Vietnamese carmaker VinFast has redefined the entry point for feature-rich, long-range electric vehicles, by launching the VF 6 for Rs 16.49-18.29 lakh, ex-showroom, and the VF 7 for Rs 20.89-25.49 lakh.
These are very competitive prices, but both these cars have entered the most contested EV space in India. How do they square-off against rivals?
VF 6
It’s a compact e-SUV designed by the renowned Italian studio, Torino Design. There are two variants:
VF 6 Earth: 130 kW motor, 250 Nm torque, 59.6 kWh battery, and ARAI-certified range of 468 km.
VF 6 Wind and Wind Infinity: 150 kW motor, 310 Nm torque, and range of 463 km. It also gets a full Level 2 ADAS suite, including features like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and automated parking, as well as ventilated front seats.
Its main competitors are:
Tata Nexon EV and Curvv EV: Both have smaller batteries (Nexon EV has 45 kWh, and Curvv EV has 45 kWh and 55 kWh options). The Nexon EV is far more affordable, at Rs 12.49-17.19 lakh, but the Curvv EV is quite steep, at Rs 17.49-22.24 lakh.
MG Windsor and Windsor Pro: A solid competitor, it’s available in two variants – the 38 kWh for Rs 13.99-16.29 lakh, and the 52.9 kWh variant for Rs 17.24-18.39 lakh. It’s got a far more spacious cabin.
Hyundai Creta Electric: The 42 kWh variant is priced Rs 17.99-20.87 lakh, and the 51.4 kWh variant costs Rs 21.49-24.37 lakh. It feels significantly overpriced, but is loaded with features.
Kia Carens Clavis EV: The 42 kWh variant is priced Rs 17.99-20.49 lakh, and the 51.4 kWh variant costs Rs 22.49-24.49 lakh. It’s also overpriced, but is India’s only mass-market EV with seven seats.
VF 7
It’s a big, premium SUV, offered in three main variants:
VF 7 Earth: 59.6 kWh battery, and front-wheel drive.
VF 7 Wind and Wind Infinity: 70.8 kWh battery, and front-wheel drive.
VF 7 Sky and Sky Infinity: 70.8 kWh battery, and all-wheel drive.
Its competitors are:
Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e: Both are available in 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery options. The BE 6 starts at Rs 18.9 lakh, and the XEV 9e at Rs 21.9 lakh. Both look far too futuristic, and are loaded with features.
Tata Harrier EV: Prices of 65 kWh variants are Rs 21.49-24.48 lakh, and of 75 kWh variants are Rs 24.99-30.23 lakh. It’s also available as an all-wheel drive option.
