VinFast’s foray into the Indian commercial vehicle space targets the rapidly growing demand from State Transport Undertakings (STUs). The company is reportedly already in discussions with transport departments in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana to secure bulk orders for urban fleet replacement.
The Lineup: EB 8 and EB 12
VinFast plans to introduce two primary models, recently showcased at international trade fairs, adapted specifically for Indian road conditions:
| Feature | VinFast EB 8 (Compact) | VinFast EB 12 (Full-Size) |
| Dimensions | 8.6 Meters (Length) | 12.1 Meters (Length) |
| Battery Capacity | 359 kWh | 422 kWh |
| Range (Est.) | ~290 km | Over 400 km |
| Passenger Capacity | Up to 60 (24 Seated) | Up to 90 (35 Seated) |
| Max Power | 200 kW | 250 kW |
| Charging | 120 kW Fast Charging | 140 kW Fast Charging (CCS2) |
Manufacturing & Localisation Strategy
The e-buses will be supported by a massive expansion of VinFast’s integrated EV manufacturing hub in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.
- Phase 2 Investment: VinFast has signed a fresh MoU for an additional $500 million investment to add 500 acres to its existing facility.
- Dedicated Production Lines: This expansion will house dedicated lines for electric buses and e-scooters, moving beyond the current car assembly operations.
- Localisation Goal: While initial units may use imported components, VinFast Asia CEO Pham Sanh Chau confirmed a roadmap to reach 100% localisation for buses in the near future to qualify for government tenders like PM-eBus Sewa.
Competitive Landscape
VinFast enters a segment currently dominated by domestic heavyweights such as Tata Motors, JBM Auto, Olectra Greentech, and Switch Mobility. To compete, VinFast is banking on:
- Advanced ADAS: Standard features like Blind Spot Detection and Collision Warning.
- Industry-Leading Warranty: A projected 5-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty and 8-year battery protection.
- Ecosystem Synergy: The potential for e-buses to integrate with VinFast’s upcoming ride-hailing app, GSM (Green and Smart Mobility), which is set to launch in Q1 2026.
Conclusion: A Multi-Modal Future
By H2 2026, VinFast aims to be the only global player in India with a portfolio spanning passenger SUVs (VF6, VF7), electric scooters, and mass-transit buses. This “ecosystem-led” approach signals that VinFast isn’t just selling vehicles; it’s attempting to provide the foundational infrastructure for India’s net-zero urban mobility goals.
