Introduction

VinFast, the Vietnamese electric car maker that is fast expanding its presence in international markets, has made another significant move towards pushing into India’s EV sector. It has duly received a design patent in India for its forthcoming VinFast Minio Green EV, a small city-centric electric vehicle for environmentally friendly urban commuters.

This action indicates VinFast’s serious intention to fight in one of the world’s most rapidly developing EV markets, tapping its design creativity to create a niche in the inexpensive, small EV category. The patent not only safeguards the model’s distinct look but also supports VinFast’s overall India plan, including localized manufacturing and a multi-model EV portfolio to appeal to first-time buyers and urban commuters.

VinFast’s Growing EV Presence

• Bulk global expansion with launches in Vietnam, the U.S., and Europe.
• Establishing a brand for fashion, feature-packed, and low-cost EVs.

Vinfast Minio Green EV Design Patent in India

• Formally filed and approved, safeguarding the distinctive exterior design of the vehicle.
• Marks VinFast’s first step into India’s market for compact electric cars.

Impact for India Strategy

• Strengthen brand positioning in preparation for possible market entry.
• Supports plans for local assembly/production to maintain price competitiveness.
• Pursues India’s expanding urban EV consumer base with a green, affordable alternative.

What is the VinFast Minio Green EV?

The VinFast Minio Green EV is a compact, city-oriented electric vehicle aimed at providing efficient, green mobility for daily use. It is the entry-point model in VinFast’s portfolio, targeting predominantly urban driving conditions where agility, minimal operating costs, and zero emissions are paramount.

The VinFast Minio Green EV promises to provide an affordable yet fashionable option to conventional petrol-burning hatchbacks, all while being environmentally friendly. While there are not yet official technical specifications, the vehicle is likely to have a minimalist but technology-friendly interior, frugal electric drivetrain, and emphasis on functionality for short-to-medium length commutes. This makes it a desirable choice for city commuters, first-time EV consumers, and eco-friendly drivers in India’s fast-evolving electric mobility space.

Positioning in VinFast’s Lineup (Small City EV)

• A low-cost, small electric vehicle designed for price-sensitive buyers.
• Built for short to medium urban trips.

Intended Target Market

• City commuters require compact, easy-to-park mobility.
• Eco-friendly buyers looking to lower their carbon footprint.
• First-time EV buyers are looking for affordability and low maintenance.

Design & Performance Features

• Tight city dimensions for urban convenience.
• Aerodynamic design with bold “Green” eco badge.
• Anticipated to provide a pragmatic battery range for everyday driving
• Sparsely trimmed, space-saving interior with simple infotainment options.

Details of the Indian Design Patent

The VinFast Minio Green EV’s design patent in India is a remarkable milestone for the company, securing it before an official launch. The Indian authorities have just awarded Minio, highlighting its small dimensions, streamlined body lines, and trendy image, which is targeted at urban consumers.

Patent photos show a clean and unique design language, tuned for aerodynamics and simplicity of maneuverability in packed city streets. Although the model maintains VinFast’s international design persona, incremental modifications could be implemented to suit Indian consumer tastes, such as ground clearance optimization, climate-sensitive materials, and cost-effective parts, to maintain competitive pricing. This forward-looking patenting action not only safeguards VinFast’s intellectual property but indicates that the brand is in active preparation for an Indian market launch.

When the Design Patent Was Filed and Approved

• Filed in India in advance of possible launch to safeguard styling rights.
• Recently approved by the Indian patent office, guaranteeing exclusivity.

Visual/Design Clues from Patent Images

• Aerodynamic body style with rounded contours for a mini hatchback.
• Signature VinFast grille pattern restyled for an EV front clip.
• Sleek headlamps and minimalistic rear styling for a contemporary look.

Distinctions from Current VinFast Models

• Tighter overall footprint than VinFast VF series SUVs.
• Streamlined exterior trim to maintain a low cost of production.
• Designed more for functionality rather than luxury aesthetics.

