VinFast makes the switch to EV easier with lower running costs, free charging until March 31, 2029, and attractive ownership benefit

Imagine you have owned the same petrol SUV for five years. It has been reliable, familiar and easy to live with, but fuel prices are eating into your wallet, the next service bill is coming up and the odometer is climbing. You start looking at what to buy next, and an electric SUV catches your attention. Its price is a little higher than the petrol equivalent, but every trip to the fuel station could disappear.

The question is whether those savings will ever break even with the higher purchase price.

The answer can be surprisingly specific. A driver covering 20,000 kilometres a year and charging mostly at home could recover the extra cost of an EV in only a few years. Someone driving 8,000 kilometres a year, especially without access to home charging, could take most of a decade. The difference comes down to a handful of numbers: annual mileage, energy cost, purchase price, taxes and how long the car is kept.

The odometer is where the EV starts earning its keep
The easiest place to start is the cost of moving the car one kilometre. Take petrol at around INR 102 a litre in Delhi. If an SUV manages 13-14 km per litre, its fuel cost comes to roughly INR 7.3-7.8 per kilometre.

With an EV, assuming the vehicle travels around 6-7 km per kWh and using household electricity rates ranging from about INR 3/kWh in Delhi to INR 8.98/kWh in Maharashtra, the raw energy cost can range from roughly INR 0.4 to INR 1.5 per kilometre, depending on the local tariff and household consumption. In practice, because an EV can push a household into higher electricity slabs, a more useful working estimate is around INR 0.9-1.3 per kilometre for home charging.

That means the home-charging advantage is roughly INR 6-7 per kilometre in the example above. Let’s use INR 6/km as a conservative estimate of the savings to make the calculation simple.

Now add a representative INR 4 lakh upfront premium for the EV. If the EV saves INR 6 for every kilometre driven, the calculation is INR 4,00,000 ÷ INR 6, which equals about 66,700 kilometres. That is the point at which fuel savings alone have recovered the initial price difference, with every additional kilometre adding to the savings.

A driver covering 8,000 km a year would need roughly 66,700 ÷ 8,000 = 8.3 years to get there. At 12,000 km a year, it takes about 5.6 years; at 15,000 km, around 4.4 years; and at 20,000 km, about 3.3 years.

Of course, that’s for home charging. With public charging, the gap between EV and ICE is smaller, but the EV still has an energy-cost advantage. At INR 15-25 per kWh, the same 6-7 km of driving costs roughly INR 2.1-4.2 per kilometre, before accounting for charging losses. That is still below the INR 7.3-7.8/km fuel cost of the petrol SUV.

Maintenance can bring that breakeven point forward. Petrol and diesel cars typically require around INR 7,000-10,000 a year in scheduled servicing, while comparable EVs can be around INR 2,000-4,000. That creates a potential annual saving of roughly INR 5,000-8,000 before other ownership costs are considered. EV owners can face higher insurance premiums and potentially faster tyre wear, however, so those costs should be included rather than treating all maintenance savings as pure profit.

Taxes can also materially change the calculation. In states offering substantial road-tax exemptions for EVs, part of the upfront price gap can disappear before the car even leaves the showroom. For a representative INR 20 lakh vehicle, an ICE road-tax bill of 8-15% would amount to roughly INR 1.6-3 lakh, although the actual amount varies by state and vehicle.

That’s a lot of numbers to chew through, but if you have to take one thing away from it, it’s this: the more a car is driven, the more opportunities an EV has to recover its initial premium. There is no single mileage at which every petrol owner should trade in for an EV. Instead, the calculation becomes increasingly favourable as three things happen together: annual mileage rises, charging costs fall and the ownership period gets longer.

VinFast is trying to make that transition easier
The financial calculation is only part of the decision. Someone moving from a petrol car to an EV is also changing how they refuel, maintain and think about the vehicle.

VinFast is attempting to reduce some of those barriers in India with a combination of product specifications, warranty coverage and ownership incentives.

Its B-SUV VF 6 offers up to 468 km of MIDC range and can charge from 10% to 70% in about 25 minutes, while the VF 7, its C-SUV, offers more performance and space, with up to 438 km of MIDC range and charging from 10% to 70% in about 24 minutes. The VF 6 comes with a 7-year/160,000 km vehicle warranty and a 10-year/200,000 km battery warranty, while the VF 7 offers a 10-year/200,000 km warranty for both the vehicle and battery.

The company is also offering measures aimed directly at the transition from ICE ownership. Its current programme includes free maintenance for three years or 36,000 km, free charging at V-Green charging stations until March 31, 2029, and cash support for customers who sell an existing ICE vehicle and purchase a VinFast EV. These incentives change the breakeven calculation because they reduce the effective cost of moving into an EV. 

For the petrol-car owner standing in a showroom and wondering whether this is finally the moment to go electric, the answer starts with the odometer rather than the badge. Look at how many kilometres you expect to add each year, calculate what each of those kilometres costs in petrol or electricity, and then ask how many of them you can power at home.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. 

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in

While Electric scooters have been leading EV transition in India so far, Electric Motorcycles have started to make their mark. One of the Players in this segment, with highest daily running of their bikes, is One Electric from Noida.

One Electric Exports

Gaurav Uppal, CEO - One Electric, shared “Our rental operations in Delhi NCR for Ride hailing captains make KRIDN X one of India's highest-utilisation electric motorcycles. In September 2026, our OneMobility.in rental fleet in Delhi NCR averaged 117 km per bike per day while best-performing bike logged 371 km in one day.”

One Mobility Rentals

The milestone caps a seven-year journey. Since its first heavy-duty prototype in 2019, One Electric has thousands of vehicles on the road across 4 African countries and 7 Indian states, covering millions of kilometres in some of the toughest commercial duty cycles in the world.

One Electric built its first heavy-duty electric motorcycle in 2019 and received ICAT approval in 2020. In October 2020 it launched the original KRIDN, then one of India's fastest electric motorcycles, with a 95 km/h top speed and 110 km of range.

Africa became the proving ground. The company's motorcycles went on to serve:

• Togo and Benin: a pilot batch of 1,000 + bikes in 2021.

• Nairobi: battery-swapping trials in 2022, followed by the 2023 launch of a leading ride-hailing company's first electric motorcycle taxi service in Africa, with bikes carrying riders 16–18 hours and up to 200 km a day under 200 kg loads.

• Lagos: last-mile delivery fleets.

• Nairobi assembly: a local plant built with partners.

Along the way the team engineered multiple chassis from the ground up and patented several vehicle designs, made possible with its partners Nayandeep and Milan. The KRIDN family grew to include the KRIDN Sport, KRIDN XR and KRIDN X+, each shaped by data from the field.

In 2024 One Electric concluded that India needed a fully Indianized motorcycle. Its target was riders who earn a living on the bike, not enthusiasts chasing top speed. The result was the KRIDN X, designed around four choices:

• Lower top speed of 70 km/h, matched to city traffic and rider safety.

• Higher torque and range: 190+ Nm from a 3.5 kW mid-drive motor, and 80+ km per swap.

• Heavy-duty build: 17-inch wheels, a 200 kg payload and 160 mm ground clearance.

• Easily available parts, so any roadside mechanic can keep it running.

The KRIDN X was tested, homologated at ARAI – Pune, and backed by a One Electric warranty of 4 years / 1,50,000 km.

"Our riders don't need a superbike. They need a bike that starts every morning, carries a passenger and cargo all day, and can be fixed anywhere. KRIDN X is everything we learnt in past 7 years, rebuilt for Indian roads," said Gaurav Uppal, Founder and CEO, One Electric.

To put the KRIDN X to work, the company launched OneMobility.in, a rental service that gives bike-taxi and delivery riders in Delhi NCR an electric motorcycle on simple daily and weekly plans. Verified September 2026 telematics from the live fleet show:

Average Distance Per Bike          117Km / Day

Best Single Day                                   371 Km

Best Rider Earnings                          5142 Kms in Sept 26 

Distances come from on-board telematics, cross-checked against GPS.

Intelligence behind the uptime

High utilisation does not come from the motorcycle alone. One Electric says intelligence has been critical to both maintenance and operations. Every bike reports live data to OneMobility's AI-based rental platform, which handles rider onboarding, KYC, payments and fleet tracking, and runs deep machine-learning analytics on the vehicles themselves. The platform supports four disciplines:

• A strict 2-week maintenance schedule for every vehicle.

• Constant monitoring of live vehicle data: motor and controller temperatures, energy use per km, riding behaviour and regeneration.

• Early warnings, flagging overheating, abnormal energy use or risky riding before they become breakdowns.

• Prompt on-road assistance when a rider needs help.

The platform was built by Adit and Karanveer, final-year B.Tech students at the Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, majoring in Artificial Intelligence.

"Every kilometre our bikes run becomes data. We use it to decide when a bike needs service, which riders need coaching and how to keep each vehicle earning. Furthermore, we realized early on that filtering noise and de-duplicating repetitive signals, would be critical for creating a useful, actionable information pipeline," said Adit /Karanveer, Co-Leads at OneMobility.in.

“Telematics show the KRIDN X uses about 30 Wh per km in Delhi traffic, so a full day’s running costs a fraction of a petrol motorcycle,” adds Adit.

Ready to scale bike-taxi operations

New rules in Delhi NCR and Maharashtra now require bike-taxi and delivery fleets to add only electric two-wheelers, and demand for electric motorcycles that can run all day is rising quickly. One Electric is one of very few companies that designs, builds, rents and runs its own electric motorcycles. It plans to expand the OneMobility fleet with partners across NCR and other cities.

“Commercial riders are the toughest test any motorcycle can face. Our bikes run 117 km a day, every day, in real bike-taxi service. We plan to first address the huge B2B market segment before launching in the B2C segment with this durable electric commuter. When daily commuters buy a KRIDN X, they’ll be buying a bike already proven over millions of commercial kilometres,” said Gaurav.

VinFast India was honored with the “Electric Vehicle Manufacturer of the Year” award at the HT Auto Leaderboard Awards 2026

Hosted by HT Auto, Hindustan Times’ dedicated automotive platform, the HT Auto Leaderboard Awards is a prominent industry initiative that brings together automotive leaders, brands and enthusiasts to recognise excellence and celebrate the achievements shaping India’s evolving mobility landscape.

Reflecting the broader evolution of India’s electric mobility landscape, the “EV Manufacturer of the Year” honour recognises companies that advance electrification not only through their products, but also through infrastructure, technology, service and long-term commitment. Against this benchmark, VinFast’s recognition reflects its sustained efforts to support the development of India’s electric mobility ecosystem and contribute to the country’s transition towards electrification.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast Asia, said, “We are honoured to receive the ‘EV Manufacturer of the Year’ recognition at the HT Auto Leaderboard Awards. This is a meaningful acknowledgement of the work we are doing to build a strong and sustainable foundation for electric mobility in India. Our approach has always been to look beyond the vehicle and build an ecosystem that brings together locally manufactured products, a growing retail and service network, financing, charging and customer-focused ownership solutions. As we deepen our presence across India, we remain focused on raising the bar for electric mobility and creating an experience that delivers greater value and confidence to Indian customers.”

Mr. Prashant Singh, Editor, HT Auto, said, “In a relatively short span of time, VinFast has established itself as a significant player in India’s EV ecosystem. With a strategically positioned portfolio that caters to the needs of Indian EV buyers, a supporting charging ecosystem, and competitive pricing, VinFast Auto India is well-positioned to strengthen its presence in one of the world’s largest and most competitive automotive markets.”

The award builds on the recognition VinFast has received across leading automotive platforms in India, including “EV Manufacturer of the Year” at Times Drive Auto Summit and Awards, “EV Champion of the Year” at the Jagran Hi-Tech Awards 2026, and “Breakthrough Brand of the Year” at the Car&Bike Awards 2026, along with product honours such as “EV SUV of the Year – Editor’s Choice” for the VF 7 at the BBC TopGear India Awards 2026 and “Value for Money Car of the Year” for the VF 6 at the Autocar India Awards 2026, reflecting continued positive evaluation from industry experts toward the company’s product direction and long-term investment strategy.

Since entering the Indian market, VinFast has continued to expand its product portfolio and local presence. The company currently offers the VF 6, VF 7 and VF MPV 7 in India, with the vehicles locally assembled at its manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The VF MPV 7, launched in April 2026, marked VinFast’s third product introduction in India within a year. The company has also accelerated the development of its retail and after-sales ecosystem. Having reached its 60th 3S dealership in August 2026, VinFast remains on track to establish 75 dealerships across India by the end of 2026, with its expansion extending beyond major metropolitan markets to emerging cities and towns.

With India emerging as an important market in the global transition towards electric mobility, VinFast is continuing to invest in its local presence while expanding access to premium electric mobility across the country. The company’s growing footprint in India reflects its long-term commitment to supporting the country’s transition towards a more sustainable and technology-led mobility ecosystem.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making electric mobility more accessible to everyone. VinFast’s current product portfolio includes a wide range of electric SUVs, electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, and electric buses.

VinFast is entering its next phase of growth by rapidly expanding its global distribution and dealer network while strengthening manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on key markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in.

The VinFast VF 6 brings smart, connected mobility to the modern family, combining intuitive technology, advanced safety features and practical ownership benefits for everyday life

The family car has entered its digital era
There was a time when choosing a family car meant counting seats, checking the boot and asking whether the air-conditioning could survive an Indian summer. Those things still matter today, of course, but modern families can also ask another question: how smart is the car when everyone else in the household is already connected?

That is where the “Family 4.0” idea comes in. This is a generation that manages school schedules on phones, orders groceries through apps and controls half the home from a screen. It makes sense, then, that the family car should join the conversation.

The VinFast VF 6 does exactly that
At the centre of the cabin is a 12.9-inch driver-oriented infotainment screen, putting vehicle functions and entertainment within easy reach. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also available, while features such as Pet, Camp, Wash and Valet modes are designed for some of the less glamorous realities of everyday ownership.

Then there is the part that feels particularly 4.0: the driver does not have to be sitting inside the car to interact with it.

Through the VinFast smartphone app, owners can remotely control selected functions such as the doors, boot, windows, climate control and special modes, check vehicle status and location, and receive notifications for selected events. So the car can be checked or adjusted from a phone before the family even heads out, rather than requiring someone to make a trip downstairs just to see whether everything is ready.

The VF 6 can also receive over-the-air software updates, allowing compatible software and connected functions to be updated without turning every update into a workshop visit.

And when the school run turns into the school run plus five other errands, there is some help from the car itself. Depending on the variant, the India-spec VF 6 offers up to 14 ADAS features, along with seven airbags and a 360-degree surround-view monitoring system. Higher variants can include functions such as adaptive cruise control, lane-centering control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert.

In short, the VF 6 is not asking the family to leave its digital lifestyle at the front door. It is designed to bring some of that connected convenience along for the ride.

A little less spending, a little more living
Still, no amount of clever technology can make a family ignore the household budget. The monthly running cost still has a habit of getting everyone's attention. That is another area where the VF 6 makes a compelling case for going electric. 

The VF 6 uses a 59.6-kWh usable battery and offers up to 468 km of MIDC range, depending on the variant. The higher-output version delivers up to 150 kW (204 PS) and 310 Nm, while DC fast charging can take the battery from 10% to 70% in around 25 minutes under specified conditions.
 

The potential savings can add up over time. According to VinFast’s web-based Total Cost of Ownership tool, which calculates the savings of its EV models, the VF 6 Wind can deliver total savings of INR 4.4 lakh over three years compared with a common ICE vehicle at 1,500 km of monthly driving, equivalent to 19% lower total cost of ownership. Its estimated monthly energy cost is also just INR 1,544, compared with INR 9,281 for the ICE comparison.

VinFast has also put practical support behind the transition to electric. Free charging at V-Green stations is available through March 31, 2029, under the applicable programme, potentially reducing charging costs further during the eligible period.

There is also free maintenance for up to 3 years or 36,000 km, whichever comes first, helping make scheduled ownership costs more predictable. And under its ICE-to-EV programme, VF 6 buyers can receive up to INR 154,000 in cash support, depending on the variant and eligibility.

The VF 6 is also backed by up to a 7-year/160,000-km vehicle warranty and up to a 10-year/200,000-km battery warranty, depending on the applicable model and terms, adding another layer of predictability to long-term ownership.

The car that gets the family group chat
Ultimately, the “Family 4.0” appeal of the VF 6 comes down to how naturally it fits into the routines of a connected household.

The phone can interact with the car. The car can update itself. The driver can access selected functions remotely. Safety systems can provide additional assistance on the road. And ownership policies can help take some of the sting out of charging, maintenance and the switch from an ICE vehicle.

That combination gives the VF 6 a distinctly modern take on the family car. It is not simply a vehicle that fits into the family’s daily routine, but one designed to work alongside the connected lifestyle that shapes it.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. 

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in

VinFast offers a battery warranty of 10 years or 200,000 km, whichever comes first

Buying a new car has always involved a small leap of faith. You hand over a fairly large cheque and, in return, get a machine containing thousands of parts that are expected to behave themselves for years.

With electric cars, there is one extra source of anxiety: some of the most expensive and unfamiliar parts of the car are also the ones buyers cannot easily inspect. That makes the warranty more important, as it can reduce the financial uncertainty around what happens if something expensive does go wrong.

A warranty can make a new technology feel less risky

Research into car buying suggests that consumers do put a value on warranty protection. One study of the U.S. automobile market found that buyers were willing to pay a median of about USD850 for one additional year of warranty coverage. That was around 3.1% of the median vehicle price in the study. It also found that longer warranties mattered more when product quality was lower.

Another study, looking at more than 9,000 used-car auctions on eBay, found that cars sold with a warranty attracted an average price premium of about 11%. The effect was stronger when the seller had a weaker reputation, suggesting that a warranty can give buyers some extra confidence when they have less information about the vehicle.

The logic is fairly simple. A buyer knows what they are paying today, but cannot know exactly what will happen to the car five or 10 years from now. A warranty shifts at least some of that future risk back to the manufacturer or seller.

For EVs, the battery makes this particularly relevant. In a 2024 UK study by the Green Finance Institute, 31% of consumers without an EV said a battery warranty longer than eight years would encourage them to switch to an electric car. That was close to the 34% who said price parity and the 34% who cited more charging infrastructure. The concern also shows up when people think about buying used EVs. In Strategy&'s 2024 eReadiness survey, a battery warranty, either from an OEM or a third party, was identified as a key factor encouraging consideration of a used EV by 80% of respondents in India.

There is an interesting twist here: experience appears to reduce some of these worries. Plug In America's 2025 EV Driver Annual Survey found that 19.1% of respondents considered battery warranty a concern when they bought or leased their EV. The figure fell to 9.1% among current owners. Concerns about battery lifetime also fell, from 26.7% at purchase to 19%.

For an experienced EV owner, the technology is no longer quite so mysterious. For someone buying their first one, a long warranty can provide some reassurance before that experience has been built.

Still, a long warranty is only useful if customers can actually make use of it. For an EV buyer, the practical questions go beyond battery life. Where can the car be serviced? How easy is it to charge? What will routine maintenance cost? And if something does go wrong, is there somewhere nearby to get it fixed?

This is why a warranty works better when it sits alongside other forms of ownership support. The customer gets protection against major repair costs, while other services can reduce the smaller sources of friction that come with owning a car.

This is where VinFast's approach in India comes in

The company offers a vehicle warranty of seven years or 160,000 km and a battery warranty of 10 years or 200,000 km, whichever comes first. The battery coverage is particularly relevant to the concerns identified in the research. For someone considering an EV for the first time, 10 years or 200,000 km gives a clear time and distance limit around one of the vehicle's most expensive components.

VinFast is also pairing that coverage with other ownership measures. Its India programme includes free maintenance for three years or 36,000 km, as well as free charging at V-Green charging stations until March 31, 2029.

At the same time, the company is building out the supporting network, through partnerships with MyTVS, RoadGrid and Global Assure to work toward a planned 120 service workshops, while V-Green has announced partnerships with RoadGrid and HPCL to expand EV charging infrastructure in India.

None of this changes the basic reality of buying a new car: there is always some uncertainty. But for EV buyers, the warranty can put a clearer boundary around part of that risk. And that may be its biggest value. A buyer does not need to know exactly what a battery will look like 10 years from now. They just need to know who is taking responsibility if something covered by the warranty does not go according to plan.

Seven-seat MPVs are popular for a reason. They give Indian families the flexibility to bring everyone along, whether it’s the daily school run, a weekend trip, or a longer journey out of town. But when all seven seats are occupied, comfort and practicality become just as important as having the extra seats in the first place.
 

The VinFast VF MPV 7 combines seven-seat practicality, family-friendly comfort, modern technology, and the lower running costs of an electric powertrain in one spacious package
 

If you’re looking for a family MPV that can handle all of that while giving you the benefits of an electric powertrain (less money spent on fuel, anyone?), the VinFast VF MPV 7 is worth a closer look. Here are five reasons why it deserves a spot on your family car shortlist.
 

Comfort for Everyone

Let’s start with the most important thing in a family MPV: making sure everyone has a comfortable place to sit.
 

The VF MPV 7 measures 4,740 mm long and has a 2,840 mm wheelbase, giving it plenty of room to accommodate seven occupants. The second row gets 60:40 split seats with sliding, reclining, and one-touch tumble functions. Even the third row gets reclining seats, adjustable headrests, and its own air-conditioning controls.
 

That is complemented by air vents serving all three rows and a PM2.5 filter. So while the driver and front passenger get to set their preferred temperature, passengers further back are not simply left to whatever air happens to reach them.
 

The result is a cabin that puts some thought into the people sitting in every row, which is exactly what you want when the whole family is coming along for the ride.
 

Space That Works for the Family

Of course, passengers are not the only things a family needs to carry. There are groceries, luggage, school bags, sports equipment, and all the other miscellaneous things that somehow find their way into the car but are surely very necessary.
 

The VF MPV 7 gives you 126 litres of boot space with all seven seats in use. Fold the third row and that expands to 606 litres, while folding both rear rows opens up as much as 1,240 litres.
 

The second row’s sliding and one-touch tumble functions also make getting into the back easier and give you more ways to configure the cabin. Whether you have seven people on board or need to make room for a larger load, the VF MPV 7 gives you the flexibility expected from a family MPV.
 

Smooth EV Performance

Having seven seats is great, but that comes with more weight, meaning the car has to work harder to transport all seven passengers plus luggage. So you want a car that can move all those people without making every overtaking manoeuvre feel like hard work.
 

The VF MPV 7 is powered by a 150 kW electric motor producing 280 Nm of torque, with the power sent to the front wheels. The instant torque of an electric motor makes pulling away from traffic and getting up to speed feel smooth and straightforward.
 

You can also choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, while regenerative braking can be adjusted between Off, Low, Medium, and High.
 

Underneath, the VF MPV 7 uses MacPherson independent suspension at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. Its 185 mm of unladen ground clearance also gives it some extra breathing room when dealing with speed breakers and uneven roads that seem so ubiquitous these days.
 

Contemporary Tech

The VF MPV 7’s modern cabin isn’t just for show either. There are plenty of features designed to make everyday driving a little easier.
 

The gear selector is integrated into the steering column, freeing up space around the centre console. The D-cut steering wheel is tilt- and telescopic-adjustable and comes with multifunction controls, including cruise control.
 

At the centre of the dashboard is a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car also gets connected-car functions, smartphone controls, FOTA updates, and a virtual assistant to help with voice commands.
 

Safety was not overlooked either. The India-spec VF MPV 7 comes with four airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, and rollover mitigation. Rear parking sensors and a rear camera are also there to make parking a seven-seater in tighter spaces a little less stressful.
 

A Formidable Family Package

All of this comes together with one of the biggest advantages of going electric: a different ownership equation.
 

The VF MPV 7 uses a 60.13 kWh usable battery and has a claimed 517 km range under the MIDC test cycle. When you do need to charge, DC fast charging at up to 80 kW can take the battery from 10% to 70% in 30 minutes.
 

VinFast also includes free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 km, whichever comes first. Eligible V-Green charging stations provide free charging until March 31, 2029. The vehicle is covered for seven years or 160,000 km, while the battery gets 10 years or 200,000 km of coverage, whichever comes first. Free roadside assistance is also provided for the duration of the standard vehicle warranty.
 

More than anything, the VF MPV 7 has something for everyone in the family. The driver gets the smooth response of an electric motor and useful connected technology, passengers get space and dedicated climate control across all three rows, and the family gets a flexible cabin that can handle both people and cargo.
 

Add the long warranty, free maintenance, and complimentary charging at eligible V-Green stations, and the VF MPV 7 makes a compelling case for families looking to make the move to an electric seven-seater.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.
 

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
 

Learn more at vinfastauto.in.

The LFP battery technology inside VinFast vehicles is designed to deliver safe, reliable, and long-lasting performance in demanding conditions

When buying a petrol car, most people compare engine size, fuel economy, and power. 

With an electric vehicle, the battery deserves just as much attention. It is the heart of the car, influencing everything from safety and charging speed to long-term durability and everyday driving confidence.

