Just a couple of days after VinFast inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu Government, there is more development from the electric vehicle (EV) brand. The Vietnamese EV manufacturer has filed a patent for the VF3 in India.
The micro electric SUV made its global debut at the recently concluded 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas a few weeks ago. Although a mere patent application doesn’t guarantee a market launch, it certainly points to the direction where VinFast is aiming.at for the Indian market.
VinFast VF3: Design & specs
An ultra-compact battery-powered SUV, the VinFast VF3 electric SUV measures 3,190mm in length, 1,679mm in width, and 1,620mm in height, making it slightly longer and wider than the MG Comet EV (2,974mm x 1,505mm x 1,640mm), but not as large as Tata’s Tiago EV (3,769mm x 1,677mm x 1,636mm).
From the outset, the VF3 gets a tall and boxy stance despite its compact footprint with a two-door layout courtesy of chunky front and rear bumpers and flared wheel arches finished in black. The rectangular headlights are placed within a blacked-out radiator grille with the company logo taking centre stage. The SUV rolls on 16-inch gloss black steel wheels.
While VinFast hasn’t disclosed any specific details regarding the electric powertrain, the VF3 is expected to offer a single-charge range of over 200 km. VinFast offers VF3 in two trims, namely Eco and Plus, with a single-motor configuration. In terms of features., VF3 will come equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, automatic climate control, two-spoke steering wheel, cruise control, etc.
VinFast setting up facility in India
A couple of days ago, VinFast officially broke ground for its first integrated manufacturing facility in India in Tamil Nadu. The project is expected to generate approximately 3,500 jobs. The facility will be spread across 400-acre within the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) industrial estate, the electric vehicle facility boasts a total initial investment of $500 million (Rs 4,165 crore) over 5 years, with a projected capacity of 150,000 vehicles annually.