Potential India-Specific Designations

• Higher ground clearance for Indian road conditions.
• A more efficient air-conditioning system is needed to accommodate hot climates.
• Practical interior materials optimized for local use habits.

Design & Styling Features

The VinFast Minio Green EV is designed with a city-first approach, prioritizing efficiency, elegance, and environmentally friendly appeal. Its exterior has a slim footprint, which is best suited for maneuvering within tight urban roads, while its aerodynamic lines maximize energy efficiency.

Sleek modern LED lighting at both front and rear imbues a sense of modernity, announcing its new-age vibe. The “Green” moniker is not merely a label — it’s visually supported via earth-friendly color schemes, with the iconic green hue likely to dominate the range as a symbolic gesture towards sustainability.

VinFast Minio Green EV will also go down the minimalist route, with a compact layout that optimizes cabin usability without actually being larger. Tech integration, including a digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment, and connected features, is likely at its heart, appealing to a younger, tech-oriented audience.

Exterior Appearance

• Urban-friendly compact dimensions.
• Aerodynamic body styling for greater efficiency.
• Modern LED headlamps and taillights for a futuristic, aerodynamic look.

Color Emphasis

• Pronounced “Green” theme for robust eco-branding.
• Likely dual-tone and pastel versions to appeal to urban buyers.

Interior Expectations

• Clutter-free, minimalist dashboard design.
• Space-saving seating configuration for utmost leg space.
• Technology-driven cabin with advanced digital displays and intelligent connectivity options.

Potential Specifications

VinFast has not officially unveiled the technical specifications of the VinFast Minio Green EV. Still, market positioning and design hints imply it should be optimized for daily short to medium commutes, with a blend of cost, convenience, and current features. The vehicle is likely small enough for urban navigation, with sufficient interior space for small families or solo users. Its battery and range will be optimized for city use, with competitive charging times and minimal running costs. Safety and infotainment will be important too, to please tech-inclined and environmentally aware Indian buyers.

Estimated Size & Dimensions

• Small hatchback footprint, less than 3.6 meters long.
• Slim width to easily squeeze into tight city parking spots.
• Tall roofline to provide improved headroom and roomy cabin ambiance.

Battery Capacity & Driving Range

• Anticipated battery pack in the 20–25 kWh range.
• Estimated single-charge driving range of 180–250 km, suitable for urban commuting.

Charging Options

• Home charging with a portable AC charger as standard.
• DC fast-charging option to achieve 20–80% top-up in under 40 minutes (anticipated).

Potential Safety & Infotainment Features

• Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera.
• Infotainment with touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto).
• Connected car features for remote inspection and OTA (over-the-air) software updates.

Market Positioning in India

The VinFast Minio Green EV aims to join India’s growing fleet of small electric vehicles, offering a chic, environmentally friendly, and affordable way to commute around the city daily. By competing in a competitive price segment, VinFast hopes to upset the existing players while riding on its new brand salability. With its small size, trendy looks, and emphasis on fuel efficiency, the VinFast Minio Green EV will have appeal for customers who want an alternative to two-wheelers and regular petrol hatchbacks.

Expected Price Segment & Competitors

• Likely in the range of ₹7–10 lakh (ex-showroom).
• Direct rival to the MG Comet EV, Tata Tiago EV, and Citroën eC3.

Target Audience

• Urban residents seeking a daily city runabout.
• Young professionals and college-goers who want an eco-friendly lifestyle option.
• First-time buyers of EVs are replacing small petrol cars or scooters.

Alignment with India’s EV Adoption Trends

• Aids increasing demand for budget-friendly city-centric EVs.
• Aids India’s effort to propel mass-market electrification under FAME-II and state incentives.

Comparison Table – VinFast Minio Green EV vs Competitors

VinFast’s India Strategy

VinFast has been taking prudent steps to create a masterstroke in the Indian EV market, indicating its long-term vision for the country. In addition to the factory announcement, VinFast has also been considering launching several EV models targeting various price segments — ranging from compact city EVs such as the VinFast Minio Green EV to premium electric SUVs of larger sizes.

