EV Battle in India Heats Up Post Tesla Debut
VinFast, the electric vehicle maker from Vietnam, has officially entered India by opening its first showroom in Surat, Gujarat. The facility is located in Piplod and spans 3,000 sq. ft. It offers customers a full EV buying and service experience — from booking to post-sales support.
The launch comes just days after Tesla opened its first showroom in Mumbai.
Bookings open for VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs
VinFast has started accepting pre-bookings for its premium electric SUVs — VF 6 and VF 7. India is the first market where right-hand drive versions of these vehicles are being introduced. Customers can book their EVs at the showroom or via VinFastAuto.in with a fully refundable amount of ₹21,000.
These vehicles will be assembled at VinFast’s upcoming factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.
35 Dealerships Planned Across 27 Cities
VinFast has announced plans to launch 35 dealerships across more than 27 cities in India by the end of 2025. The company’s move indicates a serious push into India’s growing EV sector, backed by a $2 billion investment deal with the Tamil Nadu government. Construction of the ₹500 crore first-phase plant is already underway.
A Challenging Entry Into a Crowded EV Market
The Indian EV market is growing fast. Passenger EV sales jumped from 5,000 units in 2020 to over 1.13 lakh in 2024. Still, EVs make up just 3% of all cars sold. The government aims to push this to 30% by 2030.
VinFast’s launch comes at a time when both domestic and international players — Tata Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Maruti Suzuki, and now Tesla — are accelerating their EV strategies. The surge in global interest shows the market’s vast potential but also makes it harder for newcomers to stand out.
Tesla vs VinFast: Different Strategies, Same Timing
VinFast’s showroom launch closely follows Tesla’s India debut in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex. While Tesla has yet to confirm plans for a local manufacturing base, VinFast has already committed to assembling vehicles locally in Tamil Nadu.
Unlike Tesla’s import-first approach, VinFast is aiming for deeper integration from day one. However, Tesla’s brand pull remains strong, even without aggressive pricing or production commitments.
What’s At Stake for Indian Automakers?
VinFast’s entry may not shake up the market overnight, but it signals growing global attention on India’s EV potential. As new players set up shop, legacy automakers like Tata, Maruti, Kia, and Hyundai will need to ramp up their EV offerings and rethink their strategies to stay ahead.
While price, charging infrastructure, and after-sales service remain key factors, the next phase of the EV race in India will likely be shaped by how well each player adapts to these fast-evolving dynamics.
