Vietnamese automaker VinFast is making big moves in India’s electric vehicle market. After opening its first showrooms in Chennai and Surat and preparing to launch the VF6 and VF7 electric SUVs, the company has now filed a design patent for its Minio Green EV in India. This development points toward the brand’s strategy of offering smaller, affordable electric cars alongside its larger SUV lineup.
Compact Dimensions Designed for the City
The VinFast Minio Green EV is positioned as a small, city-friendly electric hatchback. With dimensions of 3,090 mm in length, 1,496 mm in width, and 1,625 mm in height, it offers a compact footprint while maintaining a tall-boy stance for better headroom and practicality. A 2,065 mm wheelbase ensures stability while keeping the turning radius tight for crowded Indian roads.
The design is simple yet functional, with distinctive styling elements like semicircular LED headlights, stacked vertical taillights, and flap-type door handles. The car sits on 13-inch wheels, further emphasizing its budget-conscious design. A roof-mounted spoiler and shark-fin antenna complete the minimal yet modern look.
Summary Table
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
Model |
VinFast Minio Green EV |
Design Patent Status |
Filed in India |
Body Type |
3-door compact electric hatchback |
Dimensions |
3,090 mm (L) x 1,496 mm (W) x 1,625 mm (H); 2,065 mm wheelbase |
Exterior Design |
LED semicircular headlights, stacked taillights, flap handles, 13-inch wheels, roof spoiler, shark-fin antenna |
Interior Features |
Two-spoke steering wheel, 4-way adjustable driver seat, fabric seats, digital driver display, two-speaker audio |
Safety |
Driver airbag, ABS with EBD, traction control |
Battery & Motor |
14.7 kWh battery, 27 hp, 65 Nm torque, rear-mounted motor |
Range & Top Speed |
170 km (NEDC claimed), 80 km/h |
Charging |
Supports charging up to 12 kW |
Price in Vietnam |
Approx. INR 8.99 lakh equivalent |
India Launch |
Likely after VF6 and VF7 |
Official Website |
Interior: Minimalism at Its Core
The Minio Green’s cabin reflects a no-frills approach, prioritizing practicality over luxury. Highlights include:
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Two-spoke steering wheel with basic controls
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Digital driver’s display in place of a conventional infotainment system
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Fabric upholstery for a simple, functional seating layout
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4-way adjustable driver’s seat for comfort in short commutes
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Two-speaker audio system with FM radio support
The absence of a large touchscreen or advanced infotainment reflects VinFast’s strategy to keep costs down while offering only essential features.
Safety and Practical Features
Although basic in design, the Minio Green does not compromise on essential safety features. It includes:
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Driver-side airbag
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Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)
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Traction control system
These additions ensure that even as an affordable EV, the car provides peace of mind for urban drivers and small fleet operators.
Battery, Range, and Performance
The VinFast Minio Green EV is powered by a 14.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, paired with a rear-mounted electric motor producing 27 horsepower and 65 Nm of torque. While modest, this setup is perfectly suited for daily commutes and intra-city travel.
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Claimed Range: 170 km (NEDC cycle)
-
Top Speed: 80 km/h
-
Charging: Supports charging up to 12 kW
The performance figures make the Minio Green ideal for short distances, ride-hailing fleets, and eco-conscious urban households. The real-world range will likely be lower than the claimed figure but still practical for city use.
Market Positioning: Targeting Affordable EV Buyers
VinFast is clearly positioning the Minio Green as an affordable micro-EV, directly rivaling the MG Comet EV in India. Its compact size, minimal features, and limited range make it ideal for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable city commuter rather than a long-distance highway vehicle.
In Vietnam, the Minio Green EV is priced at the equivalent of INR 8.99 lakh, suggesting a competitive price point if it is brought to India, especially with local assembly expected from the company’s Tamil Nadu factory.
India Expansion and Future Outlook
VinFast has already begun laying the groundwork for its Indian operations. The Tamil Nadu production facility is expected to assemble EVs for the local market, with an annual capacity of up to 50,000 units initially, scalable to 150,000 units in the future. This will allow the company to price its cars more competitively by reducing import duties.
The Minio Green could be launched in India soon after the VF6 and VF7 SUVs, likely within the next phase of the brand’s rollout strategy. If priced correctly, it could become one of the most affordable EVs available in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the VinFast Minio Green EV?
A. It is a compact three-door electric hatchback designed for city commuting and short-range use.
Q2. What are its dimensions?
A. Length: 3,090 mm, Width: 1,496 mm, Height: 1,625 mm, Wheelbase: 2,065 mm.
Q3. How much range does it offer?
A. It has a claimed NEDC range of 170 km on a single charge.
Q4. What safety features are included?
A. Driver airbag, ABS with EBD, and traction control system.
Q5. How much does it cost?
A. In Vietnam, it is priced at around INR 8.99 lakh equivalent. The India price is yet to be announced.
Q6. When will it launch in India?
A. VinFast has filed a design patent, and it could launch after the VF6 and VF7 in the near future.
Q7. Where will it be made?
A. Likely in VinFast’s Tamil Nadu facility once operations begin, helping to keep the price competitive.
Q8. Who will it compete with?
A. It is expected to rival the MG Comet EV in the Indian market.
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