The VinFast Minio Green EV will be VinFast’s mass-market entry in India, used to establish brand awareness and appeal to a broad base of customers before introducing more pricey models. With the starting point being a small, affordable EV, VinFast can gain market share in the volume-driven urban segment while setting the stage for its coming higher-end models.

VinFast’s Indian plan also relies on the development of after-sales service and charging infrastructure alliances so that customers have access to charging and maintenance facilities in key cities. Private charging companies, as well as government-backed networks, are expected to lead the way in making it easier to own.

Current Developments in India

• Signed up with the Tamil Nadu government for a factory.
• The company announced it will invest more than $500 million in the initial phase of operations.
• Considering the launch of several EV models, ranging from compact hatchbacks to SUVs.

Minio Green EV’s role

• First mass-market model for India.
• Geared towards getting first-time EV customers and younger buyers.
• Serves as a gateway product to familiarize Indian buyers with the VinFast brand.

Expansion of Service & Charging Network

• Discussions for partnerships with top charging network providers in India.
• Prioritizing metro cities followed by Tier-2 city coverage.
• Establishing VinFast-owned service facilities and tie-ups with current multi-brand EV service networks.

Launch Timeline & Availability

VinFast has not announced the launch date of the VinFast Minio Green EV in India, but industry rumor suggests a late 2025 or early 2026 launch. The timing would enable VinFast to tie the product launch to the readiness of its Tamil Nadu factory, getting competitive pricing through local assembly or production.

There is also a chance that the VinFast Minio Green EV would initially launch in some Southeast Asian or international markets — like Vietnam or Europe — before coming to India, particularly if production in Vietnam happens early. Nevertheless, considering India’s increasing small EV demand and VinFast’s bold market entry strategy, a simultaneous launch in several regions is also not out of question.

Production strategy would be central to its pricing. Although initial units will be brought in as CKDs (Completely Knocked Down kits) for quicker launch, large-scale local production in Tamil Nadu should be within a year of launch, sharply lowering costs and enhancing competitiveness against Tata and MG models.

India Launch Window: Late 2025 – Early 2026.

Global Rollout Order: Simultaneous launch possible or possible launch in Vietnam or other global markets ahead of India.

Production Location:

• First batches can be imported as CKD units.
• Local production in Tamil Nadu is anticipated to drive a mass-market thrust.

Conclusion

VinFast Minio Green EV can shake up India’s low-cost electric car market by being an environmentally friendly, design-oriented, and urban-oriented mobility solution priced competitively. Its recent Indian design patent application is not a mere formality of law — it is a categorical indication that VinFast is dead serious about staking its claim in one of the world’s most rapidly expanding EV markets.

Through the integration of city usability, eco-friendly branding, and the support of a strong manufacturing plan, the VinFast Minio Green EV can become a strong competitor against the likes of the Tata Tiago EV, MG Comet EV, and Citroën eC3. As the launch window nears, Indian EV fans and prospective buyers will need to watch VinFast’s press releases closely, as the VinFast Minio Green EV could potentially redefine what an affordable city EV can be.

1. FAQs
2. What is the VinFast Minio Green EV?

The VinFast Minio Green EV is an urban-centric, compact electric vehicle targeting city dwellers and environmentally minded customers alike, with a tiny footprint, contemporary design, and a focus on value.

2. Has the release date been set in India?

No, the release date has not officially been set yet, although industry rumors suggest it will arrive in India within the next 12–18 months.

3. What will be the Indian price expectation?

Although definitive pricing is not revealed, it is likely to land in the ₹8–12 lakh bracket, based on battery choices and specifications.

4. Against which cars will the Minio Green EV contend?

The Minio Green EV will compete with cars like the MG Comet EV, Tata Tiago EV, and Citroën eC3 in India.

5. Will it be locally produced or imported?

VinFast has not announced production plans so far, but it could first be imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) before any possible local production in India.