For Indian drivers, that’s especially important. High temperatures, long commutes, and growing highway travel all place additional demands on an EV battery.

The VinFast VF 6 and VF 7 are powered by liquid-cooled Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery packs, a technology that has become increasingly popular across the EV industry.

Here’s why.

LFP Is One of the Most Thermally Stable EV Battery Chemistries
Not all lithium-ion batteries are the same. Many electric vehicles use Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries, while the VinFast VF 6 and VF 7 use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP). Their biggest difference lies in thermal stability.

Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found that LFP batteries remain chemically stable at higher temperatures than many nickel-based lithium-ion batteries and have a significantly higher threshold before thermal runaway can occur. In simple terms, LFP chemistry is inherently more resistant to overheating under abusive conditions. This characteristic has made it one of the industry’s preferred battery chemistries for safety-focused EV applications.

Of course, no battery is completely immune to failure. Safe operation still depends on careful engineering, thermal management, and electronic controls. But starting with a thermally-stable chemistry provides an important foundation.

Liquid Cooling Adds Another Layer of Protection
Beside the battery chemistry, managing heat effectively is just as important, especially in warm climates.

The VinFast VF 6 and VF 7 use liquid-cooled battery packs. Unlike passive air cooling, liquid cooling transfers heat more efficiently by circulating coolant through the battery system.

Across the automotive industry, liquid cooling has become the preferred solution for modern passenger EVs because it provides more uniform temperature control than air-cooled systems during both driving and charging.

For drivers, that means the battery is better equipped to maintain consistent performance across a wide range of operating conditions.

LFP Batteries Are Known for Their Long Service Life
A battery is expected to last for many years, making longevity an important consideration for any EV buyer. One of LFP’s biggest strengths is its durability.

Research has consistently shown that LFP batteries can withstand several thousand charge and discharge cycles under appropriate operating conditions, generally outperforming many nickel-based lithium-ion chemistries in cycle life. Although actual battery life depends on factors such as climate, driving style, and charging habits, LFP’s long cycle life is one reason it has become increasingly common in passenger EVs worldwide.

For owners, that means greater confidence that the battery can continue delivering dependable performance throughout years of everyday driving.

Fast Charging Helps You Spend More Time Driving
Both the VinFast VF 6 and VF 7 support DC fast charging, allowing the battery to recharge from 10% to 70% in less than 30 minutes under suitable conditions.

Whether you’re travelling between cities or simply topping up during a busy day, shorter charging stops make electric driving easier to fit into everyday life.

Charging time naturally varies depending on charger capacity, battery condition, ambient temperature, and other operating factors, but fast charging remains one of the key advantages of modern EV ownership.

A Long Battery Warranty Offers Added Peace of Mind
For many first-time EV buyers, battery replacement is one of the biggest concerns.

VinFast addresses that concern with a comprehensive ownership package.

In India, VinFast’s battery is covered by a warranty of up to 10 years or 200,000 km, whichever comes first. The VF 6 comes with a 7-year or 160,000-km vehicle warranty, while the VF 7 is covered for 10 years or 200,000 km. Owners of both models also receive complimentary maintenance for three years or 36,000 km, along with free charging at participating V-Green charging stations until March 31, 2029, under the current programme.

Together, these benefits help reduce ownership uncertainty while lowering the overall cost of switching to electric.

The Bottom Line
Battery capacity may be the specification that gets the most attention, but it tells only part of the story. The chemistry inside the battery, how it is cooled, how efficiently it manages energy, and the confidence provided by long-term warranty coverage all play an important role in everyday ownership.

By combining LFP battery chemistry with liquid cooling, fast charging, regenerative braking, and comprehensive warranty support, the VinFast VF 6 and VF 7 are built around technologies that have become well established across today’s EV industry.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: www.vinfastauto.in.

The World’s Best Companies 2026 ranking is jointly conducted by TIME, a globally recognized magazine, and Statista, a leading global data and market research company.
 

Vingroup remains the only Vietnamese company to be named among TIME’s World’s Best Companies for two consecutive years
 

Companies are evaluated across three comprehensive dimensions: revenue growth, employee satisfaction, and sustainability transparency, supported by in-depth analysis of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) factors.
 

As the first and only Vietnamese company to be included in the ranking for two consecutive years, Vingroup achieved positive results across all three dimensions, receiving an overall score of 81 and ranking 340th among the Top 1,000 companies worldwide, up 477 places from its 817th ranking last year.
 

In terms of Revenue Growth, Vingroup received an “Outstanding” rating. In the first half of 2026, the Group recorded consolidated net revenue of VND 222.9 trillion, up 72% year on year from the same period in 2025, driven by strong growth in industrial manufacturing and real estate businesses. Consolidated profit after tax reached VND 20.904 trillion, 4.6 times higher than the same period last year and equivalent to 60% of the full-year target.
 

In terms of Employee Satisfaction, Vingroup ranked 398th globally, up 496 places from 2025. The Group has developed a dynamic working environment that encourages dedication, innovation and employee engagement, while placing a strong focus on individual development.
 

Over more than three decades of development, Vingroup has continuously expanded into new areas, established new growth drivers and progressively expanded its ecosystem into international markets. Today, companies across the Vingroup ecosystem operate in 12 countries, creating employment for approximately 400,000 people worldwide.
 

In terms of Sustainability Transparency, Vingroup continues to make important contributions through green transition initiatives, infrastructure development and the development of sustainable urban and living ecosystems. Alongside economic growth, the Group focuses on creating long-term value for society.
 

VinFast, the all-electric vehicle brand within the Vingroup ecosystem, has become the leading automotive brand by sales volume in Vietnam, while setting a target of delivering 300,000 cars and 1 million electric motorcycles globally in 2026. Meanwhile, Vinhomes has pioneered the development of the ESG++ urban model, adding Regeneration and Resilience to the three core ESG pillars of E – Environment, S – Social and G – Governance, thereby raising the standard for sustainable development across large-scale urban developments spanning thousands of hectares.
 

In particular, in 2025, Vingroup officially expanded into two new strategic areas: Infrastructure and Green Energy. Through VinSpeed, with the Ben Thanh – Can Gio (Ho Chi Minh City) and Hanoi – Quang Ninh high-speed railway projects now under construction, as well as energy projects developed by VinEnergo across multiple localities, Vingroup is progressively contributing to stronger regional connectivity, the expansion of economic space and the acceleration of the green transition.
 

Previously, Vingroup became the first and only Vietnamese company to qualify for and be included in the World’s Best Companies 2025 ranking. Brands across the Vingroup ecosystem have also received recognition from numerous international organizations. VinFast was previously recognized by TIME in two prestigious rankings: the TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2024 and Asia-Pacific’s Best Companies of 2025. In the latter ranking, VinFast was recognized among the companies shaping the region’s position on the global economic map.
 

TIME is a leading global magazine headquartered in New York, the United States, with a history spanning 101 years. With a global presence and in-depth, independent analysis of political, economic, cultural and scientific developments, TIME has established a strong voice and influence capable of shaping public discourse. Its rankings are widely recognized for their value and credibility worldwide.

VinFast is also trying to tackle the less glamorous part of EV ownership: everything that happens after the keys are handed over

A new study in the journal Science gives the electric-car pitch a fresh twist: replacing a functioning gasoline car with an EV can cut lifetime emissions even before the old car reaches the end of its useful life.

Previously, the usual argument against early EV replacement has been fairly intuitive: if the gasoline car is already built, why create another manufacturing footprint just to replace it? The new research’s counter: the carbon cost of making an EV can be repaid by its lower emissions during operation.

In their representative US SUV scenario, replacing the combustion vehicle in its second year cut cumulative emissions over a 16-year period by 44 percent, with the EV’s manufacturing “carbon debt” paid back in three years. Across the study’s modeled vehicle scenarios, 92% produced a net emissions reduction, while fleet-average assumptions delivered a 58 percent benefit.

The researchers put the underlying point rather neatly: “electrifying vehicle powertrains provides an order-of-magnitude-larger reduction in use-phase emissions” than replacing an old ICE vehicle with a newer ICE vehicle. They ultimately found “large carbon mitigation benefits across a wide range of scenarios,” although the outcome still depends on vehicle efficiency, battery-production emissions and the electricity grid.

The study no doubt strengthens the case for switching from a gas-guzzling vehicle to a new EV for environmental reasons. But alas, in emerging markets like India, an EV brand that leans too heavily on that narrative will certainly fail. Indian customers are practical people and naturally seek practical mode of transportation. They are unlikely to buy a vehicle simply because it helps reduce their personal carbon footprint. A car is transport, technology, a status symbol, family space and, increasingly, an extension of personal identity.

For EVs, that makes the proposition less “save the planet” and more “this happens to make sense.” OEMs should emphasize benefits such as lower running costs, quieter driving, instant torque, connected features and the ability to charge at home to turn electrification into a lifestyle upgrade rather than an environmental sacrifice.

The economics can be compelling, too. For example, VinFast’s India portfolio includes the VF 6 and VF 7 SUVs, alongside the seven-seat VF MPV 7. The latter is listed at INR 2.449 million, or about INR 24.49 lakh, before incentives. Its comparison with a comparable gas-powered vehicle showed a significantly lower five-year ownership cost, even before counting free charging. 

VinFast is also trying to tackle the less glamorous part of EV ownership: everything that happens after the keys are handed over.

It offers free charging at V-Green stations through March 31, 2029, alongside free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 km. Customers switching from an ICE vehicle can also receive cash support ranging from INR 138,000 for the VF 6 Earth to INR 214,000 for the VF 7 Sky Infinity, with INR 196,000 available for the VF MPV 7.

Then comes the ecosystem. VinFast recently inaugurated its 60th retail outlet in India, with plans to establish 75 dealerships across more than 60 cities by the end of 2026.

Charging-wise, VinFast’s strategic partner V-Green and HPCL are working to deploy EV chargers nationwide. V-Green has also partnered with RoadGrid to accelerate fast-charging deployment at fuel stations, smart cities and other high-demand locations.

The bigger point is that India’s EV transition will probably be won in the details. Cleaner driving is the headline benefit, but cheaper running, useful range, easy charging, accessible service and a car that feels desirable are what can turn curiosity into ownership.

The greenest car, in other words, may increasingly be the one people actually want to drive.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. 

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: wwwvinfastauto.in.

VinFast ranked No. 1 among electric passenger vehicle OEMs in dealer satisfaction, according to the latest FADA study
 

Electric passenger-vehicle registrations rose 50% year on year to 30,325 in August, taking EV penetration to 7.4%, according to Vahan⁽¹⁾. And as EVs become more common, the dealership itself is taking on a bigger role in the ownership experience.

A conventional car buyer can usually walk into a traditional dealership with a rough idea of how the machine works. EVs come with a few more question marks. How should the battery be charged? What does ownership cost? What happens when a software issue appears? And where is the nearest technician who knows what to do?

Those questions also matter to dealers—especially those that want to have all their bases covered—because answering them well requires training, equipment and a workable business model. FADA’s 2025 Dealer Satisfaction Study surveyed more than 1,800 dealer principals representing nearly 5,000 outlets. After-sales service emerged as the most important factor in dealer satisfaction, followed by business viability and policy, while inventory, margins and training costs were among the concerns affecting dealers.

Against that backdrop, the latest FADA study offers an interesting EV-specific signal. VinFast ranked No. 1 among electric passenger-vehicle OEMs in dealer satisfaction. The study measures dealers’ perceptions and experiences in their engagement with OEMs, making the ranking less a measure of the cars themselves and more a snapshot of the relationship between an automaker and its retail partners.

That relationship becomes especially important when an EV maker is trying to build a network at the same time as it builds a customer base. VinFast recently opened its 60th dealership in Patna, a 3S facility bringing sales, after-sales service and customer support together. The company plans to reach 75 dealerships across more than 60 cities by the end of 2026, with the network extending into tier-2 and tier-3 markets. It has also signed with multiple Indian banks to support inventory financing, a crucial part of the dealer equation as new outlets require dealers to put more capital behind a growing stock of vehicles.

The push beyond India's biggest cities also points to the next challenge for EV adoption: making ownership feel accessible wherever the buyer lives. The next wave of buyers will come from cities where the nearest service centre may be more important than another 20 kilometres of claimed range. A familiar local face can sometimes do more for confidence than another feature on a specification sheet.

Building that network, however, is not simply a matter of putting up more signs and opening more showrooms. As EVs spread into more cities, dealers have to become comfortable selling a technology that many of their customers are still learning about themselves. That means training sales teams, preparing technicians and making sure the service operation can keep pace with the sales operation.

The result is a “same same but different” kind of relationship between an automaker and its dealers, where the satisfaction of that relationship can bear fruit for both sides. A dealer that feels supported has more reason to invest in training, service capacity and inventory, while an OEM with a well-supported network has a better chance of reaching customers beyond the biggest cities. Coming back to the example of VinFast, it has built a nationwide dealer network in less than two years in India and is now among the country’s top five EV automakers. Its No. 1 ranking in FADA’s latest study does not explain that growth on its own, but it offers a useful indication of how the company’s relationship with its dealers may be supporting the expansion.

The VinFast VF 7 takes some of the usual pain out of long family drives in India, from a hot cabin at the start to the fuel bill at the end

Goodbye, cramped seats and that hot-car feeling
A long road trip sounds great until everyone has been sitting in the car for hours. Then the heat kicks in, the cabin starts feeling smaller, and even a perfectly good holiday can begin with someone, likely under the age of ten, asking, “Are we there yet?”

The VF 7 addresses one of those problems simply by giving everyone more room. Its 2,840 mm wheelbase creates a spacious cabin, while the flat floor helps passengers in the rear stretch out more comfortably, especially children. The extra room means adults do not have to spend the entire journey trying to find a comfortable position.

The electric powertrain also changes the mood inside the car. There is no engine growl rising every time the driver accelerates, so the cabin stays quieter and calmer. On a long highway run, that can mean less noise, less vibration and, for kids who fancy a nap, a much better place to catch some sleep.

But in India, there is another enemy to deal with: the heat.

The Indian-spec VF 7 lets users remotely control the HVAC through the smartphone app, meaning the cabin can be cooled before the family even gets into the car.

It is the kind of feature that seems like a luxury until the car has been sitting outside in the heat. Then it becomes very simple: no getting in, turning the AC to maximum and waiting for the cabin to cool down. Just switch on the AC 10-20 minutes before you leave, open the door and get going.

Depending on the variant, the VF 7 also offers features such as ventilated front seats, dual-zone AC, an air ionizer and PM1.0 filtration.

Less money spent on the journey, more left for the destination
Then comes the other unavoidable part of a long drive: paying for it.

With a petrol or diesel car, every extra kilometre usually means another visit to the fuel pump. With an EV, charging can be worked into the journey itself.

Lunch break? Charge the car. Coffee stop? Let it charge. Everyone wants to get out and stretch their legs? Perfect. The car can make use of the same pause.

The VF 7 supports DC fast charging, with charging from 10% to 70% taking around 26-28 minutes, depending on the Indian variant and charging conditions.

And there is currently an even bigger reason to be less worried about the charging bill. VinFast offers free charging at V-Green charging stations in India until March 31, 2029. 

Meanwhile, V-GREEN is working with partners including RoadGrid India to expand fast-charging infrastructure at high-demand locations across the country, including HPCL retail outlets, smart cities and other strategic sites.

With free charging available under the current programme, eligible VF 7 owners can take some of the energy cost out of long-distance travel. Free scheduled maintenance is also available for three years or 36,000 km, whichever comes first.

So, with a range of up to 496 km depending on the Indian VF 7 variant, there is less need to build the entire road trip around charging. Go where you need to go, stop when you need to stop, and let the car take care of its recharge while you take care of yours.

A family SUV that knows the little things matter
The best road-trip features are often not the ones that make the biggest noise in a brochure. They are the little things you notice after several hours behind the wheel.

The VF 7 combines its roomy cabin and 2,840 mm wheelbase with the smoothness of an electric powertrain, while higher variants add features such as ventilated front seats, a head-up display, 360-degree surround-view monitoring and advanced driver assistance systems.

There is also help on the buying side. VinFast’s India EV transition programme offers INR 175,000 to INR 214,000 of support across VF 7 variants for eligible customers switching from an internal-combustion vehicle to a VinFast EV. 

From a quick weekend escape to a road trip that keeps going for hundreds of kilometres, the VF 7 is built around the things that make family travel easier: enough room for everyone, a cabin that can be cooled before the journey starts, quiet electric driving and fewer worries about the cost of keeping the wheels turning.

Basically, more time enjoying the trip and less time sweating the small stuff.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. 

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: www.vinfastauto.in.

For global automaker VinFast, that investment starts long before prospective employees submit their first job applications

Gone are the days when vehicles were purely products of manufacturing expertise. After more than a century of development, modern cars increasingly represent the convergence of software, artificial intelligence, automation, battery technologies and connectivity. But that transformation has created another race unfolding quietly across the industry: one for talent.

“Success in this era will be determined by the ability of OEMs and suppliers to secure and cultivate a workforce fluent in both hardware and software, capable of bridging traditional mechanical know-how with next-generation digital capabilities,” wrote one analysis of the automotive industry’s talent challenges.

That, however, also means automakers are no longer competing solely with one another, but with Silicon Valley giants and technology startups for the same software engineers, AI specialists, battery experts and highly-skilled technicians capable of bringing next generation vehicles to life.

A few figures offer a glimpse of the challenge. Germany’s automotive sector faced a shortfall of approximately 80,000 skilled professionals in 2024, while the United Kingdom reported over 14,000 vacancies in the automotive sector and only 27% of the workforce currently qualified to work safely on electric vehicles.

Some industry experts argue that this challenge cannot be solved through recruitment alone, and that talent development must begin much earlier than the hiring process itself.

“The companies that win will be those that start early, think creatively about recruitment, and treat talent development as a core strategic priority, not a secondary HR task,” the same analysis noted. “In an industry as competitive and fast moving as automotive, the true horsepower remains human.”

Which is why some automakers are scrambling to retool their workforces and build talent pipelines from the ground up. One company is investing EUR 400 million annually in workforce training, while another has committed £20 million each year to skills development programs focused on EV technologies and advanced manufacturing. Elsewhere, others are expanding their technology capabilities while developing digital talent pipelines of their own.

Building Engineers Before Hiring Them

For global automaker VinFast, that investment starts long before prospective employees submit their first job applications.

As a member company of Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate, VinFast benefits from a broader ecosystem spanning education, research and technology. In 2025, VinFast and VinUniversity, Vingroup’s non-profit university, established a strategic partnership focused on battery technologies and advanced materials, creating opportunities for students and researchers to participate in joint research projects, technical training and internships alongside VinFast experts.

Beyond the Vingroup ecosystem, VinFast has also entered into collaboration with 19 universities and higher education institutions nationwide to standardize training programs across disciplines including automotive engineering, mechatronics, electrical and electronics engineering, automation and information technology. The company provides hands-on training equipment and genuine technical repair materials while integrating EV repair modules covering battery systems, powertrains and diagnostic software into academic curricula.

Students will also have opportunities to undertake internships across VinFast’s manufacturing complexes and service workshops nationwide, with outstanding candidates prioritized for recruitment after graduation.

The approach extends to the markets where VinFast is building its overseas manufacturing footprint, with local talent development embedded alongside factory expansion. In India, the company has set a target of creating 3,000 to 3,500 direct jobs at its Tamil Nadu plant, with 80% of the workforce planned to come from local fresh graduates and trainees. Its first recruitment drive brought in 200 local professionals, with 344 diploma students taking part in the selection process through Tamil Nadu’s Naan Mudhalvan skilling initiative.

In Indonesia, VinFast’s Subang plant initially absorbed around 1,700 workers, while the company trained managerial staff in Vietnam for three to four months and brought Vietnamese experts to Indonesia to train local technicians. The facility is expected to expand as production scales, with the plant’s workforce and training pipeline growing alongside its planned capacity expansion.

Industry observer Phạm Minh believes the significance of such collaborations extends far beyond workforce development for a single company.

For an EV brand to develop sustainably, human resources must serve as a seamless ‘lifeblood’ across the entire value chain, from research and development, manufacturing and quality control to aftersales services, he noted.

In his view, standardizing EV education creates a generation of engineers sharing a common “technical DNA,” capable of mastering emerging technologies from the moment they enter the workforce.

Nguyen Van Viet, who has spent years researching transportation, believes what VinFast’s doing offers benefits beyond the company itself by helping narrow the gap between classroom education and the practical needs of industry.

“This model creates value for all three stakeholders: companies gain talent that meets their requirements, educational institutions are able to update their curricula based on real-world needs, and students gain access to more high-quality career opportunities,” he said. “More broadly, this approach will help establish a strong human capital foundation for Vietnam’s EV industry to develop sustainably for years to come.”

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh (left), CEO, VinFast Asia, and Ms. Kumkum Jain, Additional SVP, Federal Bank Limited, at the signing ceremony

Under the partnership, Federal Bank will offer customized inventory financing solutions that enable VinFast dealers to optimize working capital, maintain healthy vehicle inventory, and respond efficiently to growing customer demand. The financing solutions are designed to strengthen dealers’ operational capabilities while supporting VinFast’s continued network expansion across India.

By combining Federal Bank’s financial strength and nationwide reach with VinFast’s rapidly expanding dealer network, the collaboration aims to build a stronger, more resilient retail foundation to support the Company’s long-term growth in one of the world’s fastest-growing electric vehicle markets.

The MOU was signed by Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast Asia, and Ms. Kumkum Jain, Additional SVP, Federal Bank Limited.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast Asia, said, “A strong dealer network is fundamental to delivering consistent and seamless customer experience. Our partnership with Federal Bank is an important step towards equipping our dealer partners with the financial flexibility needed to support business growth and operational efficiency. As we continue to expand our footprint across India, we remain focused on building a robust retail ecosystem that enables our partners to grow alongside us while delivering the highest standards of service to customers.”

Ms. Kumkum Jain, Additional SVP, The Federal Bank Limited, said, “Federal Bank is pleased to partner with VinFast to provide tailored inventory financing solutions for its dealer network. This collaboration combines VinFast’s commitment to sustainable mobility with Federal Bank’s expertise in dealer financing, supporting the growth of India’s EV ecosystem.”

The partnership reinforces VinFast's broader strategy of building a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem in India through strategic collaborations spanning financing, charging infrastructure, after-sales service, and retail. Having recently opened its 60th 3S dealership in the country, the Company remains on track to establish 75 dealerships nationwide by the end of the year, with streamlined inventory financing further strengthening dealer readiness, optimizing inventory management, and enabling partners to better serve growing customer demand for electric vehicles.

VinFast continues to expand its presence across India through investments spanning manufacturing, retail, and customer support infrastructure. Alongside its plant in Tamil Nadu, the Company is building a nationwide dealership and after-sales network while collaborating with strategic partners to make electric mobility more accessible and convenient for Indian consumers.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: www.vinfastauto.in. 

About Federal Bank
Federal Bank (NSE: FEDERALBNK) is one of India’s leading private sector banks, with a legacy spanning nine decades and a clear focus on long-term value creation. As of 30th June 2026, the Bank’s total business stood at ₹5.97 lakh crore. 

With a strong nationwide presence of over 1,600 banking outlets complemented by robust digital capabilities, Federal Bank serves millions of customers through an integrated physical and digital network. The Bank maintains an international presence through its Representative Offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which serve as key touchpoints for Non-Resident Indian customers in the UAE. It also operates an IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City, becoming part of India’s evolving global financial ecosystem.

Anchored in its core values of trust, prudence, and customer-centricity, Federal Bank continues to evolve through disciplined execution and a clear, contemporary approach to banking.

Learn more at: www.federal.bank.in.

SWITCH Mobility Pledges to Accelerate its Shift to Zero-Emission Mobility on India's 80th Independence Day
 

Mr. Ganesh Mani, CEO, SWITCH Mobility, said, “As India marks 80 years of independence, we at SWITCH Mobility are proud to pledge our continued commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future for the nation’s mobility. We have already deployed 2,900+ e-buses and put over 2,200+ eLCVs on Indian roads. With our zero-emission electric vehicles and sustainable operations, we aim to empower every eco-conscious business and consumer in India to move better together in the Viksit Bharat.”
 

SWITCH Mobility’s electric vehicles have already made a measurable contribution to India’s decarbonisation efforts. In India alone, the company’s electric buses, together have covered 150 million green kilometres. With nearly 5,000+ electric vehicles on the road globally, the company has helped avoid over 1,50,000 tons of CO² emissions, which has contributed to the equivalent of saving over 50 lakh trees.
 

SWITCH Mobility’s sustainability approach is built around three pillars: being proven in the market through carbon neutrality, water positivity and resource efficiency. The company continues to seek leadership in ESG by engaging with global sustainability forums, including RE100, the Climate Group, CDP, the Science Based Targets initiative, GRI, The Climate Pledge and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes. SWITCH Mobility's commitment to sustainable mobility has been widely recognised. The prominent awards are the Clean Mobility Brand of the Year (Gold) at the Good Air Awards by the IHW Council. The SWITCH EiV22 Electric Double Decker Bus won the Vivekananda Sustainability Award 2023 and the Green Machine Award at the Electric Vehicle Brands of the Year Awards 2024 by EMobility+.
 

