Car reservations now open for the VinFast VF7 and VF6 models, with plans for a launch in August.
Vietnamese automaker VinFast is set to make its mark in the Indian market with its upcoming electric SUV models, the VF6 and VF7. The company's upcoming factory will be based in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, and it has already signed agreements with 13 dealer partners to establish 32 dealerships across 27 cities in India.
The first phase of dealership openings will focus on major metropolitan areas and emerging EV hubs, as stated by VinFast. The VF6 and VF7 models are expected to compete in the Indian market alongside the Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Curvv EV, Mahindra BE 6, Mahindra XEV 9e, BYD Atto 3, and other premium offerings.
The VF6, a compact/premium electric SUV, boasts a 59.6 kWh battery and about 201 bhp, targeting rivals in the sub-compact to compact SUV segments priced roughly in the Rs 20-25 lakh range. Key competitors for the VF6 include the Mahindra BE 6, Mahindra XEV 9e, Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta Electric, Maruti e Vitara, MG ZS EV, and BYD Atto.
On the other hand, the VF7, a larger and more powerful electric SUV, stands out with a 70.8 kWh battery and up to 349 bhp (in its AWD variant). Its main competitors in India are the BYD Sealion 7, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase. This model is expected to be priced around Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom) and competes in the premium electric SUV segment.
VinFast aims to challenge established Indian brands with strong specs, premium features, and local assembly plans in one of the fastest-growing EV markets globally. The company has also formed alliances with RoadGrid, myTVS, and Global Assure to develop a charging and after-sales service ecosystem in India.
In addition, VinFast has partnered with BatX Energies, an Indian clean-tech firm specializing in battery recycling, rare metal recovery, and end-of-life battery repurposing. The VF7 Eco variant delivers 204 bhp and 310 Nm, with an estimated range of 450 km, while the VF6 Eco variant produces 178 bhp and 250 Nm of torque, with a WLTP-certified driving range of up to 399 km.
Indian customers are expected to find the VF 6 and VF 7 models competitive and inspiring, according to Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia. Mr. Chau expressed enthusiasm about the overwhelming support from Indian consumers at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo.
- The upcoming electric SUV models, the VF6 and VF7, from Vietnamese automaker VinFast, are set to compete with other premium offerings in the Indian market, such as the Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Curvv EV, Mahindra BE 6, and Mahindra XEV 9e.
- The company's dealership openings in India will initially focus on major metropolitan areas and emerging EV hubs, as stated by VinFast.
- The VF7, a larger and more powerful electric SUV, will challenge competitors like the BYD Sealion 7, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase in the premium electric SUV segment.
- As part of its strategy to compete in the fast-growing Indian EV market, VinFast has formed alliances with RoadGrid, myTVS, and Global Assure for developing a charging and after-sales service ecosystem, and partnered with BatX Energies for battery recycling and rare metal recovery.
