VinFast Patents Minio Green EV in India, Targeting MG Comet’s Market

Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast has officially filed a design patent in India for its upcoming compact electric car, the Minio Green. This move signals a strategic expansion into India’s growing micro-EV market, a segment currently led by the MG Comet EV.

Previously, VinFast’s India plans revolved around mid-size electric SUVs such as the VF6 and VF7, but this shift towards smaller EVs highlights the company’s recognition of urban mobility needs in price-sensitive markets.

Why the Minio Green Matters for India

India’s EV adoption is increasing rapidly, especially in urban areas where compact size, affordability, and ease of use are key. By entering the micro-EV space, VinFast aims to provide a direct competitor to the MG Comet while offering a slightly larger and potentially more versatile package.

The Minio Green measures 3,090 mm in length, 1,496 mm in width, and 1,625 mm in height, with a 2,065 mm wheelbase. These proportions make it easy to navigate congested city roads while still offering a practical amount of interior space.

The three-door design reduces manufacturing costs but still offers usable space for city dwellers or small families. The design combines practicality with a budget-friendly approach, ideal for first-time EV buyers or fleet operators.

Summary Table

Design and Exterior Features

Unlike many micro EVs that resemble small hatchbacks, the Minio Green draws inspiration from modern compact SUVs.

Key exterior highlights include:

• Semicircular LED headlamps for a distinctive look

• Vertically stacked tail-lights to enhance visibility

• Flap-style door handles for a clean, minimal design

• Blacked-out ORVMs, a shark fin antenna, and a subtle roof spoiler for a slightly upmarket touch

• 13-inch steel wheels designed for cost efficiency and sufficient ground clearance for Indian roads

This combination of budget-conscious elements with subtle premium touches helps the Minio Green stand out without inflating production costs.

Interior: Simple, Functional, and Durable

The cabin of the Minio Green follows a minimalistic approach with durability and ease of maintenance as priorities.

Interior highlights include:

• Basic dashboard layout instead of a large touchscreen interface

• Digital driver display showing speed, battery charge level, and estimated range

• Two-spoke steering wheel for a clean, uncluttered driving position

• Blue trim inserts adding a small touch of style without increasing costs

The overall interior philosophy aligns with the needs of budget-focused city drivers and fleet operators who value low maintenance.

Performance and Battery Details

The Minio Green is powered by a rear-mounted 27 hp electric motor delivering 65 Nm of torque. While these figures are modest, they are adequate for short urban commutes.

Key performance and battery specs:

• 14.7 kWh battery pack

• Claimed range of 170 km on the NEDC cycle (real-world range may be lower)

• Top speed limited to 80 km/h, reinforcing its city-focused nature

• 12 kW fast charging support, allowing quick top-ups at public charging stations

Fast charging capability could be a major selling point for Indian buyers without home charging access.

Local Production and Pricing Strategy

VinFast plans to manufacture the Minio Green locally at its facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, with an initial capacity of 50,000 units per year, scalable to 150,000 units. The plant will also serve as an export hub for nearby markets in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

The company is targeting 30-40 percent local content initially, aiming to work with Indian suppliers to reduce costs and make pricing competitive. If priced around Rs 10 lakh, the Minio Green could challenge the MG Comet EV with:

• Slightly larger size

• Comparable range

• Faster charging capability

VinFast is also considering alternative ownership models, including battery subscriptions and variant-based pricing, to make EV ownership more accessible.

Market Competition and Challenges

The MG Comet EV currently dominates the Indian micro-EV segment due to its first-mover advantage, strong brand presence, and dealer network.

For VinFast to succeed, it must address:

• After-sales service availability

• Spare parts supply chain

• Customer awareness campaigns

• Value-for-money proposition

The Minio Green’s success will depend not just on specs but on execution, pricing, and service quality.

FAQs

1. What is the VinFast Minio Green?

A. The VinFast Minio Green is a compact electric vehicle designed for urban use, targeting affordability and practicality in the Indian market.

2. How does it compare to the MG Comet EV?

A. The Minio Green is slightly larger, offers similar range, and supports faster charging compared to the MG Comet.

3. What is its expected price in India?

A. VinFast is aiming for a price around Rs 10 lakh, depending on localisation and variant options.

4. When will it launch in India?

A. The official launch date has not been confirmed, but localisation plans suggest it could arrive soon after the Tamil Nadu facility begins production.

5. Will it be available for fleet use?

A. Yes, its size, durability, and cost efficiency make it a strong option for fleet operators.

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