As India strides towards its net-zero ambitions, SWITCH Mobility remains committed to carbon neutrality, water positivity and resource efficiency across its manufacturing and supply chain.
 

About SWITCH Mobility

SWITCH Mobility, a part of the Hinduja Group, is a global electric bus and light commercial vehicle manufacturer committed to advancing green mobility. Formed by leveraging the engineering expertise of the Indian powerhouse Ashok Leyland, SWITCH seamlessly integrates the very best innovators and cutting-edge technology to deliver unrivalled product choices on a global scale. Since inception, SWITCH has put over 2,900+ eBuses on the road, clocking up over 185 million kilometres globally. SWITCH Mobility’s electric light commercial vehicle - the SWITCH IeV Series - is transforming last-mile logistics with currently over 2,200+ eLCVs on the road driven by urban delivery demands and operational efficiencies.
 

SWITCH Mobility’s accomplishments are underscored by numerous awards, such as Most Trusted Brand of India, L&ICV People Mover of the Year, Star Electric Bus of the Year, Sustainability Award, and the Special Application of the Year Award for the EiV 22 TOURIST Hop on Hop Off Bus at the Apollo CV Awards. Recognised as a Great Place to Work, SWITCH Mobility cultivates a corporate culture that values agility, innovation, and responsibility.

VinFast has introduced a web-based TCO calculator to help buyers compare the long-term ownership costs of EVs and ICE vehicles based on their driving patterns

For years, the biggest obstacle facing electric vehicles was simple: they cost more to buy.

That equation is becoming less clear-cut. Battery prices have fallen, model choices have expanded, charging networks are growing and, more importantly, the economics of ownership have shifted. Once fuel, maintenance and servicing are factored in, many EVs can cost less to own than comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles over several years.

Yet purchase decisions are still largely shaped by ex-showroom prices rather than lifetime ownership costs. As a result, one of the strongest arguments for switching to electric mobility remains underappreciated. The gap is increasingly one of communication.

A quietly changing ownership equation

While EVs still carry a higher upfront purchase price, that premium is increasingly offset by substantially lower energy and maintenance costs, making Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) a more meaningful measure of value than the sticker price alone.

That trend is already evident in more developed markets such as Europe. Battery electric vehicles are now the lowest-cost powertrain on a lifetime TCO basis for medium-sized cars in the European Union and are projected to reach that position across all passenger car segments by 2026. Much of the advantage comes from lower running costs, while maintenance expenses are estimated to be about 30% lower than those of comparable ICE vehicles because electric drivetrains have fewer moving and wear-prone components.⁽¹⁾ The economics become even more compelling for drivers covering higher annual mileages, as operating-cost savings accumulate more quickly.

Early calculations suggest a similar pattern may already be emerging in India. Consider a family MPV driven around 1,500 km a month, or 18,000 km annually. Assuming a comparable petrol model delivers around 19.5 km per litre and petrol costs approximately Rs 100 per litre, fuel expenses would total roughly Rs 2.46 lakh over 32 months. Over the same period, the all-electric seven-seat VinFast VF MPV 7 would consume about 5,580 kWh of electricity. Even at Delhi's highest residential electricity tariff, home charging would cost only about Rs 44,700, roughly 82% less than the petrol bill.

For many buyers, the financial case for switching to an EV may already exist. The challenge is helping them recognise it before making a purchase.

Consumers don't need bigger savings. They need clearer comparisons.

The disconnect between what buyers see on the price tag and what they ultimately pay has been studied before.

A paper published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice examined whether presenting consumers with different forms of cost information influenced their vehicle preferences. The results were revealing: simply telling prospective buyers how much they could save on fuel over five years had little measurable impact on their vehicle rankings.

However, presenting TCO, combining purchase price, fuel and operating costs into a single ownership figure, significantly increased preference for hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles among buyers of small and midsize cars.

The researchers argue that consumers often struggle to connect a higher upfront purchase price with lower lifetime operating costs, a phenomenon commonly described as the "energy-efficiency gap." In other words, buyers may understand that EVs consume less energy but still fail to translate those savings into an overall financial advantage.

The implication is that the next competitive advantage for automakers may not come solely from building vehicles with lower running costs, but from making those savings visible in ways that simplify purchase decisions.

Making the economics visible

Some manufacturers have already begun shifting in that direction.

Vietnam-based VinFast, for example, has introduced a web-based Total Cost of Ownership calculator that allows prospective buyers to compare the long-term ownership costs of electric and internal combustion vehicles based on their expected driving patterns. Rather than asking consumers to estimate fuel, servicing and maintenance expenses themselves, the tool automatically turn those variables into a straightforward ownership-cost comparison.

The calculator is supported by a broader ownership proposition aimed at lowering costs throughout the vehicle lifecycle. Buyers receive complimentary charging at V-Green stations through March 2029, three years or 36,000 km of free maintenance, and transition incentives for customers switching from ICE vehicles.

As India's EV market matures, battery range, charging speed and vehicle performance will remain important differentiators. But if ownership economics increasingly favour electric vehicles, helping buyers understand those economics may become just as critical for the industry as a whole.

The VinFast VF 6 shows why Total Cost of Ownership matters more than ever for Indian buyers

As if that wasn't enough, there's now another number being discussed: Total Cost of Ownership, or TCO. But for good reason. After all, the biggest expenses don't always arrive on delivery day. It's what your car asks of you over the next five or seven years that often makes the biggest difference.

For India's growing community of EV buyers, that conversation is becoming even more important. Lower running costs may be what gets people interested in electric vehicles, but what keeps them happy is everything that comes after. And that's where the VinFast VF 6 makes its strongest case: over five years, buyers could save nearly 87% on their energy costs alone. Here's how the numbers add up.

The Cost Saving You See 
Using a VinFast standard EMI calculator model with 80% to 85% loan funding at an average interest rate of 8.5% to 9.5% over five years, buyers can expect monthly EMIs of approximately INR 29,500 to INR 31,000 for the base VF 6 Earth variant. The estimated upfront down payment ranges between INR 250,000 and INR 300,000, while VinFast dealerships also offer flexible financing solutions, including longer loan tenures and zero down payment schemes for eligible customers.

But monthly ownership costs don't stop with the EMI.

For most Indian families, fuel remains one of the biggest recurring expenses of owning a car. Assuming a monthly driving distance of 1,500 km, a midsize petrol SUV delivering 12 km per litre at a fuel price of INR 102 per litre would cost approximately INR 12,750 every month in fuel expenses. Over five years and 90,000 km of driving, that adds up to nearly INR 765,000.

Now let’s look at the VinFast VF 6. With an efficiency of approximately 16 kWh per 100 km, covering the same 1,500 km requires around 242 kWh of electricity. At typical home charging rates, that translates to an estimated monthly charging cost of just INR 1,694 and approximately INR 101,640 over five years.

The difference? More than INR 660,000 in energy cost savings over five years. It’s enough to pay for a lot of family road trips, or if we're being honest, quite a few weekend biryanis too. 

And that's before considering VinFast's complimentary charging programme at V Green charging stations until 31 March 2029 and EV transition support of up to INR 154,000 for eligible customers switching from an ICE vehicle.

The Costs You Stop Thinking About
There are some ownership costs that never appear on your monthly bank statement, but you'll certainly notice them when they're gone. Case in point—maintenance. Conventional petrol vehicles require routine engine oil changes, spark plug replacements, fuel filter swaps and more complex powertrain servicing over time. Electric vehicles do away with much of that.

Routine annual service costs for the VF 6 are estimated at approximately INR 3,500 to INR 5,000, covering items such as cabin air filter replacements, brake fluid top ups, wheel alignment and software diagnostics. Regenerative braking also reduces wear on mechanical brakes, helping extend brake pad life to more than 80,000 km.

VinFast further strengthens the ownership proposition with complimentary maintenance for three years or 36,000 km, whichever comes first, alongside a seven year or 160,000 km vehicle warranty and a ten year or 200,000 km battery warranty.

After all of that, there's something buyers rarely put a price on before purchasing an EV: peace of mind.

One Indian VF 6 owner recently reflected on his ownership experience after driving more than 8,000 km. Interestingly, he admitted that he was more anxious about range and public charging before buying the car than after.

Home charging proved sufficient for most of his needs, while the vehicle returned an overall efficiency of 14.8 kWh per 100 km over more than 4,000 km of driving. And what stood out most was how quickly charging became part of his routine and how little he found himself thinking about it.

His verdict? The VF 6 was "light on the pocket to run"¹.

VinFast engineers design their electric vehicles to be Indians’ ultimate companion on the road—robust, smart, and built to handle the daily life with ease.
 

One of the questions VinFast engineers hear most often is: "How do I make sure my vehicle's battery stays strong and healthy for years to come?"
 

VinFast engineers design their electric vehicles to be Indians’ ultimate companion on the road—robust, smart, and built to handle the daily life with ease
 

The wonderful news is that modern EV batteries are incredibly smart. They have their own "brain" (the Battery Management System) that constantly works behind the scenes to protect themselves. You do not need to be a tech expert, stare at voltage screens, or stress over tiny details to keep your battery happy.
 

Whether you are cruising in a VinFast VF 6, VF 7, MPV 7, or Limo Green, here are five simple, stress-free habits recommended by VinFast engineers to help keep your drive feeling like day one.
 

1. Enjoy a Smooth, Steady Ride

Think of your battery like a runner. A steady, comfortable jog is much easier on the heart than constant, sudden sprints.
 

What to do: Practice smooth and progressive acceleration in your daily commute. Your VinFast EV will always have power when you need it, but gentle inputs during everyday driving are one of the simplest ways to support long-term battery health.
 

Why it helps: While VinFast EVs offers thrilling acceleration, practicing smooth and progressive acceleration in your daily commute keeps your battery’s "heart rate" stable and cool.
 

The bonus: It makes your drive incredibly comfortable for your passengers and naturally squeezes more miles out of every single charge!
 

2. Choose the Right Pace for Your Daily Charge

Just like how a slow, relaxing meal is better for digestion than rushing through a heavy feast, your battery loves a steady flow of energy.
 

What to do: Reserve Super Fast Chargers (SFCs of 120 kW and above) for road trips and time-sensitive top-ups. For everyday charging, VinFast engineers recommend using standard DC chargers, such as a 60-kW charger whenever available, to provide an excellent balance between charging speed and battery care.
 

Why it helps: Higher charging speeds generate more heat inside lithium-ion batteries. Managing this heat is one of the key factors in preserving battery State of Health (SOH) over the long term. Therefore, it’s recommended to use standard chargers for routine charging to keep the temperature low and keep the battery cells in peak condition. Think of it like a gentle spa treatment for your battery.
 

3. Keep It Cool (Seek the Shade)

On a very hot summer afternoon, we naturally look for shade to cool down. Your VinFast battery feels the exact same way!
 

What to do: Whenever possible, park your car in covered spaces, basements, or shaded areas.
 

Why it helps: Again, prolonged, intense heat is the enemy of any battery. VinFast engineers recommend keeping battery temperatures below 40°C whenever possible. Elevated temperatures accelerate the electrochemical ageing process in lithium-ion cells, even when the vehicle isn't being driven.
 

No stress: If you have to park in the sun occasionally, don’t worry! Your car is built to handle it. But over the lifespan of your vehicle, choosing the shade whenever you can is a small habit that makes a big, beautiful difference.
 

4. Find Your Daily "Sweet Spot" (20% - 80%)

Batteries are happiest when they sit comfortably in the middle.
 

What to do: For everyday driving and city commutes, aim to keep your battery level between 20% and 80%, the so-called "sweet spot." But if you're preparing for a longer journey, go ahead and charge it to 100%. That's exactly what it's designed for. Just try to hit the road shortly after reaching 100%, rather than letting the car sit fully charged for extended periods.
 

Why it helps: Lithium-ion batteries experience greater electrochemical stress when they remain at very high or very low charge levels for long periods. Operating within the 20% to 80% window for daily use helps minimise this stress and supports slower battery degradation over time.
 

5. Going on Vacation? Leave a Little "Juice"

If you are planning to travel or leave your VinFast parked in the garage for a few weeks, your battery needs a stable resting state.
 

What to do: Before leaving your vehicle in storage, make sure the battery has at least 30% charge.
 

Why it helps: Storing a battery at very low State of Charge (SoC) for prolonged periods can affect cell chemistry and battery readiness. Maintaining a moderate charge level provides a stable buffer for the battery and helps ensure that all the smart, silent safety systems inside the car have enough energy to stay alert, so your car is perfectly ready to greet you when you return.
 

The Big Picture: Just Enjoy the Drive!

Battery wear is a very slow, gradual process that happens over many years. In a recent analysis of nearly 10,000 EV battery health tests, many popular EVs retained 95% or more of their original battery capacity after 100,000 km of driving.
 

So, think of the above 5 habits not as strict rules, but as simple, loving ways to care for your vehicle.
 

Want to chat more about your vehicle? We are bringing Care & Share to the VinFast App in August 2026! It is a friendly, dedicated space where you can ask questions and get direct, stress-free advice from VinFast engineers.
 

Until then, enjoy the quiet, powerful, and clean ride of your VinFast EV!

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.
 

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
 

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in.

At a VinFast-hosted forum in Vietnam, journalists, industry experts and automakers agreed that winning mainstream buyers will require more than cheaper electric cars

Before the Iran conflict sent fuel prices soaring, India's electric passenger vehicle market was already building momentum, driven in part by growing consumer awareness and a shift in how families make car-buying decisions.

Experts broadly agree that growing concerns over air pollution in cities such as Delhi, combined with increasing awareness of climate change, are shaping consumer attitudes toward electric vehicles. They also note that car purchases in India are typically family decisions, with children playing an increasingly influential role. Younger family members are often drawn to the modern, stylish designs of EVs, which can further encourage households to choose electric models.

The conflict simply reinforced a trend that had been gathering pace, as more consumers began weighing not just what a car costs to buy, but what it costs to own.

According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), India retailed a record 31,823 electric passenger vehicles in June, more than double the volume a year earlier and enough to lift EV penetration to 7.7% of passenger vehicle sales, up from 4.8% a year ago . Alternative-fuel vehicles, including EVs, hybrids and CNG models, accounted for more than 40% of passenger vehicle sales for the first time.

Yet despite the rapid growth, electric cars remain a minority choice in a country where more than four million passenger vehicles are sold annually. The opportunity is enormous, but so is the gap between consumer interest and actual purchases. The question now is what will persuade millions more mainstream buyers to make the switch.

That question was the focus of a recent discussion organized by VinFast in Vietnam, where journalists, industry experts and automakers debated what it will take to move EVs into India's mainstream. While participants approached the issue from different perspectives, they reached a similar conclusion: accelerating four-wheeler EV adoption will require more than cheaper batteries or additional charging stations. It will require giving consumers confidence that an electric car fits seamlessly into everyday life.

Confidence Is the New Currency

That starts with changing how consumers evaluate an EV. And the debate around EV adoption is gradually shifting away from sticker prices toward a longer-term measure: total cost of ownership.

According to Shams Raza Naqvi, senior editor at car&bike, the buying decision has evolved as the price gap between EVs and conventional vehicles continues to narrow.

"Upfront expenditure is not as much of a concern now because the gap between the cost of EVs and ICE cars is reducing," he said. "What they worry about more is spending 5,000 to 6,000 rupees every time they go to a fuel pump versus the much cheaper cost of charging at home."

That assessment was echoed by Dr. Javeid Khan, an automotive reviewer at CarAdvice, who said rising fuel prices are prompting consumers to look beyond the showroom price.

"Fuel prices have increased significantly, sometimes three or four times in a week. An EV has a very low cost of running compared to an ICE car, and that is a very big factor for Indian consumers."

Technology is also helping strengthen the value proposition. For example, Khan pointed out that EVs, once seen primarily as second or third cars for daily commuting, are becoming increasingly practical for longer journeys as driving ranges stretch to 450 to 500 kilometers.

But if economics are becoming easier to justify, ownership still needs to feel less uncertain. While driving range has improved significantly, range anxiety persists. Panelists pointed to inconsistent charger uptime, fragmented payment systems and uneven highway coverage as continuing pain points. Apartment residents often struggle to install home chargers, while concerns over battery life, resale value and fire safety continue to shape perceptions among first-time buyers.

In other words, India's EV challenge is less about making electric cars cheaper and more about making ownership feel predictable.

Winning the Ownership Experience

That is where automakers believe they can make the biggest difference.

If affordability gets consumers through the showroom door, the ownership experience is increasingly what determines whether they sign the purchase agreement. As a result, manufacturers are competing less on specifications alone and more on the ecosystem that surrounds the vehicle.

"To nudge customers, we need three stakeholders: customers, government and OEMs," said Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India. While calling for governments to maintain supportive tax policies until the market reaches an inflection point, he argued that manufacturers also have to make EV ownership less intimidating.

At VinFast, that has translated into a strategy of building a comprehensive ownership ecosystem alongside its vehicles. Beyond expanding its charging and service network, the company is partnering with third-party providers to strengthen aftersales support while offering free charging, free maintenance, a residual value guarantee and warranties of up to 10 years, depending on the vehicle, to reduce ownership concerns.

That emphasis on the broader ownership ecosystem resonated with other participants, who pointed out that confidence is shaped as much by the surrounding infrastructure and support network as by the vehicle itself. Participants who recently visited Vietnam said the country's mature charging network, built by VinFast's sister company V-Green, offered a glimpse of what widespread adoption could look like.

"When you land in Vietnam, you notice the number of electric cars on the roads," said Ranojoy Mukerji, assistant editor at The New Indian Express' Indulge. "Seeing hundreds of cars charging simultaneously removes the mental block people have."

Policy support, however, remains indispensable. Panelists called for greater policy clarity, continued investment in charging infrastructure, innovative financing from banks and non-banking financial companies, and consistent long-term policies that give both consumers and manufacturers the confidence to invest.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. 

VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia. 

Learn more at: www.vinfastauto.in

SUN Mobility showcases the World's First Modular Multi-Battery Swapping Technology for Heavy Electric Mobility at Prawaas 5.0, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

This breakthrough solution was inaugurated by Mr. Amrendra Singh Kishore (IOFS), Director, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, in the presence of Anand S, Vice President and Business Head, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles; TV Srinivas, Head, Product Planning, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles; Chetan Maini, Co-founder and Chairman, SUN Mobility, and Ashok Agarwal, CEO, SUN Mobility - HEV Business. The event being held from 9th to 11th July at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, comprises of prominent bus and car operators, vehicle OEMs and policymakers.

SUN Mobility Heavy Electric Vehicles (HEV) has developed a modular multi-battery swapping solution for commercial vehicles, designed to address the key barriers to fleet electrification, including high upfront vehicle costs, charging downtime, operational inefficiencies and limited scalability.

India's electric bus market sits at an inflection point. Previous policy mandate like FAME II and the current PM E-Drive and state-level procurement targets are converging to accelerate adoption. As fleet operators look to electrify harder-to-abate segments such as staff transport, city transit, and intercity corridors, battery swapping is emerging as a valuable addition to the electrification toolkit. By enabling rapid energy replenishment, reducing vehicle downtime, and lowering the cost of electrification, it offers an economically viable solution for both low- and high-utilization operations while maximizing fleet uptime and operational efficiency. It also aims to decarbonize India’s commercial bus market at scale, which currently stands at USD 12 billion, according to a CEEW study published in 2025.

Speaking on this announcement, Chetan Maini, Co-Founder and Chairman, SUN Mobility, said, "When we founded SUN Mobility, our vision was to make electric mobility as convenient, scalable, and economically viable as conventional transport by reimagining energy infrastructure. The unveiling of the world's first Modular Multi-Battery Swappable Solution demonstrated with Tata Starbus EV at Prawaas 5.0 marks a defining milestone in that journey. We believe the modular multi-battery swapping solution has the potential to unlock large-scale electrification across the commercial vehicle ecosystem by delivering a cost-effective and operationally efficient energy solution for diverse applications. As India accelerates its transition to clean mobility, technologies designed and built here can not only transform commercial transportation at home but also position India as a global leader in next-generation electric mobility solutions."

Ashok Agarwal, CEO, SUN Mobility HEV, said, “The next phase of electrification will not be defined solely by vehicles, but by the energy ecosystems that power them. Our showcase of World’s first Modular Multi-Battery Swappable Solution on the Tata Starbus EV platform demonstrates how one battery swapping platform can serve staff, city transit, and intercity fleets alike, without compromising on affordability or operational reliability. We see this as a real step towards mass adoption of EVs in commercial transportation.”

Inside the World's First Modular Multi-Battery Swappable Smart Bus

At the centre of the showcase is SUN Mobility HEV's AIS-038 certified Modular Multi-Battery Swappable Solution, integrated into the Tata Starbus EV platform. The Modular Multi-Battery Swappable architecture allows two batteries to be swapped at once, with the full process completed in under five minutes, cutting turnaround time and giving operators a meaningful gain in uptime and flexibility.

The same modular design supports both 100 kWh and 50 kWh battery configurations and works across vehicle segments ranging from 3T to 55T GVW. A single underlying architecture serves multiple use-cases with the flexibility to the end users to choose the battery pack as per their operational requirements.

Under SUN Mobility HEV's Battery-as-a Service (BaaS) approach, the battery is decoupled from the vehicle, so operators pay for energy consumed rather than the upfront cost of a battery pack. This shifts the burden of battery replacement, performance, and obsolescence from the customer to the swap operator, lowering the risk of switching to electric while bringing financing solutions at par with ICE vehicles.

One Platform, Built to Scale Across Every Application

As the battery, vehicle, and swap station architecture is common across staff, city transit, and intercity use cases, fleet operators and city administrators can expand deployment without re-engineering the underlying system, a key differentiator for scaling commercial EV operations.

Every Swappable EV runs as a connected node on SUN Mobility HEV's intelligent network, sending back battery health, location, driver behaviour, energy use, and predictive maintenance alerts, with Over-the-Air update capability built in. Underpinning this is SUN Mobility HEV's proprietary Digital Twin platform, a live virtual replica of every battery pack, and swap event that enables predictive degradation modelling, remote fault diagnosis, optimized swap scheduling, and carbon accounting at the level of a single vehicle.

Made in India, Built for the World

The Modular Multi-Battery Swappable Solution marks a significant moment for India's commercial EV ecosystem, underscoring the growing importance of indigenous, OEM-agnostic energy infrastructure. Beyond enabling zero tailpipe emissions, the platform reflects wider national priorities of energy resilience and globally competitive mobility technology.

Built on more than 275+ patents developed entirely in-house, the technology embodies SUN Mobility HEV's ambition to build solutions made in India, built for the world.

Backed by SUN Mobility’s credibility and building on proven success in electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and small commercial vehicles, SUN Mobility Heavy Electric Vehicles (HEV) extends this technology to buses and trucks. Its integrated ecosystem combines modular smart batteries, high-throughput Quick Interchange Stations (QIS), and the cloud-based Smart Network to enable buses and trucks to replenish energy in minutes: eliminating charging downtime, reducing range anxiety, and improving fleet productivity. The platform supports buses from 7 to 13.5 metres and trucks from 3T to 55T GVW, allowing operators to deploy multi-OEM fleets on a common energy infrastructure. By removing battery ownership from the vehicle purchase, SUN Mobility lowers acquisition costs, improves financing viability, and eliminates concerns around battery replacement and technology obsolescence.

About SUN Mobility

SUN Mobility is a global pioneer in battery swapping technology, offering faster, more affordable, and highly convenient energy solutions that accelerate electric vehicle adoption and support the transition to a zero-emission future. Founded in 2017 by Chetan Maini (Maini Group) and Uday Khemka (SUN Group), trailblazers in electric mobility and clean energy, SUN Mobility has emerged as India’s foremost provider of open architecture battery swapping solutions. Beyond India, it has strengthen its global presence especially in Africa, Southeast Asia including the Philippines.

Backed by marquee investors including Bosch (a global leader in automotive technology), Vitol (Africa’s leading energy trader and parent of Vivo Energy), Helios Climate (Africa’s premier climate-focused investment platform) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), the company enables seamless energy refuelling for electric two-, three-, and four-wheelers, as well as heavy electric vehicles (HEVs), through its innovative Swap Point™ infrastructure.

To accelerate nationwide deployment, SUN Mobility has formed IndoFast Swap Energy, a 50:50 joint venture with IOCL, aimed at scaling India’s battery swapping network at speed and scale. SUN Mobility has deployed 1900+ Swap Points™ across 23+ cities, powering over 70 million battery swaps and enabling 465+ million electric kilometers to date. Its technology has already helped eliminate more than 100,000 Metric Tonnes of CO₂ emissions, underscoring its mission to power clean, accessible mobility at scale.

VinFast's ecosystem strategy offers a glimpse into the next phase of electric mobility

For more than a century, industrial revolutions have rarely been driven by products alone. Detroit did not become the world's automotive capital simply because a single brand built a better car. Silicon Valley's success cannot be explained by any single tech company alone, nor did Shenzhen's transformation from a fishing village into a global electronics manufacturing powerhouse happen because of a single company. In almost every case, leadership emerged because manufacturers were surrounded by networks of suppliers, infrastructure, financing, research institutions and skilled talent that reinforced one another.

