VinFast is set to diversify its India portfolio with the launch of electric buses by mid-2026, reinforcing the Vietnamese EV manufacturer's commitment to India as a key growth market.

This initiative will follow the launch of VinFast's electric two-wheelers and its ride-hailing service, GSM.

"Electric buses play a crucial role in transforming public transport from ICE-based vehicles to clean-fuel alternatives. Our electric buses will be available in India by August 2026," stated VinFast Asia Chief Executive Officer Pham Sanh Chau.

Chau noted that the company is in discussions with State Transport Undertakings in several states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, to secure orders for its buses.

VinFast's electric bus lineup ranges from six to twelve metres in length. These models are currently sold in Vietnam and were recently introduced in Europe. The company reports that the buses are capable of travelling up to 260 km on a single charge, supported by a battery capacity of 281 kWh.

The automaker commenced sales of electric cars in India in September, beginning with the VF 6 and VF 7 models, and has established a network of approximately 26 dealerships. The company plans to significantly expand its Indian portfolio in 2026, targeting entry into the electric two-wheeler market in the second half of the year and launching the GSM ride-hailing service by August.

India's bus electrification, primarily led by State Transport Undertakings (STUs), receives substantial governmental support through programmes such as PM E-bus Sewa and the recently launched PM E-Drive.

The PM E-Drive scheme, introduced in October 2024 with a total outlay of Rs. 109 billion (US$ 1.2 billion), allocated Rs. 43.91 billion to promote sustainability in urban public transport via electric buses. Electric bus penetration is projected to reach 20-30% by the end of the decade.

Chau did not disclose plans for manufacturing electric buses in India but confirmed that the company will explore full localisation in the future. VinFast has already announced plans to invest US$ 2 billion in India, of which US$ 500 million has been allocated for a production plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The facility currently has an annual capacity of 50,000 electric cars, expandable to 150,000 units.

Major electric bus manufacturers in India include Ashok Leyland's Switch Mobility, Tata Motors, Olectra Greentech, PMI Mobility, PMI Electro Mobility, and JBM Auto. Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) recently opened India's largest electric bus tender, covering 10,900 buses under the PM E-Drive scheme.