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Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast is preparing to enter India’s fast-growing electric two-wheeler market by 2026, with the company confirming that it will begin product testing and market studies before finalising which models to launch.
In an exclusive conversation with CNBC-TV18, Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, said the company sees strong long-term potential in India’s scooter and motorcycle market but will take a strategic and research-driven approach before launching its first products.
Chau said the company respects the dominance of legacy Indian OEMs and leading EV players, but believes VinFast can introduce differentiated technology and design.
“Two-wheelers are part of our plan. The challenge is huge because of strong legacy OEMs. But we will bring new models, new features and strong technology. We want to diversify the choices available in the market,” he said.
Chau added that VinFast will not rush its entry. The company will test products in India, study local riding conditions, evaluate price sensitivities and gather consumer insights before deciding which two-wheeler models to prioritise.
VinFast’s move comes at a time when India’s electric two-wheeler segment is witnessing rapid adoption. The category accounts for nearly 60-70% of India’s total EV sales, with annual volumes led by brands such as Ola Electric, Ather, TVS and Bajaj. Rising fuel prices, expanding charging networks and state incentives have further accelerated the shift to electric scooters and motorcycles.
Industry analysts say that international players entering the segment could intensify competition and push the market towards higher-quality products and more advanced battery technologies.
For VinFast, the two-wheeler foray is part of a broader strategy to build a full electric mobility ecosystem in India. The company plans to introduce up to six electric cars over the next 2–3 years and aims to eventually offer cars, two-wheelers, e-buses, pickup vans, nationwide charging stations, workshops and even VinFast taxis.
Reiterating India’s importance to the company’s global roadmap, Chau said,
“India is one of the most important destinations in our global strategy. It’s among the world’s most populous countries and a fast-growing economy. The leadership at both state and union levels is dynamic and very supportive.”
In an exclusive conversation with CNBC-TV18, Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, said the company sees strong long-term potential in India’s scooter and motorcycle market but will take a strategic and research-driven approach before launching its first products.
Chau said the company respects the dominance of legacy Indian OEMs and leading EV players, but believes VinFast can introduce differentiated technology and design.
“Two-wheelers are part of our plan. The challenge is huge because of strong legacy OEMs. But we will bring new models, new features and strong technology. We want to diversify the choices available in the market,” he said.
Chau added that VinFast will not rush its entry. The company will test products in India, study local riding conditions, evaluate price sensitivities and gather consumer insights before deciding which two-wheeler models to prioritise.
VinFast’s move comes at a time when India’s electric two-wheeler segment is witnessing rapid adoption. The category accounts for nearly 60-70% of India’s total EV sales, with annual volumes led by brands such as Ola Electric, Ather, TVS and Bajaj. Rising fuel prices, expanding charging networks and state incentives have further accelerated the shift to electric scooters and motorcycles.
Industry analysts say that international players entering the segment could intensify competition and push the market towards higher-quality products and more advanced battery technologies.
For VinFast, the two-wheeler foray is part of a broader strategy to build a full electric mobility ecosystem in India. The company plans to introduce up to six electric cars over the next 2–3 years and aims to eventually offer cars, two-wheelers, e-buses, pickup vans, nationwide charging stations, workshops and even VinFast taxis.
Reiterating India’s importance to the company’s global roadmap, Chau said,
“India is one of the most important destinations in our global strategy. It’s among the world’s most populous countries and a fast-growing economy. The leadership at both state and union levels is dynamic and very supportive.”
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