The same phenomenon appears to be happening in the electric vehicle industry. Over the past decade, conversation has largely centered on battery technology, driving range and vehicle performance. While those innovations remain essential, they are no longer sufficient to guarantee success in the next growth phase. As EVs move beyond early adopters into the mainstream, consumers are looking for something more, namely the confidence knowing they can charge conveniently, access reliable aftersales support, finance their purchase affordably and continue using their vehicles with minimal disruption for years to come.

“It is not only about selling cars. It is also about building the infrastructure those cars require and addressing customer concerns, from charging and aftersales to resale value and ownership confidence,” said Rishav Kumar Choudhary, Managing Director of JP Emobility India, back in May.

The competitive battleground is shifting
In 2025, the global EV market continues to grow despite slower demand in several mature markets. According to the latest report by the International Energy Agency, more than 20 million electric vehicles were sold worldwide last year, representing a quarter of all new passenger vehicle sales. This represents 20% growth from 2024, marking the fifth consecutive year in which annual electric car sales increased by about 3.5 million.

Yet as electric vehicles become more widespread, the mainstream consumers still have persistent concerns about the technology and worry about the potential lifestyle compromises they may have to make. Industry surveys consistently show that many consumers remain concerned about practical ownership issues such as charging infrastructure, charging time, driving range and long-term reliability.

The change in consumer base is prompting manufacturers to think differently. Pure-play EV brands are already investing across multiple parts of the EV value chain rather than focusing exclusively on manufacturing, expanding into other parts of the ownership experience by producing their own batteries, building proprietary charging networks and developing software capabilities. Meanwhile, traditional automakers have accelerated partnerships with charging operators and software providers as they recognize that customer experience increasingly extends beyond the showroom.

These developments reflect a broader reality that in many ways, the competitive battleground is shifting from the vehicle itself to the ecosystem that supports it, including charging, aftersales service, financing and even mobility services.

Think of it as a version of the so-called "network effect," Every improvement in one area reduces friction elsewhere. A denser charging network makes consumers less anxious about range. Better service infrastructure increases confidence in long-term ownership.

Attractive financing lowers the barrier to switching from an internal combustion engine vehicle, while large commercial fleets place more EVs on the road and make electric mobility familiar to millions of people who may eventually become private buyers themselves.

That ecosystem thinking is perhaps clearest in Vietnam, where the country's leading EV maker, VinFast, has taken a broad approach to supporting electric mobility. Backed by the nation's largest private conglomerate, VinFast has worked with Vingroup- and founder-affiliated companies to gradually build a broader electric mobility ecosystem.

For example, charging infrastructure built by V-Green, the global charging company owned by VinFast’s billionaire founder Pham Nhat Vuong, addresses concerns about convenience. The company is developing a charging network of roughly 150,000 charging ports nationwide, averaging around 3.5 kilometers between charging stations in urban areas and approximately 65 kilometers across 106 national highways and expressways.

Taxi fleets operated by the ride-hailing arm Green SM, also under Vuong, allow consumers to experience EVs, specifically VinFast's, before purchasing one themselves. Electric buses made by VinFast is being deployed as public transport, helping normalize electric mobility in everyday life, while Vingroup's investments in other fields, such as robotics through VinRobotics and VinDynamics, strengthen long-term competitiveness by future-proofing production efficiency and technological capabilities. 

While each business has its own commercial objectives, together they address different barriers that have historically slowed EV adoption. And rather than asking customers to adapt to electric mobility, the ecosystem attempts to make electric mobility adapt to customers.

The strategy has contributed to VinFast's rapid expansion since its inception in 2017. The company delivered nearly 197,000 electric vehicles globally in 2025, more than doubling deliveries from the previous year, while continuing to expand manufacturing capacity and overseas operations, including in India. As of May this year, it had been Vietnam's best-selling automotive brand for 20 consecutive months.

Lessons for the next phase of EV adoption
The importance of ecosystems may become even more pronounced in emerging markets, where the EV transition is still in its early stages.

In India, four-wheeler EV sales grew by 75% year on year in 2025 to reach 165,000 units, accounting for nearly 4% of total passenger vehicle sales. Although passenger EV penetration remains relatively modest compared with China, parts of Europe, and even Vietnam and Thailand, the market is expanding steadily as government incentives, new product launches and charging investments gather pace. In May, for the first time, EV penetration across India's automobile market crossed 11%, while the country is expected to welcome 16 new electrified passenger vehicle models over the next nine months, compared with just seven internal combustion vehicles.

Virtually every major automaker in India has announced ambitious electrification plans, yet long-term success is unlikely to depend solely on product specifications. Building consumer confidence will require parallel investments in charging infrastructure, financing, aftersales service, local supply chains and manufacturing.

VinFast's own expansion into India reflects this broader philosophy. Alongside its manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, the company has expanded its dealership network, partnered with financial institutions, developed third-party service partnerships and worked with V-Green to support charging infrastructure. According to company plans, its Indian network is expected to grow to 75 showrooms and more than 230 dedicated service stations, complementing investments in manufacturing and product localization.

Of course, building such a comprehensive ecosystem from the ground up takes time, but the broader direction across the industry is becoming increasingly clear. Manufacturers are no longer competing, nor should they compete, solely on a single aspect. If history offers one lesson, it is that the companies most likely to shape the future are those that build product ecosystems that make the ownership journey effortless.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam's largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast's product lineup includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. The company is rapidly expanding its global distribution network and manufacturing capabilities with facilities in Vietnam, India, and planned operations in the United States.

The company's Thoothukudi facility in Tamil Nadu represents a USD 500 million investment and will produce 150,000 vehicles annually when fully operational, creating approximately 3,500 direct jobs.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Tapan Ghosh (left), CEO of VinFast India along with Mr. Nandagopal R., President & National Business Head – Shriram Green Finance in Gurugram 

Through this partnership, prospective VinFast customers will benefit from Shriram Finance’s tailored financing solutions, including up to 100% on-road funding, attractive interest rates, and flexible repayment options across VinFast’s product portfolio, designed to simplify EV ownership and accelerate adoption. The collaboration will also enable VinFast to leverage Shriram Finance’s extensive pan-India presence, deep expertise in vehicle financing, and strong customer reach across urban, rural, and semi-urban markets.

Shriram Finance is one of India’s largest retail-focused NBFCs, providing lending and other credit solutions alongside traditional banking channels to more than 9 million customers through a nationwide network of over 3,000 branches. Through its green finance initiatives, Shriram Finance shares VinFast’s vision of accelerating the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions across India.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India along with Mr. Nandagopal R., President & National Business Head – Shriram Green Finance.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India, shared, “India’s transition to electric mobility will be shaped not just by strong products, but by the strength of the ecosystem that supports them. Our partnership with Shriram Finance reflects VinFast’s continued focus on removing barriers to EV adoption by improving financing accessibility and enabling a smoother ownership experience for our customers across markets”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Nandagopal R., President & National Business Head – Shriram Green Finance, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with VinFast through this strategic MOU, which marks an important step towards strengthening sustainable mobility solutions in India. This association reflects our shared vision to accelerate EV adoption and support the development of a stronger green mobility ecosystem across the country.”

As VinFast continues to strengthen its footprint in India, this partnership marks another important step in the company’s efforts to build a robust EV ecosystem that supports the country’s transition towards sustainable mobility. Following the recent launch of the VF MPV 7, marking VinFast’s entry into the electric MPV segment, the company continues to build strong momentum in the market through strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility and ownership convenience.

With collaborations focused on strengthening financing accessibility, a key enabler of EV adoption, alongside initiatives such as assured resale and structured buyback programmes, VinFast remains committed to making electric mobility more practical, accessible, and convenient for Indian consumers.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. 

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in
 

About Shriram Finance Limited (SFL)
Shriram Finance Limited (SFL) is one of India’s largest retail NBFCs with a strong nationwide presence and decades of experience in vehicle and MSME financing. The Company offers diversified financial solutions across commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, MSME lending, EV vehicle financing, EV eco system and solar financing segments.

SFL has been actively expanding its Green Finance portfolio with a focus on EV vehicle financing, EV eco system development, sustainable transportation and renewable energy solutions. With its extensive customer reach, strong distribution network and deep market understanding, SFL is well positioned to support India’s transition towards cleaner and greener mobility solutions.

Website: www.shriramfinance.in

The MoU was signed by Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, along with Mr. Narendra Kamath, COO – SME Finance, Tata Capital in Gurugram

Under the partnership, VinFast’s dealer partners will have access to financing solutions tailored to support working capital requirements, inventory management and network expansion.

The collaboration brings together VinFast’s expanding dealer network and Tata Capital’s extensive financing capabilities. A leading NBFC in India, Tata Capital provides a broad range of financing and credit solutions that complement traditional banking services. The company serves approximately 7.7 million customers through a comprehensive product portfolio and a nationwide network of nearly 1,500 branches.

By leveraging Tata Capital’s broad branch network, digital platforms, and financing expertise, VinFast aims to further strengthen its dealer ecosystem and support its continued expansion across the country. The partnership also aligns with the company’s broader goal of accelerating the adoption of sustainable transportation solutions in one of the world’s fastest-growing EV markets.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, along with Mr. Narendra Kamath, COO – SME Finance, Tata Capital, and Mr. Soumitra Das, Business Head – Supply Chain Finance at Tata Capital.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, shared, “VinFast India is pleased to partner with Tata Capital, one of the most trusted financial services providers in the country, in a collaboration that reflects our shared commitment to advancing electric mobility in India. This partnership will enable us to offer comprehensive financing solutions for our dealer network, thereby supporting greater accessibility, operational ease and long-term growth for the brand. We are confident that their strong pan-India presence and financial expertise will play an important role in enhancing the ownership journey for our customers and partners.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Narendra Kamath, COO - SME Finance, Tata Capital, said, "India’s transition to electric mobility is gathering significant momentum, creating a growing need for innovative and scalable financing solutions. Through our partnership with VinFast, we aim to empower dealers with tailored financing support that enables business growth and operational efficiency. Together, we are committed to strengthening the EV ecosystem and accelerating the adoption of sustainable mobility across the country."

Expanding access to financial solutions for both customers and dealer partners is part of VinFast’s broader strategy to build a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem in India. Alongside a growing EV portfolio that includes the VF 6, VF 7, and VF MPV 7, the company is introducing initiatives aimed at making EV ownership more accessible and convenient, including assured resale value programs. Most recently, VinFast extended its free charging program across the V-Green charging network until March 31, 2029. Together, these efforts support broader EV adoption and help advance India’s transition to sustainable mobility.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in.

About Tata Capital

Tata Capital Limited, a holistic financial services provider, caters to the diverse needs of retail, housing, SME, and corporate customers with a pan-India network of 1500+ branches. Its range of offerings includes Consumer Finance, Housing Finance, Commercial Finance, Cleantech Finance, Microfinance, Debt Syndication, Private Equity, and Credit Cards.

For more information, please visit www.tatacapital.com.

The automotive industry is moving away from an era where value was defined mainly by engines, mechanical engineering and factory scale. Instead, cars are becoming rolling computers, with software controlling everything from entertainment and navigation to safety systems and autonomous driving.
 

Vietnam’s VinFast announced a strategic partnership with NVIDIA and AI company Autobrains to develop a Level 4 robotaxi platform for Southeast Asia
 

One of the clearest signs of this transition arrived recently from an unexpected corner of the world. At NVIDIA GTC Taipei 2026, Vietnam’s VinFast announced a strategic partnership with NVIDIA and AI company Autobrains to develop a Level 4 robotaxi platform for Southeast Asia. Built on NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion 10 and powered by Autobrains’ Agentic AI software, the program aims to tackle one of the world's most challenging traffic environments while making advanced autonomous mobility more scalable and cost-effective.
 

Beyond the announcement itself, the deal shines a light on several big changes happening all at once, from software-defined vehicles and AI-powered mobility to new partnerships and the push to bring autonomous driving into the real world.
 

Software-defined vehicles are becoming the industry's next battleground

For much of automotive history, competition revolved around engines, manufacturing efficiency and mechanical engineering. Increasingly, however, vehicles are becoming software platforms that can continuously evolve through over-the-air updates, AI-driven features and cloud connectivity.
 

According to IoT Analytics' Software-defined Vehicles Adoption Report 2026, 45% of automotive OEMs and suppliers now rank software-defined vehicles (SDVs) as their top strategic priority, ahead of both autonomous driving and electrification.
 

This shift is particularly significant for EV manufacturers. Unlike internal combustion vehicles, EVs already rely heavily on software-controlled systems for battery management, energy optimization, thermal management and vehicle performance. In many ways, today's EV is starting to look less like a traditional car and more like a smartphone with seats and wheels.
 

As vehicles become software-defined platforms, competitive advantage is increasingly determined by computing power, AI capabilities and software architecture, creating new opportunities for EV-first brands such as VinFast.
 

Emerging markets are becoming the next frontier for autonomous mobility

The first generation of robotaxis largely focused on cities such as Phoenix, San Francisco, Shanghai and Beijing, where infrastructure is relatively structured and regulations are more mature.
 

Now comes the harder test: proving autonomous driving can work reliably in dense, highly unpredictable environments filled with motorcycles, informal driving behavior, pedestrians and mixed traffic conditions.
 

Southeast Asia represents challenges, but also a substantial commercial opportunity. According to IMARC Group, the Southeast Asian autonomous vehicle market reached approximately US$4.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to US$27.3 billion by 2034.
 

For VinFast, this presents an opportunity to develop autonomous driving systems tailored to the realities of emerging markets while remaining equally effective in Western urban environments. The company itself highlighted this point when announcing the partnership, describing Southeast Asia's dense traffic, diverse road behavior and highly dynamic urban environments as a demanding validation ground for autonomous driving.
 

Think of it this way: teaching a robotaxi to drive on wide, orderly roads is one thing. Teaching it to handle a busy Southeast Asian intersection, where scooters seem to appear from every direction at once, is an entirely different challenge.
 

If autonomous systems can succeed in Southeast Asia, they may become significantly easier to deploy across many other developing markets.
 

The industry is moving from standalone automakers to technology ecosystems

Autonomous driving has become too complex for any single company to master alone. Successful programs increasingly combine multiple areas of expertise:

• Automakers for vehicle integration and production

• AI specialists for autonomous software

• Semiconductor companies for computing platforms

• Mapping, simulation and cloud providers for supporting infrastructure
   

The VinFast-NVIDIA-Autobrains collaboration reflects this growing industry model. For newer EV brands, these ecosystems offer a shortcut to innovation by allowing them to leverage world-class technology partners rather than building every capability from scratch.
 

The future of EV innovation is increasingly being built through strategic technology ecosystems, and VinFast is leveraging global partnerships to accelerate the development of advanced autonomous capabilities.
 

The robotaxi industry is moving from experimentation to commercialization

Perhaps the most important trend is that robotaxis are moving beyond experimentation and toward commercial scale.
 

The evidence is increasingly visible. Fully autonomous ride-hailing services are now completing hundreds of thousands of paid passengers trips every week across multiple cities, while operators continue expanding into new markets. At the same time, industry analysts project strong growth for the global robotaxi sector over the coming decade as more cities transition from pilot programs to commercial deployments.
 

Yet much of this progress remains concentrated in developed markets or relatively controlled operating environments. Large-scale deployment in emerging markets, where traffic patterns are more complex and less predictable, remains one of the industry's next major challenges.
 

This is where VinFast's approach stands out. By developing a Level 4 robotaxi platform specifically for Southeast Asia, the company is targeting a region that could become one of the most demanding proving grounds for autonomous mobility. And rather than positioning autonomous driving solely as a luxury technology, the company is pursuing an approach centered on broader deployment and real-world usability.
 

That aligns with a wider industry movement toward democratizing advanced mobility technologies and making autonomous transportation accessible to a larger population. After all, technologies tend to have the biggest impact not when they stay in premium products, but when ordinary people can use them in everyday life.

Every year, as the monsoon arrives across India, social media fills with images of flooded streets, waterlogged underpasses, and traffic inching through heavy rain. At the same time, many people considering an electric vehicle wonder whether EVs are safe and practical during the wettest months of the year.
 

Electric vehicles like VinFast's are designed to handle rain, flooding risks, and wet-weather charging more confidently than many drivers expect
 

Part of this concern comes from something most of us learned growing up: electricity and water do not mix. Whether it was warnings about household appliances near water or stories about electrical accidents during storms, the message was clear. Yet modern electric vehicles are engineered very differently from household electronics.
 

With models such as the VF 6, VF 7, and VF 7 MPV now available in India, many prospective EV buyers are asking whether electric vehicles can handle the country's challenging monsoon conditions. The good news is that many of the common concerns surrounding EVs and rain are based more on myth than reality.
 

Is There Danger in Driving an EV in the Rain?

Driving in the rain is always more challenging because of slippery roads, reduced visibility, and longer stopping distances. However, EVs do not introduce any additional risks simply because they are electric.
 

Modern EV battery packs, high-voltage cables, and electrical systems are carefully sealed and insulated from the outside environment. These vehicles also undergo extensive testing under demanding weather conditions, including exposure to heavy water spray from multiple directions.
 

Electric vehicles are no more likely to be struck by lightning than conventional vehicles. Like any modern car, the vehicle's structure is designed to direct electrical current around the passenger compartment, helping protect occupants in the unlikely event of a lightning strike.
 

Are EVs More Likely to Hydroplane?

Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water forms between a vehicle's tires and the road surface, reducing traction and making steering or braking more difficult. Factors such as tire condition, road quality, speed, and water depth all play important roles.
 

In fact, EVs may have certain advantages in these conditions. Because the battery pack is mounted low within the vehicle structure, EVs typically have a lower center of gravity and greater overall weight than comparable internal combustion vehicles. This can contribute to improved stability and stronger tire contact with the road surface.
 

That does not mean drivers can ignore monsoon safety precautions. The same rules apply regardless of what powers the vehicle. Reduce speed, leave extra space between vehicles, brake gently, and avoid areas where standing water has accumulated.
 

Can You Drive an EV Through Flooded Streets?

It is never a good idea to drive any vehicle through deep floodwater. During India's monsoon season, flooded roads can hide potholes, open drains, debris, or damaged road surfaces that pose risks to both drivers and vehicles.
 

However, EVs are generally less susceptible to stalling from water ingress because their drivetrains are fully sealed. Unlike conventional vehicles, electric powertrains do not rely on air intakes, exhaust systems, or fuel delivery systems that can be affected by water entering the vehicle.
 

VinFast's battery systems and high-voltage components are designed with multiple layers of protection and safety monitoring. The company also backs its vehicles with long-term warranty coverage. For example, the VF 7 MPV comes with a 10-year battery warranty, a 7-year vehicle warranty, a 5-year suspension warranty, and a 7-year paint warranty, helping provide added confidence for Indian families navigating a wide range of road and weather conditions.
 

That said, no vehicle should be driven through deep floodwater unless specifically designed for such conditions. If roads are significantly flooded, the safest option is always to wait or choose an alternative route.
 

Can You Charge an EV in the Rain?

Yes.

Unlike household electrical plugs, EV charging systems are specifically engineered for outdoor use. Charging ports and connectors are designed with weather-resistant protection and undergo rigorous testing to ensure safe operation in rain and wet conditions.
 

Before charging begins, the vehicle and charger communicate electronically to verify that a secure connection has been established. If any fault or irregularity is detected, power flow is automatically interrupted.
 

For Indian EV owners, this means charging during the monsoon is generally no different from charging on a dry day, provided approved charging equipment is used according to manufacturer guidelines.
 

While home charging remains a convenient option, public charging infrastructure is also designed to operate safely in varying weather conditions, including the heavy rainfall that accompanies India's monsoon season.
 

The Bottom Line

The arrival of the monsoon often raises questions about EV ownership, but modern electric vehicles like VinFast's are engineered with wet-weather operation in mind. After all, VinFast vehicles are developed in Vietnam, a Southeast Asian country where heavy rainfall and distinct wet seasons are part of the driving environment. Their batteries and electrical systems are extensively protected, charging equipment is designed for outdoor use, and they are tested to handle challenging environmental conditions.
 

For Indian drivers, the same principles apply regardless of the type of vehicle being driven: slow down in heavy rain, avoid flooded roads whenever possible, and prioritize safety. The technology inside today's EVs is already designed to handle the weather outside.

Students learn with live electric mobility systems, battery modules, and industry-grade EV technologies at the Advanced EV Centre by L&T EduTech at Galgotias University

The state-of-the-art facility brings live electric vehicle technologies directly into the academic ecosystem through fully functional electric cars, electric two-wheelers, live battery packs and modules, battery management systems, EV powertrain technologies, charging infrastructure, controllers, motors, diagnostics platforms, and embedded mobility systems. Developed as an experiential learning and applied engineering environment, the Centre enables students to work directly on technologies currently shaping the future of transportation globally.

Unlike conventional engineering laboratories that primarily rely on simulation-based learning, the Advanced EV Centre of Excellence allows students to engage hands-on with actual electric mobility platforms and industrial-grade components used across the EV ecosystem. Students will gain practical exposure to EV architecture, battery technologies, charging systems, diagnostics, thermal management, embedded systems, drivetrain integration, power electronics, vehicle communication systems, and sustainable mobility engineering.

The collaboration with L&T EduTech integrates industry-aligned curriculum, experiential learning modules, specialised technical training, and application-oriented learning frameworks into the academic environment. The initiative is aimed at strengthening industry readiness and creating a future-ready talent pipeline for India’s rapidly expanding electric mobility and clean transportation sector.

Dr Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer, Galgotias University, said, “The future of engineering education will be shaped by how closely universities integrate learning with real industry systems and emerging technologies. The Advanced EV Centre of Excellence developed with L&T EduTech gives students direct exposure to live electric mobility platforms, battery technologies, diagnostics, and industry-grade infrastructure that are defining the future of transportation globally. As India rapidly expands its electric mobility ecosystem, universities must move beyond conventional classroom models and create immersive, application-oriented environments that prepare students for high-impact innovation, research, and industry leadership.”

The collaboration further builds on the growing partnership between Galgotias University and L&T EduTech. Earlier this year, L&T EduTech recognised Galgotias University as a Blue Chip Partner during L&T EduTech NEXUS 2026, acknowledging the University’s strong industry engagement, technology-led learning ecosystem, and continued focus on future-ready engineering education and innovation-driven academic collaboration.

The facility strengthens the growing momentum around electric mobility, sustainable transportation, clean energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing. It is expected to support interdisciplinary learning and applied research across engineering, electronics, artificial intelligence, robotics, embedded systems, automotive technologies, and smart mobility solutions.

The Centre further expands Galgotias University’s ecosystem of industry-integrated laboratories, advanced technology infrastructure, innovation centres, and experiential learning facilities developed in collaboration with leading industry partners. The University has continued to build capabilities across emerging technology domains including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, electric mobility, cybersecurity, immersive technologies, and high-performance computing.

With India’s EV market witnessing accelerated growth across automotive manufacturing, battery innovation, charging infrastructure, mobility services, and clean transportation technologies, the Advanced EV Centre of Excellence is expected to create stronger pathways for students towards research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and high-growth careers within the global electric mobility ecosystem.

About Galgotias University
Galgotias University is one of India’s leading multidisciplinary universities recognised for academic excellence, research, innovation, global collaborations, and industry aligned education. With a vibrant student community of over 50,000 learners and a global alumni network of more than 100,000 graduates, the University has built a rapidly growing ecosystem focused on technology, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world impact.

In the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, Galgotias University was placed in the 1201-1400 global band and ranked 15th among private universities and 43rd among all universities in India. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the University was placed in the 1201-1500 global band and ranked 27th among private universities and 65th among all universities in India. The University is also accredited with NAAC A+, one of India’s highest institutional quality ratings.

Galgotias University offers programmes across engineering, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, business, law, media, design, health sciences, hospitality, liberal education, and emerging interdisciplinary domains. In 2026, students secured more than 5,100 job offers from over 1,250 recruiters. The University has built strong industry and innovation partnerships with organisations including Apple, Infosys, Intel, Cisco, Tata Technologies, L&T EduTech, Capgemini, and Salesforce, while continuing to strengthen its global academic engagement and startup ecosystem.

To know more, visit us at: www.galgotiasuniversity.edu.in.

Green SM leaders, Indian officials, Vietnamese Embassy representatives, and guests pressed the launch button, marking debut of Green SM’s fully electric taxi service in India

The launch ceremony took place in New Delhi with the attendance of Shri Rao Narbir Singh – Honorable Minister for Industries & Commerce; Environment, Forest & Wildlife; Foreign Cooperation; and Sainik & Ardh Sainik Welfare; Government of Haryana, Dr. Virinder Sharma - Vice President Commission for Air Quality Management, along with representatives from Indian government agencies, the Embassy of Vietnam in India, and strategic partners across automotive, transportation, energy, finance, technology, infrastructure, and services.

