Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, VinFast, is reportedly planning to launch its Klara S electric scooter in India. This news comes shortly after the company broke ground on its manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu.
A New Player in the Indian EV Market
VinFast, best known for its premium electric cars, has recently registered a design patent for the Klara S electric scooter in India. This move signifies the company’s intent to expand its product portfolio in the Indian market, which is currently witnessing a surge in demand for electric vehicles.
The Klara S Electric Scooter
The Klara S electric scooter is equipped with a hub motor capable of 1.8kW nominal power, 3kW peak power and claims a top speed of 78 kmph. It uses an LFP battery with a capacity of 3.5kWh, and the company claims a range of 194 km with a 65kg rider at a steady 30 kmph. Despite the heavier LFP batteries, VinFast has managed to keep the weight down to 122kg.
The scooter also features a 14-inch front wheel, front and rear disc brakes, and a boot size of 23-litres. The company claims a low 760mm seat height, making it accessible to a wide range of riders.
Pricing and Competition
The VinFast Klara S electric scooter is priced at the equivalent of Rs 1.18 lakh in Vietnam. It remains to be seen what kind of pricing the company can achieve in India if they do intend to launch this product here. If launched, the Klara S will rival the TVS iQube S, Bajaj Chetak Premium, River Indie, Ather Rizta, and Ola S1 Pro.
Looking Ahead
VinFast aims to introduce its inaugural electric vehicle to the Indian market by 2025. With the patenting of both a car and now a scooter, it’s evident that the brand has substantial plans for the Indian market. The Indian EV market eagerly awaits the arrival of the Klara S and the impact it will have on the competitive landscape