VinFast officially unveiled its two electric SUVs, VF7 and VF6, at the Bharat Mobility Expo. That is a giant step for a Vietnamese automaker in its path to entering the Indian EV market. Of these two, the VF7 will be a five-seater premium SUV, which would be the first launch from the company in the country by the end of the year.
VF7: Where Style Meets Performance
The VF7 showcases a sleek and robust design, crafted in-house, unlike its premium siblings, the VF8 and VF9, which Pininfarina designed. The SUV features a distinctive V-shaped front with body-wide DRLs above a rhomboidal grille, breaking away from the conventional sealed-off front end typical of EVs. Flared wheel arches, a prominent shoulder line, and minimalistic aesthetics add to its appeal.
Inside, the VF7 promises to be a luxury experience with a floating 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, a heads-up display (HUD), eight airbags, electronic stability control, and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). A 75.4 kWh lithium-ion battery powers the SUV, offering single and dual motor configurations. The dual-motor variant delivers 349 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
VinFast’s Local Manufacturing Strategy
VinFast plans to start the local assembly of the VF7 once it completes its integrated battery and manufacturing plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Notably, this plant is expected to come online in the second half of the year. Moreover, the Tamil Nadu facility marks VinFast’s third international manufacturing unit, following its establishments in Indonesia and the United States.
VinFast is investing ₹4,000 crore to set up this plant based on an MoU signed with the Tamil Nadu government. The plant will create 3,500 jobs and initially produce 50,000 EVs annually. It will then increase to 150,000 units over time, to achieve 50% localisation within three years.
Infrastructural Expansion and Strategic Plans
With the potential to become the world’s third-largest car market, VinFast is to invest in the establishment of a strong EV infrastructure. The sister concern of the automaker, V-Green, may have a crucial role to play by establishing a nationwide charging network, much like it does in Vietnam and Indonesia.
The Vietnamese firm is trying to be distinct from established luxury carmakers by introducing new sales models, such as battery leasing or subscription plans, according to its CEO for Asia, Pham Sanh Chau, who adds that the company will also offer a 10-year warranty on battery packs to alleviate concerns over residual value.
Launch Timeline and Pre-booking Details
Pre-bookings for the VF7 and VF6 are likely to open before the festive season, which will coincide with the expected completion of the factory by mid-2025. The lowered import duty policy may benefit the brand, and VinFast is looking to bring a wider range of EV models to the Indian market.