The launch, held on World Environment Day, adds symbolic meaning to Green SM’s arrival in India, reflecting the company’s vision of making cleaner mobility an essential part of everyday urban life. By entering the Indian market, Green SM aims to offer people a safe, reliable, and high-quality mobility choice, while creating more employment and career development opportunities for local drivers. With its fully electric operating model, Green SM is also committed to working alongside local partners and communities to promote modern, environmentally friendly transport solutions and contribute to sustainable development.

In the first phase, Green SM will operate Green SM Limo in key areas of the Delhi National Capital Region, with plans to expand its service coverage in stages to meet growing customer demand. Green SM Limo operates the VinFast Limo Green, a seven-seater fully electric SUV developed specifically for high-quality passenger transportation services. With its spacious cabin, smooth performance, and zero tailpipe emissions, Green SM Limo is designed to serve a wide range of mobility needs, from daily commuting and family trips to business meetings and airport transfers.

Each vehicle is equipped with drinking water, wet tissues, and essential amenities to bring passengers a more comfortable journey. Green SM Limo vehicles are also fitted with the Secure-to-Safe safety system, which includes interior and exterior cameras, AI-powered technology, and emergency support buttons for both drivers and passengers.

Behind every Green SM Limo journey is a team of professionally-trained Green Drivers. They are trained in electric vehicle operations, road safety, and customer service skills. Each Green Driver represents Green SM’s values of safety, dedication, professionalism, honesty, and responsibility in every ride.

“Ride 5 Star” is Green SM Limo’s service commitment, built on vehicle quality, safety standards, driver professionalism, and customer experience. It reflects Green SM’s promise to take care of each journey from the smallest details, so every ride can feel more comfortable, secure, and memorable.

Customers in India can book Green SM Limo through the Green SM app, available on the App Store and Google Play, contact the hotline, or hail a vehicle directly in Green SM operating areas. To celebrate the launch, from June 5 to June 11, Green SM is offering a promotion of 50%, up to INR 250, for customers booking rides through the app.

At the launch, Green SM also welcomed five local partners from mobility, travel, technology, and service sectors to join the Green Alliance Frontier. This global platform connects pioneering green businesses that share a commitment to sustainable development. The initiative creates opportunities for cooperation, encourages innovation, and supports green transformation across markets.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, GSM Global CEO, said, “India is one of the most important mobility markets in the world. Its scale, rapid growth, and strong spirit of innovation are opening up many opportunities for the future of green transportation. We come to India with respect for the market, confidence in its long-term potential, and a commitment to working closely with local partners. Green SM hopes to bring high-quality fully electric rides to customers, while contributing to broader access to safe, reliable, and more sustainable mobility choices. We believe trust is the most important foundation for long-term growth. This is also what Green SM hopes to build with customers, partners, and communities in India in the years ahead.”

The launch of Green SM Limo in India further expands Green SM’s international footprint and brings its fully electric mobility model, together with service standards developed and tested across multiple markets, to customers in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

Established in Vietnam in 2023, Green SM currently operates its green mobility ecosystem in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India. With a fully electric fleet, a professional Green Driver team, and consistent service standards across markets, the company is steadily working toward its goal of bringing high-quality mobility experiences to more customers around the world.

VinFast is investing heavily in the part of the EV business many consumers care about most: long-term ownership confidence
 

Yet major concerns still remain. “There is still the question of battery life, resale value and long-term reliability. The perceived danger of the unknown can easily surpass the savings potential even in situations where the economics is obviously in favor of EVs,” said one industry insider⁽²⁾.
 

Those concerns have become one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in India, especially for newer brands still working to establish long-term credibility. That was why many discussions during VinFast’s Global Business Conference in Vietnam earlier this month focused less on horsepower or vehicle specifications and more on infrastructure, workshops, charging networks, and customer support.
 

For nearly a week, more than 200 partners, investors, and aftersales operators from markets including India toured VinFast’s manufacturing complex, visited service workshops, attended strategy sessions, and explored the broader Vingroup ecosystem.
 

What many delegates encountered was not simply an automaker expanding internationally, but a company trying to build the surrounding ownership ecosystem alongside vehicle sales.
 

“Being in the automobile sector, we work with many OEMs, but VinFast is one of the very few companies thinking about the complete ecosystem,” said Rishav Kumar Choudhary, Managing Director of JP Emobility India, after participating in the program.
 

Aftersales as part of the product

While many automakers in India have accelerated EV launches in recent years, charging availability, maintenance accessibility, and long-term ownership support still vary widely across regions. For workshop operators and service partners, the challenge goes beyond customer demand. Investing in EV tooling, technician training, and service infrastructure carries significant risk if an OEM’s long-term commitment to the market remains uncertain.
 

“It is not only about selling cars. It is also about building the infrastructure those cars require and addressing customer concerns, from charging and aftersales to resale value and ownership confidence,” said Rishav.
 

That reality shaped much of the attention Indian delegates paid to VinFast’s aftersales strategy during the Vietnam visit. Rather than focusing solely on products or showroom expansion, the company used the conference to demonstrate how it plans to support EV ownership at scale.
 

During the conference, VinFast outlined plans to expand its global aftersales network to more than 1,100 service workshops in 2026, supported by standardized technician training, quality control systems, and spare parts supply commitments targeting rapid delivery in key markets.
 

At the same time, VinFast has been expanding its broader EV ecosystem through charging infrastructure partnerships, mobility services, and customer support programs designed to reduce ownership concerns over the long term. In India specifically, through partner V-Green, VinFast is expanding charging access via partnerships with HPCL and RoadGrid, leveraging HPCL’s network of more than 24,400 fuel stations across the country.
 

Alongside the infrastructure push, VinFast has introduced a range of ownership incentives, including free charging through March 31, 2029, three years of free maintenance, 10-year battery warranties, financial support for customers switching from gasoline vehicles to EVs, and a value assurance buyback program covering up to 75 per cent of vehicle value to help protect long-term resale confidence.
 

“The free charging, battery warranty, and vehicle warranty programs are extremely attractive offers that very few international brands provide,” said Sweta Choudhary, Director of JP Emobility India.
 

VinFast’s ecosystem vision became easier for delegates to understand once they experienced it firsthand in Vietnam. VinFast vehicles remained highly visible on the roads across Hanoi, Hai Phong, and other cities, operating not only as private vehicles but also in transportation services and fleet operations. Delegates also toured several of the more than 400 workshops in VinFast’s service network and attended discussion sessions focused on global service expansion and operational support.
 

The experience culminated at VinFast’s manufacturing complex in Hai Phong, where delegates saw one of the company’s largest operational pillars up close. With large-scale automation systems, robotics, and integrated production lines operating across the site, the facility became one of the highlights of the trip among international visitors.
 

“Seeing the factory was amazing,” said Shailesh Borse, Vice President at MyTVS India. “With more than 90% automation and the latest technology, it reflects a very modern infrastructure.”
 

At the same time, the visit also gave delegates a clearer understanding that while VinFast is building its own EV ecosystem, the company itself operates within the broader ecosystem of Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate. Vingroup and founder-affiliated companies such as V-Green are helping build charging and mobility infrastructure around the VinFast brand not only in Vietnam, but increasingly in international markets as well.
 

In Vietnam alone, V-Green is developing a charging network of roughly 150,000 charging ports nationwide, averaging around 3.5 km between charging stations in urban areas and approximately 65 km across 106 national highways and expressways.
 

For Sweta, the impression extended well beyond the automotive business itself.
 

“I learned about Vingroup and how it is transforming Vietnam across healthcare, technology, robotics, and many other sectors,” she said. “Vingroup is present in almost every aspect of life, and now it has entered mobility, where we are proud to be partners.”
 

By the end of the conference, VinFast’s strategy had helped persuade nearly 30 new international aftersales partners to sign Memoranda of Understanding across India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Kazakhstan as part of its global service expansion strategy.
 

Indian companies participating in the agreements included Gopinath Motor, PPS Auto LLP, Aarna Trading, Haritash, and YouWee, further expanding VinFast’s growing partner network in India.
 

“We are very confident that Vingroup will deliver excellent service and strong infrastructure for the Indian market and automotive industry as well,” said Shailesh from MyTVS.

VinFast continues to make its mark in India, earning multiple prestigious awards from leading automotive media outlets across the country
 

At the Motoring World Awards 2026, a respected editorial-driven automotive platform in India, VinFast was honoured with the “Disrupter of the Year” award, recognising the company’s bold market entry, differentiated approach to electric mobility, and efforts toward building a comprehensive EV ecosystem in India.
 

The recognition underscores how VinFast has approached India differently from many new entrants in the EV space. Rather than entering the market gradually, the company has simultaneously advanced product launches, manufacturing investments, charging partnerships, retail expansion, after-sales development, and ownership support initiatives. The jury particularly acknowledged VinFast’s willingness to develop vehicles, charging infrastructure, and service capabilities in parallel, reflecting a long-term and execution-driven strategy designed around how electric mobility needs to function at scale in India.
 

Further reinforcing the strength of its product portfolio, the VF 7 secured “Electric SUV of the Year” at the Car India Awards 2026, presented by one of India’s leading automotive magazines, and “EV Car of the Year” at the Innovation Technology and Imaging Awards 2026 by T3, the Indian edition of the globally-recognised UK technology magazine T3.
 

The dual honours for the VF 7 reflect the model’s growing reputation as one of the most compelling premium electric SUVs in the Indian market. Across both awards platforms, the vehicle stood out for combining striking design, refined driving dynamics, advanced safety systems, and a technology-rich cabin experience with strong relevance to Indian driving conditions and ownership expectations.
 

Specifically, at the Car India Awards 2026, the VF 7 was recognised for delivering a notably mature and well-rounded driving experience. The jury highlighted the SUV’s smooth and linear power delivery, intuitive ergonomics, and balanced ride quality, while also acknowledging the speed at which VinFast has evolved as a relatively young automaker.
 

The T3 award further reinforced the VF 7’s positioning as a technology-forward premium electric SUV developed with a clear all-electric focus. For the jury, the VF 7 represented not only VinFast’s strong product execution, but also a broader commitment to advancing a sustainable and fully electrified mobility future.
 

Positioned in the premium C-SUV segment, the VF 7 combines VinFast’s “Asymmetric Aerospace” design philosophy with advanced driver assistance technologies, connected features, and comprehensive safety systems. The model, along with the B-SUV VF 6, has also secured a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, reinforcing VinFast’s emphasis on safety as a core pillar of its product strategy in India. Together, these elements have helped the VF 7 establish a strong product-market fit among Indian consumers seeking premium electric mobility solutions that balance design appeal, technology integration, practicality, and long-term ownership confidence.
 

The recognitions further add to the list of accolades VinFast has received in the Indian market, including “EV Manufacturer of the Year” award at the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026, “Breakthrough Brand of the Year” at the Car&Bike Awards 2026, along with product honours such as “EV SUV of the Year – Editor’s Choice” for the VF 7 at the BBC TopGear India Awards 2026 and “Value for Money Car of the Year” for the VF 6 at the Autocar India Awards 2026, reflecting continued positive evaluation from industry experts toward the company’s product direction and long-term investment strategy.
 

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India, said, “These recognitions reflect the positive response to VinFast’s vision and product strategy in India. Being named ‘Disrupter of the Year’ acknowledges our bold approach to accelerating EV adoption, while the VF 7’s recognition as ‘Electric SUV of the Year’ and ‘EV Car of the Year’ reinforces our focus on delivering world-class electric vehicles for Indian consumers. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to building a strong EV ecosystem and seamless ownership experience.”
 

Mr. Pablo Chaterji, Executive Editor, Motoring World, added, “VinFast has arrived in India with the kind of determination that often takes established players years to develop. There's a full product lineup, aggressive pricing and a long-term commitment to the market. Its ecosystem—vehicles, charging infrastructure, and service network developed in parallel—reflects an OEM that has carefully studied electric mobility. Its intent is serious and bold, and everything it has done so far is worth paying attention to.”
 

Mr. Aspi Bhathena, Editor, Car India, added, “What struck me immediately after getting into the car and driving it is how smooth and linear the power delivery is. The interior is simple but well laid-out and the ergonomics are excellent. VinFast may have only started making cars less than a decade ago, but its learning curve is commendable. It has done its homework and has made driving its EVs as safe, relaxing and enjoyable as possible.”
 

Mr. Girish Mallya, Editor, T3, added, “VinFast’s VF 7 winning the EV Car of the Year at the T3 India Technology Awards 2026 is a powerful validation of their bold, uncompromising vision. As one of the world’s few pure-play EV manufacturers that has completely abandoned ICE technology, VinFast channels 100% of its focus, innovation, and resources into electric vehicles. This win celebrates not just engineering excellence but a genuine commitment to a sustainable, all-electric future.”
 

In 2026, VinFast continued to strengthen its momentum in India through rapid portfolio expansion and long-term ecosystem development. Following the launch of the VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs, both awarded 5-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings, the company further expanded into the electric MPV segment with the premium 7-seat VF MPV 7. VinFast also introduced a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the ownership experience, including assured resale programmes guaranteeing up to 90% vehicle value, free EV charging through V-Green-operated stations until March 2029, industry-leading warranty coverage, accessible financing solutions with local partners, and a rapidly expanding retail, after-sales, and service network across key regions in India.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. 
 

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
 

Learn more at vinfastauto.in.

Ampere Magnus G Max by Greaves Electric Mobility wins ‘Family Scooter of the Year’ at Times Drive Auto Summit and Awards 2026

Product development at Greaves Electric Mobility is rooted in delivering a balance of performance, technology and everyday usability. The latest award reinforces this ethos, with the Magnus G Max, launched in January 2026 as the newest addition to the Ampere Magnus portfolio - positioned as a next-generation family electric scooter, offering certified range of 142 kms, LFP battery technology for enhanced safety and durability, spacious 33L boot space, and a comfortable riding experience tailored for Indian road conditions.

Commenting on the milestone and recognition, Mr. Vikas Singh, Managing Director, Greaves Electric Mobility said, “We are honoured to receive the ‘Family Scooter of the Year’ award for our Ampere Magnus G Max. At Greaves Electric Mobility, we build for real India - practical, safe, durable and dependable products that fit seamlessly into the lives of Indian families. The Magnus G Max reflects this vision, combining technology and user-centric design, built for real-world performance. With a family-friendly price point, we are committed to democratise access to electric mobility, with dependable product offerings for customers across the country. The strong market reception of Magnus G-Max has only deepened our conviction in this direction - validating that customers are ready to embrace electric mobility when it is built around their real needs.”

The Ampere Magnus G Max is built on a dual-frame chassis engineered for stability and long-term durability, making it a dependable companion for India's varied roads. Powering it is IP67-rated water resistant, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, with a class-leading 5-year / 75,000 km warranty, built to go the distance. Three premium dual-tone colours: Matcha Green, Monsoon Blue and Cinnamon Copper, paired with gold-finish badging and a digital display, give the Magnus G Max a contemporary edge that's as aspirational as it is practical.

Key Features of the Ampere Magnus G Max include:

• 3 kWh LFP battery with 5 Years/75,000 Kms battery warranty

• Over 142 km Certified Range

• 33-litre under-seat boot designed for daily storage needs

• Hub motor with Eco, City, and Reverse riding modes

• Top speed of up to 65 kmph for urban commuting

• Hydraulic telescopic front suspension and dual rear shock absorbers

• 3.5-inch LCD digital cluster with USB charging port

• LED headlamp and indicators with optional connected features via TCU

This latest recognition comes on the back of the Magnus Grand E2W scooter receiving the Electric Scooter of the Year 2026 award by Bike India. The four consecutive industry recognitions across Nexus, Magnus Grand and now for Magnus G Max - affirms GEML’s strength and consistency across product innovation pipeline.

Ampere the E2W brand, continues to enhance Greaves Electric Mobility’s vision to democratise sustainable mobility and expand India’s electric mobility adoption by offering products designed to address the real-world needs of Indian riders.

About Greaves Cotton Limited

Greaves Cotton Limited (GCL), also known as Greaves, is a diversified, multi-product, multi-fuel, and multi-location engineering company with a legacy of 165 years and strong brand trust. Originally renowned for its single-cylinder diesel engines, Greaves has transformed into a fuel-agnostic, end-to-end mobility solutions provider, driven by the purpose of "Empowering Lives”. The Company is enabling a sustainable transition to green mobility and aims to touch a billion lives by 2030. Greaves is building a digitally integrated ecosystem that connects consumers, business partners, and service providers across the entire mobility value chain.

Through its five independent business units—Greaves Engineering, Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd., Greaves Retail, Greaves Finance Ltd., and Greaves Technologies Ltd.—Greaves combines agility with strategic focus, delivering innovation and enhancing accessibility for consumers. With significant investments in technology and human capital, the Company is positioned to lead in India’s EV and sustainable mobility markets. The Company remains committed to sustainable growth and economic progress, making it a trusted partner in shaping the future of mobility in India.

For more information, visit- www.greavescotton.com

About Greaves Electric Mobility Limited

Greaves Electric Mobility Limited (GEML), the electric mobility business of Greaves Cotton Limited (GCL), is one of the first companies in India to focus on the evolving market of electric vehicles (“EV”) and has been among the frontrunners at driving EV adoption in the country*. With over 17 years of experience designing and manufacturing electric vehicles*, GEML serves both the electric 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler segments. GEML along with its subsidiaries, operates three manufacturing plants located in Hyderabad, Noida, and Ranipet. The company supports its network through 400 dealer touchpoints across India, thereby aiming minimal downtime and enhanced customer experience. GEML holds 8 India Book of Records** and 1 Asia Book of Records** titles, reflecting its focus on technology and design led innovative & durable mobility solutions. Subsidiaries MLR Auto Limited and Bestway Agencies Private Limited help extend GEML’s market presence. Committed to affordability and sustainability, GEML provides clean mobility solutions contributing to India’s shift toward electric transportation.

VinFast is also supporting EV adoption in India through a wide range of ownership incentives

The momentum for EVs in India is getting stronger as more and more buyers are embracing electric vehicles. India’s EV market surged in 2025, with E4W sales rising 86% year over year to more than 187,000 units. Momentum has continued into 2026: Electric passenger vehicle sales jumped 75.14% in April to 23,506 units, up from 13,421 a year earlier, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations.

There are several reasons that could explain this surge.

Cleaner air for Indian cities

Air pollution remains one of the most pressing public health challenges in India. Cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru frequently record unhealthy AQI levels, especially during peak traffic hours and winter months. The health impact is significant. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is associated with around 7 million premature deaths annually worldwide.

As a result, the transition to electric mobility is increasingly viewed as part of the solution. Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, helping reduce pollutants such as CO2, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide that are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Beyond exhaust emissions, EVs can also help reduce brake particulate pollution thanks to regenerative braking systems. Research and policy discussions published by the OECD highlight that regenerative braking significantly lowers brake wear emissions.

For Indian consumers increasingly concerned about urban air quality, this shift has become more than just an environmental issue. It is increasingly tied to daily health and quality of life.

Reducing urban noise pollution

Traffic noise is another growing concern in major Indian cities. Constant exposure to engine noise, honking and congested roads has been linked to stress, sleep disorders and cardiovascular risks.

Electric vehicles operate with significantly less powertrain noise at low speeds compared with gasoline or diesel vehicles. One experiment found that EVs can produce 4-5 dB lower noise levels in urban driving conditions, especially below 30 km/h.

The difference becomes especially noticeable in dense residential areas, school zones and urban streets where stop-and-go traffic dominates.

Lower running and maintenance costs

For many Indian households, economics remain one of the biggest drivers behind EV adoption.

Charging an electric vehicle in India typically costs far less than refueling with petrol or diesel. EVs also eliminate several routine maintenance items associated with ICE vehicles, including engine oil, spark plugs and exhaust system servicing. For VinFast customers in India, the savings can become even more significant thanks to the company’s free charging programme at V-GREEN charging stations until March 31, 2029.

This long-term durability advantage is increasingly supported by research. A study presented at the ICMPT 2026 international conference by researchers from Hanoi University of Science and Technology found that EVs tend to show lower long-term mechanical wear than ICE vehicles thanks to their simpler drivetrain architecture. The research analyzed theoretical reliability models alongside maintenance data from nearly 5,700 vehicles.

The same study referenced analysis of more than 300 million vehicle inspection records in the UK, showing that newer generation EVs could achieve an average lifespan of up to 18.4 years.

Encouraging healthier travel habits

EV ownership can also subtly encourage healthier routines. Fast charging stops often create short breaks during longer journeys, giving drivers opportunities to stretch, walk around and reduce fatigue associated with prolonged sitting.

Rahul, a VinFast VF 6 owner in Bengaluru, said: “Earlier, I would drive for hours without stopping during family trips. Now, while charging, we naturally take short breaks for coffee or a quick walk. Surprisingly, everyone feels less tired by the end of the journey.”

Supporting greener communities

The growth of EV adoption is also influencing how cities and infrastructure evolve. Across India, governments and private players are accelerating investments in charging infrastructure, renewable energy integration and cleaner public transport systems.

VinFast is among the companies contributing to this shift. In India, the company is building a broader EV ecosystem that includes manufacturing, dealerships, charging partnerships, after-sales services and financing solutions. The company’s Thoothukudi plant in Tamil Nadu is positioned as a key production hub for the region.

The company currently offers the VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs in India. Both models have earned strong safety credentials, including 5-star Bharat NCAP ratings, while also boasting multiple advanced features. They have already gained strong recognition in the Indian market, including the “EV SUV of the Year – Editor’s Choice” award for the VF 7 at the BBC TopGear India Awards 2026, and “Value for Money Car of the Year” for the VF 6 at the Autocar India Awards 2026.

The momentum is now extending into the MPV segment with the recently introduced VF MPV 7. Designed specifically around family comfort and long-distance practicality, the premium electric MPV offers a spacious three-row cabin, a 517 km MIDC-certified range, fast charging capability and connected smart features.

VinFast is also supporting EV adoption in India through a wide range of ownership incentives. The company currently offers free charging at V-GREEN charging stations until March 31, 2029, along with 3 years of free maintenance, a 10-year battery warranty, a 7-year vehicle warranty, a 5-year suspension warranty, a 7-year paint warranty, and 7 years of roadside assistance, creating what the company describes as a best-in-segment assurance package for customers. VinFast is also offering up to 75% assured buyback value for its electric MPV.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam's largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast's product lineup includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. The company is rapidly expanding its global distribution network and manufacturing capabilities with facilities in Vietnam, India, and planned operations in the United States.

The company's Thoothukudi facility in Tamil Nadu represents a $500 million investment and will produce 150,000 vehicles annually when fully operational, creating approximately 3,500 direct jobs.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh (third from left), CEO of VinFast India, signs an MOU with after-sales partners in India

Under the MOUs, international partners are expected to establish EV service workshops that meet VinFast’s global standards in their respective markets. VinFast will ensure uniform, high-quality service through globally-standardized technician training and certification programs, consistent operating procedures and quality control systems, as well as a parts supply network targeting delivery of common spare parts within 24 hours in key markets.

The new agreements are part of VinFast’s long-term strategy to develop a comprehensive EV ecosystem aligned with its international standards, covering aftersales services, charging infrastructure, and customer support. This expansion is expected to further accelerate the transition to electric mobility while ensuring VinFast customers receive support throughout the entire product lifecycle.

VinFast’s international strategy is built on the operational foundation and aftersales capabilities it has already proven in Vietnam. By the end of 2025, VinFast had developed nearly 400 service workshops nationwide, bringing its total global network to nearly 800 facilities.

Building on this foundation, VinFast aims to expand to more than 1,100 service workshops globally in 2026, spanning North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The network will be deployed through multiple models, including dealerships serving retail customers, fleet and transportation business clients, and third-party local service workshop partners.

At the same time, VinFast is implementing a range of customer support policies, including repair time commitments in Vietnam, replacement vehicle support in international markets, as well as battery inspection, software updates, and technical support throughout the ownership experience.

As part of the conference, international partners also visited VinFast’s manufacturing complex and the broader Vingroup ecosystem to gain deeper insights into VinFast’s production capabilities, operational scale, and global growth strategy.

Mr. Bui Viet Hung, Deputy CEO of Global Aftersales of VinFast, said, “Our goal is not simply to expand the network, but to build a customer-centric aftersales ecosystem that delivers an outstanding experience on a global scale. Through partnerships with experienced local operators and the application of VinFast’s global standards, we aim to provide aftersales services that are exceptional, responsive, and reliable. We also aspire to bring Vietnam’s five-star service culture and spirit of dedication to the world, creating a unique experience for international customers. That is VinFast’s long-term commitment to the transition to electric mobility.”

In addition to expanding its aftersales operations, VinFast continues to develop an integrated EV ecosystem that includes products, services, and charging infrastructure through partnerships with strategic partners such as V-Green and local charging infrastructure operators. Through this partner network, VinFast aims to develop a system of more than 1.5 million charging ports globally, helping expand access to charging infrastructure and deliver a seamless, convenient EV ownership experience for customers in international markets.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making electric mobility more accessible to everyone. VinFast’s current product portfolio includes a wide range of electric SUVs, electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, and electric buses.

