: A Crossover Hatchback Ready to Challenge
- The VinFast VF e34 isn’t your typical hatchback. This 4.3-meter vehicle blends hatchback practicality with SUV styling, making it a potential competitor for upcoming models like the Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta EV, and Maruti eVX.
- Under the hood, or rather, the floor, the VF e34 packs a 41.9kWh battery powering a 150hp electric motor with 242Nm of torque. This combination is claimed to offer an NEDC range of 318.6 kilometers.
- Inside, the VF e34 boasts a premium feel with a larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a dual-tone beige and black finish. Price-wise, expect the VinFast VF e34 to land in the Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh range upon launch in India.
- VinFast’s India Play: Starting with Imports, Moving to Local Production
- VinFast will initially import their electric vehicles (EVs) as Completely Built Units (CBUs) before gradually shifting to local production in India. Batteries are likely to be imported from their Indonesian plant initially, with localization happening later.
- While details are still under wraps, VinFast is actively building its presence in India. They’re finalizing their sales strategy and setting up a dealer network across the country. CEO Pham Sanh Chau assures commitment to offering a wide range of high-quality EVs to Indian customers.
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- VinFast also sees India as a potential export hub, leveraging the country’s strong manufacturing capabilities. Their 400-acre factory in Tamil Nadu, strategically located near a port for easy exports, is expected to begin production of locally-made models by 2026.
