VinFast to Launch Electric Two-Wheelers in India by 2026
VinFast, Vietnam's major automaker, is gearing up to launch electric two-wheelers in India by 2026. The company, which already introduced two electric cars in the Indian market earlier this year, is currently conducting feasibility studies to understand local needs. With this move, VinFast aims to tap into India’s rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market, which is currently dominated by established players like Bajaj and TVS, as well as newer entrants like Ather and Ola Electric.
According to Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, the company has a lineup of at least six electric scooters with varying battery capacities and ranges. VinFast plans to start its journey in the Indian market by launching two of these models. The company's dealer network has shown great enthusiasm for the upcoming two-wheelers, indicating a promising reception.
In September, VinFast launched the VF 6 and VF 7 electric cars in India and aims to release a new car model every six months. The next model is set to debut in February 2026. Additionally, VinFast plans to launch its ride-hailing operations in the first quarter of 2026, leveraging its success in Vietnam, where it already operates a ride-hailing fleet.
Beyond personal mobility, VinFast is in discussions with several Indian states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, to introduce electric buses. This expansion is part of a larger strategy to establish a comprehensive ecosystem in India, similar to its operations in Vietnam, where it has diversified interests in residential townships, education, healthcare, and hospitality.
VinFast has recently inaugurated an assembly plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, marking the beginning of a phased investment of up to ₹16,000 crore in India. Unlike Tesla, which views India primarily as a sales market, VinFast's strategy focuses on local manufacturing, which is expected to bolster its position in the Indian EV landscape.
Chau emphasized that India is crucial to VinFast's global expansion plans, with the country also serving as an export hub. The company is collaborating with partners to provide charging solutions for its electric cars and is open to developing its own charging infrastructure, similar to its successful model in Vietnam. This approach is aimed at making its vehicles more appealing to potential buyers.