VinFast is entering its next phase of growth by rapidly expanding its global distribution and dealer network while strengthening manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on key markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.com

With generous space, smooth electric driving, free charging, and low upkeep, the VinFast VF MPV 7 fits right into everyday family life while quietly cutting down what you spend over time

A car that gets how Indian families travel
Picture this. A Sunday trip. Two kids in the back, parents in the front, maybe grandparents joining in, and somehow three extra bags that no one remembers packing. That is a normal day here in India. But with the VF MPV 7, you will feel like it is built exactly for that kind of chaos, starting with its long 2,840 mm wheelbase, which is basically the reason everyone gets more legroom to stretch out. The third row is not just there for show either. It is actually usable for adults, not the “only kids allowed” kind.

For the cabin, you get 126 litres of boot space even with all seats up, and it can stretch all the way to 1,240 litres when you fold things down. That means groceries, luggage, random extra bags, everything just fits without a puzzle. The overall size, 4,740 mm long and 1,872 mm wide, gives it proper road presence without feeling too bulky to handle in city traffic.

Now add the EV bit into this. No engine noise humming in the background, no shaking when you are crawling through traffic, and no fuel smell sneaking into the cabin. It is quiet and smooth, almost like the car is just gliding along. The automatic AC with PM 2.5 air filter is one of those things you do not think about much, but cleaner air inside the cabin can and will make long drives feel less tiring, especially for kids and older passengers.

The MPV 7 comes with a 60.13 kWh battery that delivers a range of up to 517 km on a full charge, which means you are not constantly worrying about charging every other day. For daily city use and even weekend trips, that is more than enough. And when you do need to charge, fast charging can take the battery from 10 percent to 70 percent in about 30 minutes, which is roughly the time you would spend grabbing a coffee or having lunch anyway.

Now comes the part people don’t talk about enough: the money after buying. Here is where things get real. The VF MPV 7 is not trying to win by being the cheapest car upfront. But owning a car is like a monthly subscription. Fuel, servicing, small fixes, it all adds up. With this one, a lot of that pressure just drops.

One of the biggest cost pressures the MPV 7 removes is fuel spending, since charging is free on the V-Green network till March 2029. That means your day-to-day driving cost can drop massively. That also means the next time you hear someone complaining about rising fuel prices, you can confidently say, “Oh, really, I didn’t notice since switching to an EV.” No more checking fuel prices before planning a trip. No more mental math at petrol pumps. You just plug in and move on. Over time, that saving can reach thousands, even tens of thousands of rupees.

If you are switching to a MPV 7 from a petrol or diesel car, VinFast also offers a financial support of nearly INR 200,000, combined with an extra 3% discount thanks to the Trade Gas for Electric program running until the end of April, which helps bring down the effective cost even more. Maintenance is another area where things feel lighter. You get 3 years of free maintenance, and after that, EVs are just simpler machines. Fewer moving parts means fewer things to wear out.

What’s more, you can sleep peacefully after buying the VF MPV 7 with its industry-leading warranty: a 10-year battery warranty, 7-year vehicle warranty, 5-year suspension warranty and 7-year paint warranty. It means you are not constantly worrying about big repair bills. There is also roadside assistance for 7 years and additional coverage for key components, which means fewer “what if” moments. And then there is the buyback promise of up to 75 percent, so you know your car will still hold value down the line instead of dropping off a cliff, which is admittedly one of the perceived weaknesses of EVs right now.

Easy to drive, easy to live with
Despite being a big family car, the VF MPV 7 is not intimidating to drive. The motor puts out 150 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, which is more than enough for city runs and highway overtakes. It can go from 0 to 100 km/h in under 10 seconds, so it never feels slow or heavy. At the same time, the power delivery is smooth, which makes it friendly even for drivers who are new to EVs.

Little things also make a difference. The 10.1-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay keeps things familiar. Features like keyless entry, electronic parking brake, and even a “Camp mode” that keeps the AC and lights running while you relax inside, these are the kinds of touches that make the car feel modern without being complicated.

As you can see, the VF MPV 7 is not the kind of car that shouts for attention. It does not try to win with flashy tricks or super aggressive pricing. Instead, it slowly makes sense the more you think about it. More space, smoother drives, lower running cost, and fewer headaches over time.

It is a bit like that one friend who is not the loudest in the room, but always shows up when it matters. At first, you are unsure. Then one day you realize, yeah, this was the right call all along.

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor) and TVS Motor Company Ltd. (TVS Motor) have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to advance the development and commercialization of innovative Electric Three-Wheeler (E3W) solutions designed specifically to address India's last-mile mobility needs.

Hyundai Motor Company and TVS Motor Company sign Joint Development Agreement to deliver and commercialize electric three-wheelers in India and additional markets

The partnership formalized following the successful presentation of the E3W concept at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, represents a significant step towards bringing tailored mobility solutions to Indian consumers and reinforces both companies' commitment to sustainable urban transportation.

Under the agreement, Hyundai Motor will lead the design of and co-develop the E3W by leveraging its research and development expertise, advanced mobility technologies and human-centric design approach.

“Hyundai Motor Company has long explored ways to contribute to improving India’s transportation environment as a key market, and our collaboration with TVS Motor is a strategic decision rooted in that effort. We hope the co-developed E3W enables broader access to safer and more sustainable transportation for people across the country,” – Joongsun Ko, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy & Planning at Hyundai Motor Company.

The E3W will be engineered to address India's unique mobility challenges while delivering sustainable solutions aligned with local road conditions and urban infrastructure.

TVS Motor will co-develop the product using its leading-edge electric platform, extensive three-wheeler engineering expertise and deep local market knowledge. Leveraging its long legacy of trust and quality focus, TVS will also lead local sales, with its manufacturing operations in India catering to Indian market demand and future exports. 

Commenting on the development, Sharad Mishra, President, Group Strategy, TVS Motor Company, said, “At TVS Motor Company, we aim to transform quality of life through sustainable and accessible mobility. The Joint Development Agreement marks an important step in our partnership with Hyundai Motor Company and advances our shared ambition to develop electric three-wheeler solutions. By bringing together complementary strengths - including our electric three-wheeler platform, engineering expertise, and deep understanding of customer needs - we are well-positioned to deliver purpose-built products for India and additional markets. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to scalable, sustainable last-mile mobility while setting new benchmarks in technology, quality, customer experience, and a legacy of trust."

Both companies are committed to delivering the first vehicle in India - the world’s largest three-wheeler market - as part of the JDA marking a significant milestone in sustainable last-mile mobility innovation.

A cornerstone of this partnership is the commitment to localize component manufacturing for the E3W model’s production. Major components will be sourced and manufactured locally within India. This strategic approach serves multiple objectives: it strengthens India's automotive supply chain ecosystem, creates employment opportunities, reduces overall vehicle costs and ensures rapid after-sales support and spare parts availability for end customers.

From Concept to Reality

The E3W concept unveiled at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 showcased innovative features tailored to Indian mobility challenges. These include adaptive ground clearance for monsoon-affected roads, enhanced safety features, ergonomic design for extended commutes, enhanced thermal management for tropical climates and flexible interior configurations for multiple use cases – from passenger transport to goods delivery and emergency services.

The agreement formalizes the transition from concept exploration to concrete product development and mass production. The vehicle will undergo rigorous testing, localization refinement and certification processes to meet Indian regulatory standards and customer expectations. 

Hyundai Motor's vision of "Progress for Humanity" extends to reimagining mobility solutions for emerging markets. By combining the company’s global engineering excellence with TVS Motor's unparalleled understanding of electric mobility and Indian customers, this partnership is positioned to deliver an E3W offering that balances technology, affordability, sustainability and safety. Aligned with TVS Motor’s vision of transforming quality of life across the world through mobility solutions that are exciting, responsible, sustainable and safe, this product is set to drive the change that the India of tomorrow needs.

Both companies have established dedicated cross-functional teams to accelerate development timelines and the regulatory approval processes.

About TVS Motor Company
TVS Motor Company (BSE:532343 and NSE: TVSMOTOR) is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, championing progress through sustainable mobility with four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in India and Indonesia. Rooted in our 100-year legacy of trust, value, and passion for customers, it takes pride in making internationally accepted products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. TVS Motor is the only two-wheeler company to have won the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products have led in their respective categories in the J.D.Power IQS & APEAL surveys and J.D.Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey. Our group company Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world. Our subsidiary in the personal e-mobility space, TVS Ebike Company AG, has a leading position in the e-bike market in Switzerland. TVS Motor Company endeavours to deliver the most superior customer experience across 80 countries in which we operate. 
 

About Hyundai Motor Company
Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is present in over 200 countries with more than 120,000 employees dedicated to tackling real-world mobility challenges around the globe. Based on the brand vision ‘Progress for Humanity,’ Hyundai Motor is accelerating its transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. The company invests in advanced technologies such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to bring about revolutionary mobility solutions while pursuing open innovation to introduce future mobility services. In pursuit of a sustainable future for the world, Hyundai will continue its efforts to introduce zero-emission vehicles with industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell and EV technologies.

More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at: www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en/ or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai
 

Follow our Hyundai Global Newsroom Instagram channel @hyundai media hub

VinFast recently extended free charging at V-Green stations until March 31, 2029, allowing customers to charge their vehicles at no cost for several years

VinFast believes the answer becomes clearer with its latest ownership program. The company recently extended free charging at V-Green stations until March 31, 2029, allowing customers to charge their vehicles at no cost for several years.

This charging program is supported by V-Green, a global EV charging infrastructure company focused on building and operating charging networks for VinFast vehicles. In India, V-Green has been steadily expanding its presence, including a recent partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to deploy EV chargers across HPCL’s fuel station network nationwide, helping bring charging access to major cities, highways and key transport corridors as the country’s EV market grows.

Free charging reshapes the cost of driving

To really see the benefits of VinFast’s latest free charging program, one only needs to make one simple comparison.

In early March 2026, petrol in New Delhi was priced around Rs. 94.77 per litre, with similar levels across many major cities. Assuming a typical and balanced real-world estimate of 15.5 km per litre for mid-size SUVs, a driver covering about 1,350 km per month would consume roughly 87 litres of petrol monthly.

At Rs. 94.77 per litre, that equals about Rs. 8,200 per month in fuel spending. Over three years, that reaches roughly Rs. 3 lakh.

Now, take the VinFast VF 7 as an example. The vehicle carries a 75.3 kWh battery and offers a driving range of about 450 km. That works out to an energy consumption of roughly 16.7 kWh per 100 km. For someone driving around 1,350 km per month, the car would need about 225 kWh of electricity.

Public EV charging in India typically costs Rs. 10-Rs. 17 per kWh, depending on the charging network and location. Using the midpoint of that range, about Rs. 13.5 per kWh, charging the VF 7 would normally cost around Rs. 3,000 per month for someone driving 1,350 km.

Even at that rate, electricity remains significantly cheaper than petrol. Under the same driving assumptions, a typical petrol SUV would spend roughly Rs. 8,200 per month on fuel. And with VinFast’s extended free charging program, because owners can charge at V-Green stations without paying until March 2029, the electricity cost during the first years effectively drops to zero.

For a driver travelling 1,350 km each month, that removes about Rs. 8,200 in fuel expenses every month. Over a year, the savings add up to roughly Rs. 98,000, and over three years to about Rs. 2.9 lakh.

“When people actually sit down and run the numbers, they start seeing EVs as a truly cost-effective alternative, not just an experiment,” said Arjun Mehta, a veteran sales advisor in Bengaluru.

EV economics go beyond charging

But the charging program is only part of the picture.

A conventional engine has many mechanical parts that wear over time, which is why regular servicing typically involves oil changes, spark plugs, filters and other components.

Meanwhile, electric drivetrains are mechanically simpler, so maintenance tends to be lighter. In this respect, VinFast adds another layer of cost savings by offering free maintenance for three years or up to 36,000 km, whichever comes first.

Most recently, Vingroup, the parent company of VinFast, launched a special “Trade Gas for Electric” program running from March 11 to April 30, 2026, offering an additional 3 percent discount on VinFast electric cars for customers trading in a petrol vehicle. The program is being rolled out simultaneously across several markets, including India, and applies on top of existing incentives.

In addition, the company already provides financial support for drivers switching from petrol or diesel vehicles. Buyers who sell their existing internal combustion vehicle and purchase a VinFast EV receive a direct cash discount on the purchase price.

Taken together, these factors gradually tilt the ownership math toward electric vehicles. Fuel savings play the biggest role, but lower servicing costs and purchase incentives also contribute.

For many buyers evaluating EVs today, the question is becoming less about technology and more about everyday expenses.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, at the launch of all-new VF MPV 7 at New Delhi

Designed around the insight that space remains the primary consideration for multi-generational Indian families, with a theatre-style seating layout and a truly spacious third row, the VF MPV 7 seats seven in comfort. It has a wheelbase of 2,840 mm and offers up to 1,240 litres of storage, accommodating luggage, daily essentials, and the lifestyle demands of family life with equal ease.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, launched the all-new, spacious VF MPV 7 for the Indian market at ₹24.48 lakh (Ex-Showroom one India one price)

A 60.13 kWh lithium-ion battery delivers a range of 517 kilometres on a full charge (ARAI certified), while fast charging replenishes the battery from 10 to 70 per cent in 30 minutes. Delivering 150 kW and 280 Nm of torque via front-wheel drive, it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in under 10 seconds. The exterior design features all-LED lighting, completing a vehicle that is genuinely premium inside and out.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India and Mr. Nguyen Duc Hieu, Deputy Director Vehicle Program at VinFast, at the launch of all-new VF MPV 7 at New Delhi

In addition, the VF MPV 7 comes with a comprehensive ownership package, including 3-year free maintenance, a 10-year battery warranty, a 7-year vehicle warranty, a 5-year suspension warranty, a 7-year paint warranty, and 7 years of roadside assistance, delivering a best-in-segment assurance package for customers.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, said, “The all-new VF MPV 7 is VinFast’s third product for India, and is most suited for customers with large families. It is designed to offer generous space for every member of the family, comfort that makes even the longest journeys feel effortless, and intelligent features that elevate every single drive. With the VF MPV 7, we are entering a new segment, but more importantly, we are expanding our commitment to India.”

Product Highlights - All New VF MPV 7

• Exterior style: Bold upright front fascia with signature V light.

• Standout dimensions in the 7-seater electric MPV segment: The VF MPV 7 measures 4,740 mm in length, 1,872 mm in width, and 1,734 mm in height, offering generous space for all occupants.

• Longest wheelbase for enhanced cabin comfort: The best-in-segment 2,840 mm wheelbase provides ample cabin space for all occupants.

• Modern and sophisticated integrated gear stalk on the steering column.

Premium modern exterior styling: Clean, simple lines and subtle contours across the body of the VF MPV 7 lend it a distinct and contemporary MPV silhouette.

• Signature V-shaped LED light

• Dual-function DRL with LED turn indicators

• 48.26 cm (19”) black alloy wheels

• Sporty cladding all-around

• Large window area for all-around visibility

• Chrome window beltline

• Integrated rear spoiler

• Shark fin antenna

• Rear washer, wiper and defogger

Minimalist Upmarket Interiors: The interiors of the VF MPV 7 are simple and minimalist yet offer a choice of a sporty all black interior theme or a premium dual tone black and brown interior theme.

• Tilt and telescopic D-cut leatherette wrapped multi-function steering wheel

• Leatherette seat upholstery

• Leatherette inserts in doors and armrests

• Adjustable headrests for all seats

• All three-point seat belts, with pretensioners in the front row

• Bezel-less day/night IRVM

• Large storage under front armrest

• Utility space under central console

• Chrome lined front cup holders

Configurable Flexible 7-Seat Configuration: The VF MPV 7 adapts to the modern urban lifestyle needs of Indian customers.

• Practical three-row theatre-style seating

• Truly spacious third row, usable even for average Indian adults

• Seat cushioning that offers the right balance of firmness and softness

• 6-way adjustable driver seat

• Second row seats with slide, recline and 60:40 split and ISOFIX

• Third row seats with recline and 50:50 split

• Boot space of 126 L with all seats up, expandable up to 1,240 L

Infotainment and Connectivity:

• Free-standing 25.65 cm (10.1”) infotainment screen

• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity

• Speakers in all doors

• Connected car technology

• Type A and Type C USB ports

• 12 V port in first row and boot

Comfort and Convenience:

• Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold

• Auto-fold body-coloured ORVM with LED turn signal

• Passive keyless entry

• Brake pedal integrated starter (No push button needed)

• All windows auto up/down with anti-pinch

• Automatic HVAC with PM 2.5 air filter

• Dedicated AC controls for third row with ergonomically positioned air vents

• Cup holders in third row

• ViVi virtual assistant

• Camp mode that keeps the lights, HVAC, and infotainment systems on

Performance: Akin to the versatile use of the VF MPV 7, the car is equipped with a powertrain that delivers best-in-class peak output of 150 kW, yet the power delivery is such that even new drivers will be at ease.

• 60.13 kWh usable battery capacity

• 517 km ARAI certified range

• 10% to 70% fast charge in 30 minutes

• DC charging of up to 80 kW

• 150 kW peak power, 280 Nm peak torque

• 0 to 100 km/h in under 9 seconds

• 140 km/h top speed

• Multiple Drive and Regenerative Braking Modes

• Creep Mode

Safety Pack:

• ABS, EBD, BA

• ESC, TCS

• 4 Airbags

• Hill Start Assist

• Roll Over Mitigation

• Emergency Signal System

• All Disc Brakes

• Integrated Dynamic Brakes

Exterior Colours:

The VF MPV 7 joins the VF 6 and the VF 7 in VinFast India’s growing product lineup. Locally assembled at VinFast’s factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, the vehicles are produced in India, for India.

Alongside expanding its product range, VinFast is also accelerating the development of its retail and service network across India. After reaching 35 showrooms by the end of 2025 and recently inaugurating its 50th facility, the company aims to expand its network to 75 showrooms nationwide by the end of 2026, with a focus on growing beyond major metros into cities and towns across the country.

On the service side, VinFast has partnered with various brands and established service partners to set up Extended Service Workshops nationwide. These workshops operate alongside the VinFast dealership network and ensure that wherever customers are, support is close by. By the end of 2026, the number of workshops will reach more than 230 across India.

In parallel, VinFast is rolling out a range of initiatives, including extending its free EV charging programme across the V-Green network through March 31, 2029 for all customers; introducing the “Trade Gas For Electric” programme with attractive incentives, financing packages and flexible loan options; and implementing a Value Assured buyback programme of up to 75% to help safeguard long-term asset value. These efforts are designed to support consumers in transitioning to electric mobility, contributing to the acceleration of transport electrification and India’s emission reduction goals.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making electric mobility more accessible to everyone. VinFast’s current product portfolio includes a wide range of electric SUVs, electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, and electric buses.

VinFast is entering its next phase of growth by rapidly expanding its global distribution and dealer network while strengthening manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on key markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in  

Thanks to its ecosystem-led logic, VinFast has been the number one brand in Vietnam for over a year
 

There was a point in time when electric vehicles weren’t just a relative novelty, but were actually a preferred choice, at least in the U.S., where they first gained traction. Even back in the 1990s, people were already aware of the benefits of EVs, being quieter, easier to operate, and well-suited for city trips.
 

That momentum did not last. Oil became abundant and inexpensive. Fuel stations spread rapidly, stitching together cities and highways into a seamless network. Electricity infrastructure, by contrast, remained uneven and limited in reach. Without reliable ways to recharge, electric vehicles slowly slipped out of daily use, replaced by engines that could refuel almost anywhere. For decades, the balance tipped decisively in favor of gasoline.
 

What this historical tidbit shows is that EVs didn’t lose because they were inferior, but because the system around them never fully materialized. The companies pushing electrification today are working with that lesson in mind, building not only vehicles but the conditions that allow them to function at scale.
 

Vietnam offers a clear before-and-after view of this shift. Not long ago, electric vehicles were rare enough to draw attention. Conversations with drivers often circled back to the same concerns, how far the car could go, and where it could be charged. For most people, home charging was the only realistic option, which excluded a large share of urban dwellers living in older buildings or dense inner-city neighborhoods.
 

Fast forward to the current day, and almost everywhere you go, you will see EVs big and small, four-wheel and two-wheel, blending in with the local traffic landscape. It may very well be that we are witnessing something akin to a second golden age of EVs, now taking shape in Vietnam.
 

And it’s not an overstatement to say that much of that renaissance owes itself to VinFast, the country’s first and leading domestic EV manufacturer. Many, if not the majority, of EVs currently running on Vietnamese roads are made by them. Days before the end of March, they set a new record with more than 3,520 orders completed in a single day, equivalent to the monthly sales of some internal combustion engine automakers in the country.
 

The foundation of that success is not laid overnight but over several years of intensive effort.
 

The one brand that builds it all

To understand VinFast, it helps to go through a little bit about its history. VinFast was founded in 2017 with the backing of billionaire founder Phạm Nhật Vượng, the richest man in Southeast Asia as of early April. To Vuong, whose view of national rise matters deeply, VinFast is not just a financial project but “a devotion project”.
 

And VinFast, true to its name, was fast. In just a few years from its conception, it has, in quick succession, launched a wide range of vehicles. From compact city cars to larger SUVs, from personal vehicles to fleet-focused models, the range now spans multiple segments, all in just under nine years. More recently, that portfolio has been structured into three distinct lines, the VF series for personal users, the Green lineup for transport services, and the Lạc Hồng line at the top end.
 

“There’s always something that fits you at your price range. If not for me, then for someone in the family,” said a VinFast sales rep in Hanoi.
 

But once again, the variety of products is not the only thing that VinFast focuses on to sell EVs, not if it wanted to avoid the same mistake of the EV OEMs of the past. Through a partnership with V-Green, a global charging provider that shares the same founder with VinFast, the young company is developing a charging network planned to reach around 150,000 ports nationwide, with an additional 99 superchargers in planning. Now Vietnam has one of the most extensive charging networks in the world, with one charging station every around 3.5 km in urban areas and about 65 km along highways, making it even denser than the US federal guideline of one every 80 km. Chargers appear in apartment basements, shopping centers, roadside stops, even residential compounds.
 

Once the charging network is dense enough, it’s only natural for drivers to realize they can top up their electric vehicle at a far better rate than their gasoline bill, a fact driven home further by the free charging policy offered at V-Green stations until March 2029. For some households, that translated into savings of several hundred dollars a year, a non-insignificant amount that can turn into a new financial cushion for the family.
 

“Honestly, I stopped thinking about fuel,” said a ride-hailing driver waiting at a charging point in Hanoi. “Now I think about how many trips I can take instead.”
 

So charging is covered. What about when your EV breaks down (which actually happens less for EVs than ICE vehicles, according to a recent report by a university in Vietnam, aligning with global trends)?
 

For that, as of November 2025, VinFast has 350 service centers covering the whole country, giving the company one of the largest aftersales networks nationwide. You would think that number is already sufficient, but not quite. The company aims to expand to 400 service workshops nationwide by the end of the year, to meet the rising demand for EV maintenance and repair.
 

Combined with the charging infrastructure, everything seems to close the loop. Drivers know where to charge, where to fix, and how much it will cost. Around this core, additional pieces have been added. VinFast vehicles often come with segment-leading warranties, up to 10 years/200,000 km. Ride-hailing through an all-electric platform, public buses running on battery power, driver-training programs designed specifically for EVs, even battery swapping networks for two-wheelers. Each element reduces friction for a different group of users, from daily commuters to commercial operators. All of them make electric mobility feel less like a transition and more like a normal, desirable part of daily life for consumers.
 

Exporting the model

Thanks to its ecosystem-led logic and a lot of elbow grease, VinFast has been the number one brand in Vietnam for over a year—not the top EV brand, but the top car brand overall. And it’s now looking to other markets for growth. It’s exporting the same model, with India as the most visible test case.
 

The anchor sits in Tamil Nadu, where VinFast’s four hundred-acre facility, with potential for further expansion, has begun churning out the VF 6 and VF 7 for Indian users. Phase one capacity stands at fifty thousand vehicles annually, with room to expand threefold.
 

The same type of network that helped VinFast address the concerns of early Vietnamese consumers is now being built in parallel across India. 51 dealerships have already opened, stretching from northern cities like Delhi and Gurugram to southern hubs such as Chennai and Bengaluru. The number is set to rise steadily, with the goal of reaching 75 by the end of the year.
 

Supporting this footprint is a web of partnerships that is unusually explicit in its structure. Charging infrastructure is being rolled out through V-Green, which has already begun deploying stations across dealerships, workshops, and third-party locations, alongside discussions with fuel retailers such as HPCL to integrate EV charging into existing petrol station networks. Maintenance and workshop coverage are handled through a combination of in-house dealer facilities and third-party service providers, most notably myTVS, which brings an established nationwide service backbone. Roadside assistance is supported by Global Assure, enabling 24/7 emergency response and towing coverage across major corridors.
 

