VinFast has launched an exchange programme in India, inviting petrol-car owners to trade in their old vehicles for the locally assembled VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs—marking one of the most direct attempts yet to accelerate India’s shift from internal combustion to electric mobility.
The initiative arrives at a moment when the country’s EV transition is moving from policy declarations to visible change on the ground: in state budgets, urban pilots, and growing queues at charging stations along national highways.
For a newcomer, VinFast has expanded at remarkable speed. Within a year, it has set up assembly operations in Tamil Nadu, introduced the VF 6 and VF 7 for Indian buyers, and built partnerships that reach far beyond retail showrooms. The brand’s message to customers is also evolving—from aspirational positioning to a more practical, ease-of-use narrative aimed at everyday drivers.
At the centre of this strategy is the new exchange programme, which turns the familiar act of trading an old car into a gateway to EV ownership. Customers who bring in their petrol cars receive cash support and structured financing through partner banks, reducing the upfront cost gap between internal combustion and electric SUVs. The intention is straightforward: lower the psychological and financial barriers that often stall EV adoption.
Both SUVs come with technology-laden packages—DC fast charging, connected car features and advanced driver assistance systems standard across variants. The VF 6 offers a MIDC-certified range of up to 468 km with a 59.6 kWh battery and can charge from 10 to 70 percent in roughly 25 minutes. The larger VF 7 pairs higher power output with similar charging performance. Importantly, both have secured five-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings, reinforcing VinFast’s pitch to safety-conscious Indian buyers.
The exchange model is inspired by VinFast’s experience in Vietnam, where such campaigns often attracted thousands of visitors and resulted in hundreds of same-day EV purchases. Buyers walked in curious and left convinced after test drives, financial comparisons and clear aftersales commitments.
Recognising that EV acceptance relies heavily on support infrastructure, VinFast is investing in nationwide service capabilities and charging partnerships. Agreements with dealer groups are expanding access to EV-ready workshops, while collaborations with charging firm V-Green and major fuel retailers aim to place fast chargers across existing petrol station networks. Long warranties—up to 10 years—along with free charging periods and complimentary maintenance are designed to ease early-ownership anxieties.
For many early adopters, these assurances have made the shift feel less like a gamble and more like a logical upgrade. “I didn’t feel like I was being asked to take a leap of faith just to go green,” said a new VF 7 owner in Tamil Nadu. “The ecosystem was already there.”
