In February 2024, Vietnam-based electric car manufacturer, VinFast announced that the company is establishing its first integrated electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facility in India. The integrated EV production facility will be constructed in Tamil Nadu and the brand is bringing a total initial investment of USD 500 Million spread over 5 years.
VinFast To Import VF5 and VF e34 EVs?
Now, a media report suggests that VinFast is likely to bring two completely built import models – a compact SUV and a crossover hatchback to India by 2025. According tot sources, the electric vehicle manufacturer is likely to bring the EVs under the new electric vehicle policy which allows for imports with reduced custom duty to cars with CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) of USD 35,000.
VinFast EVs Competition in India
According to reports, VinFast could be planning to import the VinFast VF5 and VinFast e34 electric vehicles in India. It is possible that in less than a year we could see the VF5 rivalling the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV400 and the VF e34 could compete the upcoming Tata Curvv, Hyundai Creta EV and Maruti Suzuki eVX in the Indian market.
VinFast VF5 and VF e34 – Powertrain and Range
The VF5 is likely to come with a 37.23kWh battery offering an NEDC range of about 326 km on a single charge. Dimensionally, the VF5 is likely to be slightly smaller that the Tata Nexon EV but gets a 136 Hp / 135 Nm electric motor. On the other hand, the VF e34 is around 4300mm in length and comes with a crossover design. The VF e34 could bring with it a 41.9kWh battery pack. The crossover EV is likely to offer an NEDC range of around 319 km on a single charge and comes with 150 Hp / 242 Nm electric motor.
While the VinFast models are likely to be imported in the first phase, the brand is likely to produce them locally, once the manufacturing plant is fully established.
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