Financing, often the final hurdle, has been addressed with equal specificity. VinFast has signed agreements with multiple banks, including YES BANK, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, the State Bank of India, and the Central Bank of India. These partnerships are structured to cover both sides of the market. On the dealer side, they provide inventory financing to help partners scale operations without heavy upfront capital. On the customer side, they enable full on-road financing, flexible repayment tenures, and preferential interest rates, often with in-showroom loan processing to reduce friction at the point of purchase.
 

All of these form the foundation for the brand to expands its product portfolio. Alongside the premium and award-winning VF 6 and VF 7, the upcoming VF MPV 7 targets family buyers with a focus on space and practicality rather than excessive features. And it seems like VinFast also plans to introduce electric two-wheelers and buses. Each addition is meant to reinforce the others, creating a system rather than a collection of products.
 

The era of EV in Vietnam may well be in its golden age, while such an era in India is only beginning. But with ecosystem-thinking companies like VinFast, both appear determined to avoid the same fate that once held EVs back. Not by moving faster, but by building more completely.

Cars24 collaborates with Tesla India to simplify India’s transition to electric mobility

For many customers, switching to electric has traditionally meant managing two separate journeys, selling an existing vehicle and purchasing a new one. This programme brings both steps together into a single, streamlined experience, eliminating friction and simplifying the overall transition.

Available for a limited period, the programme offers an exchange bonus of Rs. 3 lakh from Tesla on petrol and diesel vehicles, along with an additional Rs. 25,000 exchange bonus from Cars24 upon successful completion of a Tesla purchase, taking the total benefit of switching from ICE car to EV to Rs. 3.25 lakh.

The journey begins at Tesla Experience Centers, where customers exploring a Tesla Model Y can initiate the exchange process as part of their purchase journey.

Customers can initiate the exchange journey on Cars24 website, app, or at Tesla Center by entering their vehicle details; they can receive an initial price estimate and schedule a doorstep inspection at their convenience.

Following the inspection, Cars24 provides a transparent price quote directly to the customer, with no obligation to proceed. Customers retain complete flexibility to accept or decline the offer.

If the customer chooses to move forward, Cars24 manages the entire process end-to-end, including vehicle pickup, direct payment to the customer’s bank account, and ownership transfer, ensuring a completely hassle-free experience without paperwork or logistical challenges.

To further support customers in making the switch, Tesla is also offering financing options starting with a down payment of Rs. 6 lakh and EMIs from Rs. 49,000 per month, making the Tesla Model Y more accessible to a wider set of buyers. The Model Y also supports convenient home charging, enabling simple and efficient everyday usage.

In addition to environmental benefits, electric vehicles offer significantly lower running and maintenance costs compared to conventional cars, making the switch both practical and economical for customers.

As part of the programme, customers who complete their Tesla purchase are eligible for the additional Rs. 25,000 Cars24 bonus, which is credited directly to their bank account upon delivery of their new Tesla.

Cars24 brings its digital-first platform and nationwide reach to the partnership, enabling seamless price discovery, instant payments, and hassle-free ownership transfers for customers across India.

Gajendra Jangid, Co-founder and CMO, CARS24, said, “At Cars24, our focus has always been on simplifying car transactions. Partnering Collaborating with Tesla allows us to extend that convenience to customers transitioning to electric vehicles, managing everything from price discovery to payment and ownership transfer.”

About Cars24
Since its inception in 2015, Cars24 has been on a mission to simplify car ownership for everyone. Offering services such as buying, selling, loans, insurance, servicing, and more, Cars24 is building an integrated automotive platform for Indian consumers. Through Cars24 Financial Services, the company also provides vehicle lending solutions.

For media inquiries, please contact: raghav.dua@cars24.com

VinFast has created a stir in its home market after announcing that it completed 3,520 electric vehicle orders in a single day on March 28, marking a new record for daily order processing in Vietnam

Once again, VinFast has created a stir in its home market after announcing that it completed 3,520 electric vehicle orders in a single day on March 28, marking a new record for daily order processing in Vietnam. This figure is equivalent to the monthly sales of some automakers in the country and translates to an average of 146 orders per hour, or approximately 2.4 orders per minute.

According to the company, these vehicles have been fully processed and are ready to leave the factory. They will then be transported to dealerships before being delivered to customers.

Across online forums and user communities, many expressed surprise at the company’s speed. “Completing more than 3,500 orders in a single day, especially on a weekend, shows the very strong capabilities of VinFast’s production and business teams,” an online user, Pham Van Minh, shared.

Another user, Hong Lan, said the record reflects significant demand for switching to electric vehicles. With fuel prices fluctuating daily, she noted that it is understandable that many gasoline vehicle users are considering switching. “Electric vehicles are cleaner, environmentally friendly, and free from dependence on fuel prices, so the growing shift toward them is an inevitable trend,” she said.

Record after record

Observers believe that with its current advantages, VinFast is highly likely to set other sales records in 2026. Over the past two years, the company has consistently recorded strong sales milestones in the Vietnamese market.

Since 2024, VinFast has maintained the number one position in Vietnam’s automotive market. In 2025, the company delivered 175,099 vehicles. In December of 2025 alone, VinFast sold 27,649 vehicles, setting a record for monthly sales by a single automaker. Notably, this figure equals the annual sales volume that some brands take a full year to achieve.

Experts say the company’s continued achievements are the result of a long-term investment strategy in a comprehensive green ecosystem. Currently, 150,000 charging ports developed and operated by V-Green, VinFast’s global charging infrastructure partner, have been planned across Vietnam’s 34 provinces and cities. The company is also preparing to deploy 99 ultra fast charging hubs equipped with 150 kW chargers along major national and provincial highways, further strengthening its charging network advantage. At the same time, a network of more than 400 service workshops ensures a seamless and well-supported ownership experience for customers.

According to Dr. Lee Hoang Nam, a transportation planning expert, VinFast’s continued record-breaking performance is expected, alongside its proven product quality, as more Vietnamese consumers prioritize electric vehicles as their primary choice.

“When the entire ecosystem, from products to charging infrastructure and service workshops, is systematically developed as VinFast is doing, consumers will feel more confident about making the switch to electric vehicles. The green transition not only benefits individual households and users, but also helps accelerate transport electrification, reduce emissions, and importantly lessen dependence on fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel,” the expert explained.

So you’ve decided to go electric, and VinFast has caught your eye. The brand is new, the designs are hard to miss, and increasing sightings on Indian roads hint at growing curiosity. For now, the choice is straightforward: the compact B-SUV VF 6 or the larger, more assertive C-SUV VF 7.

The “New Entrant Of The Year” VinFast brings two solid EV SUVs to India, each with a different focus

Both share the same foundation, but they diverge in ways that become clear once you start living with the car.

Exterior design and dimension
The VF 6 is the quieter one visually. Guided by the “Duality in Nature” philosophy developed by the Italian design house Torino Design, it follows a clean, balanced, and human-centric approach. Its rounded, coupe-like silhouette feels fluid and approachable, with proportions that suit dense urban environments. The design balances opposing elements such as softness and strength, creating a harmonious blend of nature-inspired aesthetics and modern technology tailored for young, active families.

The VF 7, by contrast, takes a bolder and more expressive direction. Also developed with Torino Design under the “Asymmetric Aerospace” language, it features sharper, more angular lines and sculpted surfaces that give it a stronger visual presence. The wide stance and details like hidden door handles create a sense of motion even when stationary, while larger 19 to 20-inch wheels further enhance its road presence.

Conclusion: The VF 6 suits those who prefer a clean, friendly design. The VF 7 is better for drivers who want something more distinctive and expressive.

Performance

The difference in performance is immediately noticeable. The VF 7 operates in a higher performance bracket, with significantly more power and nearly double the torque. This translates into quicker overtakes, more confident highway merging, and a stronger sense of acceleration.

The VF 6 is tuned for everyday usability. Its 150 kW output is more than sufficient for city commutes, school runs, and weekend trips. Instead of chasing outright performance, it prioritises smoothness and efficiency, making it easier to live with on a daily basis.

Conclusion: The VF 7 is clearly the more powerful option, suited to drivers who enjoy a more engaging driving experience. The VF 6 remains more than capable for urban use, with better efficiency and cost optimisation.

Technology features
Both models embrace the idea of a software-driven vehicle, and that is evident throughout the cabin.

A 12.9-inch driver-oriented infotainment screen anchors both interiors. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with over-the-air updates that continuously refine features over time.

Aside from the Earth trim, both the VF 6 and VF 7 come standard with a solid ADAS suite, including features such as blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, lane change assist, and enhanced collision warning functions. This level of technology becomes more apparent on longer drives, particularly on highways where the system can take on more of the workload.

Interior design
Inside, the VF 6 takes a clean, functional approach that prioritises comfort and usability. The cabin is built around simplicity, with vegan leather upholstery and a dual-tone layout that feels light and approachable. Surfaces are soft where it matters, and the overall design avoids clutter, making it easy to settle in and operate. The flat floor and well-proportioned cabin help create an open, airy feel, while the seating layout is clearly optimised for everyday family use. The boot is also practical enough for daily errands and weekend trips.

This makes the VF 6 especially suitable for young families who need comfort, usability, and flexibility in a compact SUV.

The VF 7 shifts the focus toward a more premium and individual experience. The cabin feels wider, materials are more refined, and the layout leans slightly toward the driver. It is less about maximising space for everyone and more about creating a personal, high-quality environment. This positioning makes the VF 7 a better fit for independent, tech-oriented drivers who value design, materials, and a more driver-focused cabin.

Conclusion: Choose the VF 6 if you prioritise family comfort and practicality. Choose the VF 7 if you prefer a more premium, driver-oriented interior, with more refined touchpoints throughout the cabin.

Safety
Safety is another area where both models remain closely aligned.

Both the VF 6 and VF 7 have achieved 5-star Bharat NCAP ratings, indicating strong crash protection and structural integrity. The VF 6 comes equipped with seven airbags and a full suite of stability and braking systems.

The VF 7 builds on this with more advanced driver assistance features, particularly for highway driving. It also performs strongly in both adult and child occupant protection tests, reinforcing its positioning as a well-rounded family SUV with additional safety support.

Nice-to-have features
Beyond the core specs and headline features, both models include a range of smaller touches that shape the day-to-day ownership experience. These are the details you may not notice in a showroom, but will appreciate over time.

On the VF 6, many of these features are clearly designed around convenience and family use. Special drive modes such as Pet, Camp, Wash, and Valet add flexibility across different situations. The air ioniser with PM1.0 filter improves cabin air quality, which is particularly useful in urban environments. Practical touches like all-window one-touch up and down with anti-pinch, rain-sensing wipers, and a generous boot space reinforce its everyday usability. Even small elements such as power-adjustable, heated mirrors with reverse link make city driving and parking less stressful.

The VF 7, meanwhile, builds on this by making several comfort-oriented features more widely available across trims, such as ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a more refined ambient experience. These additions give the VF 7 a more polished, high-end character.

Conclusion: The VF 6 focuses its “nice-to-haves” on practicality and ease of use, while the VF 7 elevates the experience through added comfort and refinement rather than entirely new features.

Policies and incentives
Beyond the vehicles themselves, VinFast is working to reduce the friction of switching to electric.

The company is building a broader ecosystem in India, including local manufacturing in Tamil Nadu, expanding charging infrastructure, and strengthening after-sales support. The goal is to make ownership predictable and convenient.

Customer incentives reflect this approach. Free charging on the V-Green network runs until March 31, 2029, helping eliminate fuel costs for an extended period. There is also a Value Assured programme that addresses resale concerns, along with roadside assistance, three years of free maintenance, and warranty coverage of up to ten years or 200,000 kilometres depending on the model.

For buyers transitioning from petrol vehicles, the “Trade Gas for Electric” initiative, introduced by Vingroup, adds an additional financial incentive, including a limited-time 3% discount until March 31, 2026.

So, which one should you pick?
The choice ultimately comes down to how you drive and what matters most in your daily routine.

If you are a young family looking for an electric SUV that is easy to use, efficient, and practical for daily routines such as commuting, school runs, and weekend outings, the VF 6 might be the more natural choice

If you are a more independent driver who values performance, distinctive design, and a stronger sense of driving engagement, the VF 7 is likely to feel more rewarding.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam's largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast's product lineup includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. The company is rapidly expanding its global distribution network and manufacturing capabilities with facilities in Vietnam, India, and planned operations in the United States.

The company's Thoothukudi facility in Tamil Nadu represents a $500 million investment and will produce 150,000 vehicles annually when fully operational, creating approximately 3,500 direct jobs.

Learn more at: www.vinfastauto.in.

Tapan Ghosh (right) and Raaj Sekar, Dealer Principal of PPS Motors LLP, at the grand opening ceremony

The newly inaugurated VinFast showroom, developed by dealer group PPS Motors LLP under the leadership of Mr. Raaj Sekar, is strategically located on Hosur Road in the Electronic City area of Bengaluru. Built in accordance with VinFast’s global retail standards, the facility spans over 11,500 sq ft, seamlessly integrating both showroom and service areas. 

At its core is a 2,500 sq ft showroom, designed with a modern and premium aesthetic to deliver a vivid and immersive brand experience. Here, VinFast’s dedicated teams ensure seamless customer engagement across sales and after-sales services. 

As part of its ambitious roadmap, VinFast aims to establish 75 dealerships by the end of the year across more than 60 cities in India. This expansion strategy will not only focus on metro cities and major urban hubs but also extend to emerging markets, reinforcing the company’s commitment to making premium electric mobility accessible across the country. 

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, said, “We have attained a key milestone with 50 showrooms established nationwide, reflecting our accelerated expansion and resolute commitment to strengthening our brand presence across the country. The opening of our flagship 3S facility in Bengaluru builds on this progress, delivering integrated excellence in sales, service, and spare parts to meet customer needs effectively. This rapid growth underscores VinFast’s pivotal role in advancing India’s electric vehicle ecosystem." 

As it accelerates operations in India, VinFast is building a comprehensive EV ecosystem across manufacturing, retail, charging infrastructure, after-sales services, and a circular battery value chain, in collaboration with banks and partners, to deliver a seamless ownership experience and advance green mobility. Its premium electric SUVs, the VF 6 and VF 7, have secured 5-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings, meeting the highest safety standards in India, and are supported by roadside assistance and three years of free maintenance, with industry-leading warranty coverage of up to ten years or 200,000 kilometres depending on the model. 

VinFast is driving EV adoption through customer-focused initiatives that lower barriers and strengthen ownership confidence. Its Value Assured programme addresses resale concerns by offering customers a predefined return value after several years of use. This is complemented by extended free charging on the V-Green network until March 31, 2029, providing up to three years of zero-fuel-cost benefits. Vingroup, VinFast’s parent company, is also introducing the “Trade Gas for Electric” initiative, offering an additional 3% discount until March 31, 2026, to encourage the shift from internal combustion vehicles to electric mobility. 

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making electric mobility more accessible to everyone. VinFast’s current product portfolio includes a wide range of electric SUVs, electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, and electric buses. 

VinFast is entering its next phase of growth by rapidly expanding its global distribution and dealer network while strengthening manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on key markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. 

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in

Mr. Tapan Ghosh (left), CEO of VinFast India, and Mr. Narendra Dixit, Head of Retail Banking at CSB Bank, at the signing ceremony

Under the partnership, customers will benefit from a range of retail financing solutions, including up to 100% on-road funding, attractive interest rates, flexible repayment options, and a seamless loan approval and disbursement process across VinFast’s entire product portfolio. Dedicated CSB Bank relationship managers will also provide on-site support at dealerships, ensuring a smooth and convenient financing experience and making EV ownership more accessible for customers.

The collaboration will also enable VinFast to leverage CSB Bank’s strong pan-India presence and expanding branch network to extend EV financing solutions across diverse markets. With its growing national footprint and focus on offering customized financial solutions, CSB Bank aims to support the wider adoption of electric mobility by enabling easier access to financing for customers across the country.

The MOU was signed by Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, along with Mr. Narendra Dixit, Head Retail Banking at CSB Bank.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, said, “Our partnership with CSB Bank is a natural extension of our approach in India, where accessibility and affordability are critical to scaling EV adoption. In markets like India, the transition to electric mobility depends not only on the product, but also on how simple and practical ownership is for customers. Through this collaboration, we aim to offer flexible financing solutions that reduce entry barriers, while continuing to build a reliable and well-rounded ecosystem. It is one of several steps we are taking to ensure a consistent, dependable, and customer-focused EV experience in the country.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Narendra Dixit, Head Retail Banking, CSB Bank, said, “Electric mobility is no longer a future concept; it is rapidly becoming a mainstream choice for customers and businesses alike. As adoption accelerates, there is a growing need for accessible financing solutions that enable both customers and dealers to participate in this transformation. The Special partnership with VinFast is a step forward in that direction. By combining VinFast’s strong product vision in the EV space with CSB Bank’s financing capabilities, we aim to create a robust ecosystem that supports both retail auto buyer solutions and dealer network through tailored auto loans and inventory financing solutions.”

VinFast continues to strengthen its comprehensive EV ecosystem in the Indian market, with an assembly plant in Tamil Nadu, a nationwide network of world-class showrooms, expected to double this year, an expanding after-sales service system, and growing partnerships with financial institutions to enhance EV accessibility for customers.

The company has introduced two premium electric SUVs, VF 6 and VF 7, both of which have achieved 5-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings, and plans to launch additional models in 2026 to meet the diverse green mobility needs of consumers.

In parallel, VinFast is rolling out a range of initiatives aimed at reducing financial and psychological barriers for customers, including the assured resale value program and transparent buyback schemes. Recently, the company extended its free charging program across the V-Green charging network until March 31, 2029. The “Trade Gas for Electric” program is also being implemented in India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines from March 11 to March 31, 2026, offering additional incentives of 3% for VinFast electric cars and 5% for VinFast electric two-wheelers for customers switching from gasoline-powered vehicles.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making electric mobility more accessible to everyone. VinFast’s current product portfolio includes a wide range of electric SUVs, electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, and electric buses.

VinFast is entering its next phase of growth by rapidly expanding its global distribution and dealer network while strengthening manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on key markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Learn more at: www.vinfastauto.in.

About CSB Bank Limited

CSB BANK is one of the oldest private sector banks in India with an existence of over 100 years. Bank has a strong base in Kerala along with significant presence in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. CSB Bank offers a wide range of products and services to customers, with particular focus on SME, Retail, and NRI customers. CSB Bank delivers its services through multiple channels, including 855 branches and 826 ATMs/CRMs across the country, as well as alternate digital channels such as debit cards, internet banking, mobile banking, point-of-sale services, and UPI. CSB Bank is listed on both NSE and BSE.

Learn more at: www.csb.bank.in.

BYD India, a subsidiary of BYD and the world’s No. 1 NEV (New Energy Vehicle) manufacturer, today announced the inauguration of its 48th showroom in India and sixth showroom in Delhi NCR, located in Moti Nagar. The new facility, the largest BYD showroom in India, has been launched in partnership with PPS Motors Pvt. Ltd., marking the sixth BYD showroom operated by PPS Motors apart from four service workshops in 3 states in India and further strengthening the brand’s retail presence in the region.
 

Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles Business, BYD India and Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Motors Pvt. Ltd.

The newly inaugurated outlet reinforces BYD India’s expanding presence in Delhi NCR, one of the country’s fastest-growing and most dynamic electric vehicle markets. The expansion reflects the brand’s commitment to making advanced electric mobility solutions more accessible to customers in the region.
 

Spanning 9,000 sq. ft., the Moti Nagar facility is designed to provide customers with an expansive and immersive retail experience. The showroom will display BYD’s advanced electric passenger vehicles while enabling customers to explore the brand’s cutting-edge technology, design philosophy, and sustainable mobility innovations.
 

Mr. Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles Business, BYD India said, “The inauguration of our 48th showroom in India and sixth showroom in Delhi NCR with PPS BYD in Moti Nagar represents another important milestone in strengthening BYD India’s retail footprint. Delhi NCR continues to be one of the most dynamic EV markets in the country, supported by increasing consumer awareness and adoption of sustainable mobility solutions. Together with our valued partner PPS Motors, we look forward to bringing BYD’s advanced electric vehicles closer to customers in the region and contributing to India’s transition towards cleaner transportation.”
 

Mr. Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Motors Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are proud to further strengthen our partnership with BYD through the inauguration of India’s largest showroom marking an important milestone in our strategic expansion in Northern India. Being the largest spread sales and after-sales partners of BYD with 10 touch points in India, this reflects our shared commitment to accelerating the adoption of sustainable electric mobility solutions. Backed by BYD’s technologically advanced products, customer-centric approach coupled with our deep understanding of the customer needs we endeavour to provide a premium and seamless ownership experience for our customers in the Delhi region.”
 

With the addition of this showroom, BYD India’s national electric passenger vehicle dealership network has expanded to 48 showrooms across 40 cities with 18 dealer partners, reflecting the company’s continued efforts to strengthen accessibility and support the growing adoption of electric mobility across India. The BYD portfolio in India embodies the company’s commitment to innovation, performance, and environmental responsibility. The current lineup includes the BYD SEALION 7, BYD SEAL premium sedan, BYD ATTO 3 eSUV, and the BYD eMAX 7 eMPV, offering customers a diverse range of advanced electric mobility solutions.

Through its range of premium electric passenger vehicles and cutting-edge battery technology, the company continues to drive India’s transition toward clean transportation. Globally, BYD has sold over 15 million NEVs, contributing to the reduction of more than 129.2 billion kilograms of CO₂ emissions as of January 31, 2026, equivalent to what nearly 2.14 billion trees would absorb. BYD’s consistent ranking among the Top 10 Most Valuable Global Automotive Brands by Kantar BrandZ, along with its #91 position in the 2025 Fortune Global 500 with a brand value of USD 14.4 billion, reflects its growing leadership in the global EV market.

As BYD India continues to expand its network, the company remains focused on accelerating EV adoption, strengthening its customer ecosystem, and supporting India’s broader transition toward sustainable mobility.

About BYD India

BYD India was established in March 2007 in Chennai, India, with an office in New Delhi. The Indian subsidiary has two factories, covering more than 140,000 sq. m, with an investment exceeding $200 million. BYD India provides customers with product solutions and related after-sales services. The global No.1 in the NEV sector, BYD continues to redefine the landscape of sustainable transportation in its mission towards ‘Technological innovations for a better life’. In 2025, the company sold over 4.60 Million New Energy Vehicles worldwide. More information about the company can be found at www.bydautoindia.com

About PPS Motors

PPS Motors is part of a larger automobile group - one of the country's largest spread automobile retail conglomerates - with rich experience of 75+ years, operates through 720+ automobile touchpoints across 19 states supported by a dedicated team of over 18,000 expert professionals. PPS Motors provides exceptional service and upholds high standards of professionalism. The conglomerate represents a diverse spectrum of auto segments, including 16 brands in passenger vehicles, light and heavy commercial vehicles, and construction equipment. More information about the company can be found at www.ppsmotors.com.

MATTER, India’s technology-driven electric mobility company, and Iontra Inc, the industry leader in real-time battery sensing and charge control solution,  today announced their partnership to integrate Iontra’s battery intelligence and adaptive charging technology as one of the core layers of Matter’s AI-Defined Vehicle (AIDV) platform, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative from India towards AI-governed energy systems in mobility.

Matter partners with Iontra  Inc to integrate Iontra’s battery intelligence and adaptive charging technology as one of the core layers of Matter’s AI-Defined Vehicle (AIDV) platform

With battery intelligence embedded at the core of its vehicle architecture: Battery health is measured in real time, not inferred

• Charging dynamically adapts to actual cell condition

• Thermal stress and degradation are actively managed

• Safety margins expand without compromising performance

• Battery life and consistency improve across the vehicle lifecycle

This milestone builds on MATTER’s already state-of-the-art battery safety and control systems delivered through its Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) platform, including AERA. With the addition of adaptive, health-aware intelligence, MATTER is now advancing battery systems beyond predefined software logic toward AI-defined energy behaviour.

From Software-Defined Battery Safety to AI-Defined Energy Intelligence

Traditional electric vehicles rely on static battery assumptions and fixed charging profiles. MATTER’s SDV platform has already established a strong baseline for battery protection, monitoring, and safety under real-world conditions through robust, real-time data systems. The integration of Iontra’s technology elevates the platform further, introducing adaptive, predictive intelligence into how batteries behave, age, and protect themselves.

This shift enables MATTER to move from reactive protection toward self-optimising energy architectures, designed to scale as vehicle performance, charging speeds, and system complexity increase.

Battery Intelligence as a Pillar of AIDV

As part of MATTER’s AIDV architecture unveiled at Technology Day 3.0, batteries evolve from passive energy storage units into intelligent, self-aware systems that continuously sense their condition, adapt to real-world usage, and optimise performance over time.  Within MATTER’s AIDV framework, intelligence governs materials, propulsion, thermal systems, and energy as a single, adaptive system. Battery intelligence plays a central role by informing how energy is charged, discharged, protected, and evolved over time. Iontra’s real-time State of Health (SOH) sensing and adaptive charge-control capabilities form a foundational element of this transition.

