The EV industry is buzzing with excitement as VinFast is set to enter India’s electric bus segment by August 2026, signaling a major shift in the country’s public transport landscape. Vietnam’s electric giant VinFast is gearing up for a bold expansion, aiming to disrupt a market that’s already accelerating at record speed. With its official confirmation to launch electric buses in India, curiosity is rising—what innovations will VinFast bring, and how will this reshape India’s EV future?
Active Talks With State Transport Undertakings
To strengthen its entry, VinFast has already begun discussions with various State Transport Undertakings (STUs) across India. States currently in talks include:
- Maharashtra
- Tamil Nadu
- Uttar Pradesh
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
These discussions aim to secure orders for city buses, staff and school transportation fleets, and airport shuttle services—segments where demand for electric mobility is rising sharply.
Electric Bus Lineup and Capabilities
VinFast’s global electric bus portfolio includes models ranging from 6 meters to 12 meters in length. These buses are already on sale in Vietnam and were recently introduced in Europe. Key performance highlights include:
- Up to 260 km range on a single charge
- 281 kWh battery capacity
- Modern interiors, smart connectivity, and advanced safety features
This range makes them suitable for intra-city and short-distance intercity operations—ideal for Indian urban conditions.
Manufacturing Plans in India
VinFast has committed to a massive $2 billion investment in India (approx. ₹16,000 crore). Of this, $500 million has already been used to establish a manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The plant currently has an annual capacity of 50,000 electric cars, expandable to 150,000 units.
While the plant currently produces electric cars, VinFast has not finalized whether electric buses will be manufactured locally from the outset. The company may initially import buses as CBU (Completely Built Units) or CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits. However, VinFast aims for 100% localization in the long term.
Competition in the Indian E-Bus Market
Upon its entry, VinFast will face strong competition from established Indian EV bus manufacturers, including:
- Tata Motors
- Switch Mobility (Ashok Leyland)
- Olectra Greentech
- PMI Mobility / PMI Electro Mobility
- JBM Auto
This segment has seen fast growth due to government support and rising demand for clean mobility, making it a highly competitive arena.
Part of a Larger India Strategy
VinFast’s bus launch is aligned with its larger vision for India. The company entered the Indian market in September 2025 with its VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs and has already set up 26 dealerships nationwide. It also plans to introduce electric two-wheelers and launch its ride-hailing service, GSM, in 2026.
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