By embedding Iontra’s intelligence at the edge, MATTER enables faster and safer charging without hardware changes, improves reliability under demanding Indian operating conditions, and reduces lifetime ownership costs through healthier, longer-lasting batteries, while laying the foundation for long-term AI-governed energy control.

“Our SDV architecture established a strong foundation for battery safety and performance,” said Kumar Prasad Tellikepalli, Founder and Group CTO, MATTER “Integrating Iontra’s sensing and adaptive charging capabilities allows energy systems to sense their true condition, adapt in real time, and evolve across the vehicle lifecycle, marking the transition from software-defined control to AI-defined energy behaviour.”

“Electric mobility will not be defined by electrification alone, it will be defined by intelligence. MATTER’s software-defined platforms already deliver industry-leading safety and control,” said Mohal Lalbhai, Founder and Group CEO, MATTER. “By integrating adaptive battery intelligence as a core layer of our AIDV architecture, we are advancing a first-of-its-kind initiative from India towards AI-governed energy systems in mobility.”

“Battery intelligence is essential to performance, safety, and trust in electric mobility. MATTER’s AIDV approach closely aligns with our belief that batteries must be health-aware and adaptive at the edge,” added Jeff Granato, Co-Founder and CEO, Iontra Inc “Together, we are enabling eMobility products that are safer, more reliable, and deliver consistent performance over their entire life.”

Completing the AIDV Energy Stack

The integration of Iontra’s battery intelligence strengthens MATTER’s AI-Defined Vehicle platform across the energy domain, complementing intelligent propulsion systems, thermal architectures, materials innovation, and domain-integrated control.

As MATTER advances structured validation and integration under this programme and expands its AIDV platform across multiple two-wheeler segments in the near future, battery intelligence will remain a central pillar in delivering scalable performance, safety, and lifecycle value.

For more information, please visit www.matter.in, www.iontra.com.

VinFast extends its free EV charging program for customers in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines through March 31, 2029

Under the new policy, all VinFast electric vehicle owners in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines will receive free charging at the V-Green-developed-and-operated charging network through March 31, 2029. The program will be extended broadly to all customers, including both existing owners and future buyers, covering private customers as well as those using their vehicles for transportation services, including drivers operating on the Green SM ride-hailing platform.

In addition, Vingroup, the parent company of VinFast, has also announced the “Trade Gas for Electric” program in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The program offers an additional 3% discount on VinFast electric cars and 5% on VinFast electric scooters for customers switching from old gasoline vehicles, applicable from March 11, 2026 to March 31, 2026. The program is implemented in parallel with and combined with other incentive programs available in each market, creating favorable conditions for customers to transition more quickly to electric vehicles, reduce dependence on gasoline, stabilize daily life, and contribute to building a cleaner and more modern living environment.

Besides VinFast customers, users of Green SM electric taxi services in Indonesia, Laos, and Vietnam will also receive a 10% discount through the “GreenForAll” program from March 11, 2026 to March 31, 2026.

Ms. Duong Thi Thu Trang, Deputy CEO of Global Sales, VinFast, stated, “VinFast’s initial free charging policy received strong support from consumers, both in Vietnam and in international markets where VinFast operates. Extending this policy for another three years is the next step in our strategy to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. VinFast believes that when operating costs are optimized to nearly zero, consumers will have greater confidence and motivation to switch to green mobility, while also contributing to the greening of transportation systems in these countries.”

Alongside the free charging policy, the charging network developed and operated by V-Green is continuously expanding across the markets where VinFast operates. This expansion helps create favorable conditions for consumers to confidently transition to greener and more sustainable transportation.

In addition to the free charging incentive, VinFast is already implementing multiple policies to promote the green transition in key Asian markets. These include battery subscription program that lowers upfront investment cost, a resale value guarantee policy, flexible payment options, and market-leading warranty coverage.

With its rapidly expanding and increasingly comprehensive EV ecosystem, together with strong support policies, VinFast is accelerating the transition to electrified transportation in multiple countries, aiming to popularize electric vehicles and create a sustainable green future worldwide.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam's largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast's product lineup includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. The company is rapidly expanding its global distribution network and manufacturing capabilities with facilities in Vietnam, India, and planned operations in the United States.

The company's Thoothukudi facility in Tamil Nadu represents a $500 million investment and will produce 150,000 vehicles annually when fully operational, creating approximately 3,500 direct jobs.

Learn more at: www.vinfastauto.in.

Tapan Ghosh (third from the right), CEO of VinFast India, received the award from the organizers of the FASTER Awards 2026

As one of the industry’s most respected accolades, the FASTER Awards recognize outstanding achievements in vehicle performance, design, and technology, along with brand contributions to the green mobility transition in India. VinFast made a distinct impression through its strong commitment to the market, highlighted by the development of a modern manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, accompanied by a clear localization roadmap and a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem. These efforts have enabled the company to build solid trust with local consumers within a short period of market presence.

VinFast’s impact as a new entrant was also recognized in communications, with the company receiving the “Communications Team of the Year 2026” title at this year’s FASTER Awards. The organizers noted that VinFast implemented a structured and consistent communications strategy, helping the brand stand out in a highly competitive and discerning market such as India.

The double win at the FASTER Awards brings VinFast’s total number of awards in the Indian market to nearly 20, reflecting strong recognition from industry experts for both brand stature and product quality. Previously, VinFast was named “Investor of the Year” by Nanayam Vikatan magazine and received the “EV Manufacturer of the Year” title at the Jagran Hi-Tech Awards 2025. The VF 7 was honored as “Electric SUV of the Year” at the BBC TopGear India Awards 2026, while the VF 6 won “Value for Money Car of the Year” at the Autocar India Awards 2026.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, said, “We are thrilled to receive the New Entrant of the Year at the FASTER Awards 2026. This recognition is deeply meaningful for VinFast because it reflects the philosophy behind our India strategy. It reflects our dedication to crafting electric vehicles that offer unmatched value, safety, and practicality for Indian families. More importantly, it strengthens our mission to contribute meaningfully to India’s transition towards sustainable mobility.”

Mr. Amit Chhangani, Chairman, FASTER Awards, added, “The FASTER New Entrant of the Year Award is not given for ambition. It is given for execution. Executing in India, a market that is geographically vast, culturally layered, and deeply loyal to its existing brands, is not for the faint-hearted. VinFast arrived with a manufacturing commitment, a localisation strategy, and the patience to build trust before demanding it. That is precisely what this award recognises.”

VinFast India continues to strengthen its product and market momentum in the Indian EV landscape. Since launching the VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs, both of which recently secured 5-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings, VinFast India has strengthened its market presence across key regions. Building on this foundation, VinFast has introduced programmes aimed at improving ownership experience, including assured resale and structured buyback options for VF 6 and VF 7 customers, and is rapidly growing its retail footprint through new showrooms and service partnerships nationwide.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. 

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta ( Center ), Tourism minister Kapil Mishra (Left) Mr Dheeraj Hinduja Chairman of Ashok Leyland (Right) in the presence of his wife Shalini Hinduja (Extreme Right)

The curated full-day route begins at Dilli Haat - INA at 9:00 a.m., guiding passengers on a thoughtfully planned journey through the heart of New Delhi. The tour begins at Vijay Chowk, with a photography stop at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by visits to the National Museum, the National Gallery of Modern Art, and the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya. It concludes with an evening at the National War Memorial and India Gate, before returning to Dilli Haat - INA for shopping and dinner at 6:00 p.m.

Powering this experience is the SWITCH EiV 22 - India’s first electric double-decker AC bus - designed, developed, and manufactured in India, showcasing the deep engineering expertise and manufacturing legacy of Ashok Leyland. The bus is equipped with a 231 kWh NMC battery pack, offering a range of up to 250 kms, optimized seating for 65 passengers, and a lightweight aluminium body that delivers best-in-class comfort. The SWITCH EiV 22 stands as the world’s first standard-floor, air-conditioned, electric double-decker, featuring a wider rear door and staircase - a true testament to Indian engineering meeting global standards.

Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland said, “The double decker bus has always held a special place in India’s public transport story - it is an icon of belonging, of shared journeys, and of city life. Through this CSR initiative, we are proud to breathe new life into that legacy, right in the heart of our national capital. The ‘Dekho Meri Dilli’ experience is our way of giving back to the communities we serve - offering people a beautiful, emission-free way to rediscover Delhi’s magnificent heritage. At SWITCH Mobility, backed by Ashok Leyland’s strong mobility foundation, we are committed to advancing green mobility not just as a business proposition, but as a responsibility to society and the environment.”

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Ganesh Mani CEO - SWITCH Mobility and COO - Ashok Leyland, said, “The Hinduja Group has always believed that progress must be purposeful - that growth and giving back must go hand in hand. We are not just offering a ride; we are offering a renewed connection to our history, our culture, and our shared pride as Indians - all while treading lightly on our planet. We are proud to see the SWITCH EiV 22 carry not just passengers, but the spirit of a greener, more purposeful India - one landmark, one journey at a time. SWITCH Mobility's electric-first vision, backed by the scale and strength of Ashok Leyland, makes moments like these possible - where innovation is not just future-ready, but people-ready.”

The SWITCH EiV 22 features a 650V architecture, dual-gun charging capability, and liquid-cooled battery technology, positioning it as a robust and future-ready solution for urban India. With bus components manufactured domestically to achieve FAME II compliance, the SWITCH EiV 22 is a testament to the ‘Make in India’ ethos applied to the future of clean mobility.

With 100 tourist hop-on hop-off buses electric double-deckers already serving cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, and Chennai, Vizag, Hyderabad, Kochi across India, SWITCH Mobility continues to drive the nation’s electric public transport revolution - one iconic journey at a time.

VinFast’s exchange programme is replacing ageing petrol cars with locally-assembled VF 6 and VF 7 SUVs backed by charging and service support

India’s electric transition is no longer a policy ambition tucked inside conference halls. It is visible in state budgets, in urban pilot projects, in the growing lines outside charging stations along new expressways. From Delhi to Chennai, transport is becoming the testing ground for how quickly the country can reduce oil dependence while expanding mobility for a rising middle class.

Automakers have taken note. The conversation is shifting from horsepower to a quieter contest over range, charging speed and real-world usability.

Into this landscape, VinFast has moved with unusual speed for a relatively new entrant. In just over a year, it has established local assembly in Tamil Nadu, rolled out the VF 6 and VF 7 for Indian customers, and built partnerships that extend beyond the showroom floor. It has also begun rethinking how it speaks to drivers, focusing on practicality and ease of use.

The most direct way to accelerate change is to meet drivers where they are: behind the wheel of petrol vehicles. VinFast’s newly-launched exchange programme does exactly that. Owners of internal combustion cars are invited to trade in their vehicles and upgrade to a new VF 6 or VF 7, receiving special cash support alongside financing options arranged with partner banks.

The idea is that by placing immediate financial value on the old car, VinFast lowers the psychological and economic barrier to EV entry, turning a sentimental goodbye into a financial calculation, a switch from fuel to the future.

The offer includes exchange bonuses and structured payment plans designed to narrow the upfront gap between petrol and electric ownership. Buyers stepping into a VF 6 or VF 7 receive not only the vehicle, but also access to fast charging capability, advanced driver assistance systems and connected features that are standard across the range.

The VF 6, for instance, offers up to 468 kilometres of range under MIDC testing, a 59.6 kWh battery and DC fast charging from 10 to 70 percent in roughly 25 minutes. The VF 7 pairs that with higher output variants and a similarly robust safety package. Both models have earned five-star safety ratings under Bharat NCAP, a detail that matters in a market increasingly attentive to crash standards.

The exchange program is a move VinFast borrows from its playbook in Vietnam, where such events often drew thousands of participants in a single day, with hundreds of vehicles traded on site. Part auto show, part community event, the gatherings had a simple effect: one petrol car out, one electric vehicle in. The spectacle served a practical function, reducing tailpipe emissions while expanding the visible presence of EVs on city roads.

“Some people arrived curious,” recalled one sales manager involved in earlier events. “They left with a brand new EV after a test drive and a closer look at the numbers. Once they saw the monthly cost difference, the charging convenience and our aftersales commitments, the decision felt like a natural next step.”

Aftersales as Assurance

Electric vehicles are not sustained by vehicles alone. They require charging points, service bays and roadside assistance that function as reliably as the cars themselves. Without these, early enthusiasm can erode into frustration.

In India, VinFast has invested heavily in building that scaffolding, signing agreements with dealer groups across dozens of cities and partnering with service providers to establish a network of workshops designed to handle EV specific repairs. Charging infrastructure is being expanded in collaboration with strategic partner V-Green and fuel retail partners, leveraging existing petrol station networks to host fast chargers.

There are financial assurances as well. Industry-leading warranty of up to 10 years, free charging periods and complimentary maintenance packages are structured to ease the first years of ownership, when questions are most frequent and habits are still forming. With these facets of ownership addressed, a driver considering an exchange does not have to map every charger before setting out, nor wonder where to turn if a warning light appears.

“I went with VinFast because I felt I was not being asked to take a leap of faith just to go green,” said a recent VF 7 owner in Tamil Nadu. “The ecosystem was already there.”

India’s green transition is still in motion. Yet each exchanged key, each new charging station, each locally assembled battery pack adds weight to the shift.

For VinFast, the approach is cumulative. Remove one petrol car. Add one electric SUV. Support it with service, charging and financing. Repeat, steadily and without theatrics, until the electric option feels like the obvious choice.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam's largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast's product lineup includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. The company is rapidly expanding its global distribution network and manufacturing capabilities with facilities in Vietnam, India, and planned operations in the United States.

The company's Thoothukudi facility in Tamil Nadu represents a $500 million investment and will produce 150,000 vehicles annually when fully operational, creating approximately 3,500 direct jobs.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in

With surround view, smart safety systems and strong warranties, the VF 6 helps drivers, especially women, manage India’s roads with a little more ease and a lot more confidence

On a humid Tuesday evening in Chennai, Ananya crawls along Cathedral Road, negotiating what can only be described as a live-action obstacle course. Scooters skim past her mirrors. An auto rickshaw darts in like it owns the lane. A delivery van brakes abruptly, because of course it does.

She taps a button, glances at the 360-degree surround view on her screen, and slides neatly into a tight parking slot outside her daughter’s dance class.

“I used to circle the block three times before parking,” she says. “Now I just park.”

Ananya drives the VinFast VF 6, which was a gift from her husband on their sixth wedding anniversary. For her, the switch was initially just a chance to try something new. But over time, it has become something more, almost as if it were designed for the kind of daily negotiations Indian women drivers make on the road.

Safety In Numbers, And More
In January, the VF 6 earned a full 5-star rating from India’s Bharat NCAP, the country’s official crash test programme, scoring 27.13 out of 32 in Adult Occupant Protection and 44.41 out of 49 in Child Occupant Protection. In side impact tests, it delivered full marks for adult and child occupants.

For many women, safety is not an abstract concept. “If I am driving my six-year-old across the city, I want reassurance that the car is safe,” says Ananya. “Crash ratings matter. A lot.”

The VF 6 backs that up with 7 airbags, including curtain airbags, and a reinforced structure that showed its mettle in the Bharat NCAP frontal impact test.

Safety also means surviving what is outside the car: Delhi’s winter smog. Bengaluru’s construction dust. Mumbai’s humidity. The VF 6 addresses this with a PM1.0 air filter and air ionizer on select variants. It sounds technical, but the effect is immediate. For women driving with children or elderly family members, cabin air quality is part of everyday health management, less coughing, fewer complaints from the back seat.

For the long term, the VF 6 offers a 7 year or 160,000 km vehicle warranty and an 8 year unlimited kilometre battery warranty in Asia markets. Long coverage reduces financial anxiety, especially for first-time EV buyers.

See Everything With 360-Degree View
If one feature comes up again and again, it is the 360-degree Surround View Monitor. 

In dense traffic, spatial awareness is survival. The bird’s eye view stitches together feeds from multiple cameras, showing scooters, stray dogs, low boundary walls, and unpredictable pedestrians. In practical terms, this reduces stress and the likelihood of minor scrapes that turn into major repair bills. Add Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Automatic Emergency Braking on higher variants, and the car quietly compensates for what Indian traffic throws at you. A VF 6 owner may not control the biker who appears out of nowhere, but the car certainly helps level the playing field.

The VF 6 offers selectable drive modes and a steering system tuned to be light at low speeds and stable at higher speeds. In city conditions, that lighter steering reduces fatigue during parking and tight U turns. It also comes with 190 mm ground clearance and a compact 4.2 metre length, a sweet spot for navigating broken roads and narrow lanes without feeling oversized.

Recognition Beyond the Showroom
In December 2025 and early 2026, the VF 6 kept showing up on India’s automotive awards lists, which is usually a good sign that something is working. At the Autocar India Awards 2026, it won “Value for Money Car of the Year,” recognised for its strong balance of pricing, equipment and everyday usability. At the Auto9 Awards 2026, the VF 6 was honoured again for its overall proposition, alongside VinFast’s brand win for “New Entrant of the Year.” More recently, at the Auto Excellence Awards 2026, it secured “Value for Money EV of the Year,” further cementing its reputation as a smart, well-equipped electric SUV at an accessible price point.

These awards, from respected Indian industry programmes, underscore the VF 6’s ability to combine practical appeal with real-world performance and competitive positioning across multiple independent evaluations.

A Shift in Who Is at the Wheel
As the ones who hold up half the sky, women can and should be part of the EV adoption curve, ideally as the ones asking the tough questions at the showroom. In that context, and in line with VinFast’s vision of “EV for all,” the VF 6 does not sideline women. It makes its case not with a single headline feature, but with a combination of safety credentials, 360 degree visibility, adaptive steering, air filtration, and a long warranty that come together as a coherent daily tool.

Ananya sums it up as she pulls out of her parking spot with a quick glance at the surround view.

“I do not feel like I am managing the car,” she says. “I feel like it is helping me manage the road.”

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam's largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast's product lineup includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. The company is rapidly expanding its global distribution network and manufacturing capabilities with facilities in Vietnam, India, and planned operations in the United States.

The company's Thoothukudi facility in Tamil Nadu represents a $500 million investment and will produce 150,000 vehicles annually when fully operational, creating approximately 3,500 direct jobs.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in

Bhartendu Singh (center), Chief Marketing Officer of VinFast India, received the awards from the organizers of the Auto Excellence Awards 2026

The Auto Excellence Awards by Carbike360 & CMV360 are among India’s leading automotive accolades, celebrating excellence across vehicle segments based on independent evaluations, real-world relevance, innovation, and consumer value. The dual recognition highlights VinFast’s focused approach to delivering electric vehicles that combine modern design, advanced technology, safety, and competitive pricing tailored for Indian customers.

VinFast’s recognition as Emerging EV Brand of the Year reflects the brand’s strong market entry strategy, rapid brand recall, and clear commitment to building a sustainable and customer-centric electric vehicle ecosystem in India. From product planning to localization and long-term infrastructure development, VinFast has positioned itself as a serious and future-ready EV player in the country.

The VinFast VF 6, awarded Value for Money EV of the Year, impressed the jury with its balanced proposition in the highly competitive electric SUV segment. Designed to meet the expectations of urban and first-time EV buyers, the VF 6 offers a compelling mix of contemporary design, practical range, smart features, strong safety credentials, and accessible pricing—making electric mobility more attainable for a wider audience. In addition, VinFast’s growing product portfolio, including the premium VF 7, continues to strengthen the brand’s positioning in India, offering customers a higher-segment electric SUV that combines bold design, advanced technology, strong performance, and top-tier safety standards.

Speaking on the achievement, Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India, said, “We are honoured to receive these recognitions at the Auto Excellence Awards 2026. Being named Emerging EV Brand of the Year validates our vision and long-term commitment to India, while the VF 6 winning Value for Money EV of the Year underscores our focus on delivering thoughtfully designed electric vehicles that truly resonate with Indian consumers. These awards motivate us to continue raising the bar in our journey towards sustainable mobility.”

Ashish Masih, Editor-in-Chief, CarBike360 added, “VinFast has made a confident and promising entry into the Indian EV market. The brand’s clear strategy, coupled with products like the VF 6 that prioritizes value, usability, and technology, makes VinFast a deserving winner in both categories this year.”

With a structured investment roadmap, VinFast is steadily building a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem in India, encompassing manufacturing, sales and service networks, charging solutions, and customer support. Guided by innovation and sustainability, VinFast aims to play a key role in accelerating India’s transition to greener mobility.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. 

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in

Ampere Enters Asia Book of Records - Navigates 70-hairpin bends of Kolli Hills, TN

The record attempt was conducted on January 7^th, 2026, with the ride commencing at 7:00 am and successfully completed in 22 minutes 10 seconds. The ascent was undertaken using GEML’s Ampere Nexus, from Belukurichi to the summit of Kolli Hills. Officials from the Asia Book of Records officially validated and confirmed the success on the same day.

With its 70 hairpin bends, this challenging route showcased and proved Greaves Electric Mobility’s “Built for Bharat” engineering prowess, where vehicles are designed, developed, and validated for India’s diverse and often challenging riding conditions. From steep gradients and broken hill roads to sharp turns and sustained load cycles, GEML’s electric two-wheelers are engineered to handle the toughest terrains the country has to offer.

Taking cognizance of the latest achievement, Mr Vikas Singh, Managing Director, Greaves Electric Mobility said, “India’s riding conditions are among the most demanding in the world, and our approach has always been to engineer electric vehicles that are built for Bharat, not just for ideal test environments. The Kolli Hills ascent is a real-world validation of that philosophy. The Ampere Nexus combines safe and durable LFP battery technology with a robust dual-frame chassis that is designed to handle steep gradients, repeated cornering, and sustained load conditions. Achievements like this reaffirm our focus on building electric mobility solutions that can perform reliably across tough terrains.”

The Ampere Nexus achieved this success due to its LFP battery and high tensile steel chassis which provides durability for every condition, work together on demanding terrain. The battery is built to stay stable in a wide range of conditions, operating from –40°C to 60°C, and continues to deliver usable power during long uphill stretches, repeated braking, and changes in load. The warranty offered on the battery reflects the confidence in how it performs over extended everyday use rather than short tests. Ampere Nexus’s advanced motor and software deliver instant torque for climbs, regenerative braking for descents, and traction control for slippery slopes - ensuring smooth, efficient performance across every terrain.

The high strength steel chassis adds to this by keeping the vehicle balanced and predictable, especially while negotiating continuous hairpin bends. With a motor tuned for sustained output and braking that responds consistently, the Nexus remains manageable even on steep climbs. These aspects have been observed over multiple endurance runs and record attempts, and the Kolli Hills ascent serves as another real-world example of how the scooter holds up under demanding conditions.

The recognition by the Asia Book of Records is a first for Greaves Electric Mobility, reinforcing its commitment for India-built products which can cater to the world. With a market presence in Nepal and developing presence in Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Africa, this recognition validates the brand’s endurance, capability and durability.

Furthermore, it reinforces the company’s belief that adoption is driven by real-world experience. As electric two-wheelers move beyond city limits, this milestone demonstrates that vehicles engineered for Indian roads are capable of performing consistently even in demanding and rugged terrain. Built to outlast, outperform and outshine, Greaves Electric Mobility’s products continue to prove their capability across conditions that reflect how India truly rides.

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About Greaves Cotton Limited

Greaves Cotton Limited (GCL), also known as Greaves, is a diversified, multi-product, multi-fuel, and multi-location engineering company with a legacy of 165 years and strong brand trust. Originally renowned for its single-cylinder diesel engines, Greaves has transformed into a fuel-agnostic, end-to-end mobility solutions provider, driven by the purpose of "Empowering Lives”. The Company is enabling a sustainable transition to green mobility and aims to touch a billion lives by 2030. Greaves is building a digitally integrated ecosystem that connects consumers, business partners, and service providers across the entire mobility value chain.

Through its five independent business units—Greaves Engineering, Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd., Greaves Retail, Greaves Finance Ltd., and Greaves Technologies Ltd.—Greaves combines agility with strategic focus, delivering innovation and enhancing accessibility for consumers. With significant investments in technology and human capital, the Company is positioned to lead in India’s EV and sustainable mobility markets. The Company remains committed to sustainable growth and economic progress, making it a trusted partner in shaping the future of mobility in India.

For more information, visit- www.greavescotton.com

About Greaves Electric Mobility Limited

Greaves Electric Mobility Limited (GEML), the electric mobility business of Greaves Cotton Limited (GCL), is one of the first companies in India to focus on the evolving market of electric vehicles (“EV”) and has been among the frontrunners at driving EV adoption in the country*. With over 17 years of experience designing and manufacturing electric vehicles*, GEML serves both the electric 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler segments. GEML along with its subsidiaries, operates three manufacturing plants located in Hyderabad, Noida, and Ranipet. The company supports its network through 400 dealer touchpoints across India, thereby aiming minimal downtime and enhanced customer experience. GEML holds 8 India Book of Records** titles, reflecting its focus on technology and design led innovative & durable mobility solutions. Subsidiaries MLR Auto Limited and Bestway Agencies Private Limited help extend GEML’s market presence. Committed to affordability and sustainability, GEML provides clean mobility solutions contributing to India’s shift toward electric transportation.