VINFAST VF7 in India Game-Changer EV or Just Hype?

To be honest, whenever I hear the name VINFAST VF7, one question pops up in my mind How well will this EV perform on Indian roads? Look, this Vietnamese brand is making quite some noise globally, but we can’t ignore India’s roads and charging infrastructure. I’ve been in the automobile industry for 10 years, and I’ve seen how new EVs often make big claims that reality doesn’t match.

I remember once testing a compact EV; the software had a bug that made the cruise control fail mid-drive. And when I called customer care, the reply was iIt will be fixed after an update but it actually took months. VF7 seems high-tech, but that software part is always tricky and it often creates problems.

Design and Looks

The VF7’s layout is modern and barely competitive. It feels someplace between a hatchback and an SUV. The headlights and tail lamps look smooth, but definitely, it feels a chunk overdone. The interior area is decent, mainly the front row but the rear seats feel a chunk cramped  On a personal visit to a showroom, I saw people hesitating over the rear legroom.

One anecdote comes to mind a dealer told me Sir, I’d love to show the boot space, but a family came in, and they felt it’s a bit small. The scene here is that marketing claims and real-world expectations always have a gap.

Battery and Range

The company claims a range of 500 km for the VF7. To be honest, this reminds me of past tests the X EV model also claimed the same but in real life, it barely crossed 380 km. So, I think the real-world range for VF7 with city and highway mix will be around 400-420 km, and yes, using AC and fast acceleration will bring this number down further.

Charging is another mixed bag. Fast charging is compatible, but fast chargers are still limited in India. I’ve seen once that a fast charger wasn’t even working, and it took the car 7-8 hours to full charge with a normal plug.

Performance and Driving Experience

The VF7’s acceleration feels smooth at first glance. But honestly, the ride is a bit stiff you feel bumps over speed breakers. Steering response is good, but it feels a little loose in corners. On a highway test, I stayed cautious due to software intervention.

One funny incident comes to mind during a press drive, the VF7’s autopilot gave a small alert that confused the driver. The dealer said, This is normal sir Honestly, your confidence dips a little when the car behaves like that.

Risks and Brand Trust

VINFAST is a new brand in India. For new EVs, the biggest risk is always software updates and service network. I’ve seen global brands face issues initially parts availability and trained technicians were lacking, and buyers had problems. VF7 will face the same risk.

But one thing is clear the styling and features will attract young buyers. Digital cluster, touchscreen, connectivity features all modern. And if the company quickly establishes a local service network, adoption could be faster.

Also read : VinFast VF 6 and VF 7 Earn 5-Star Bharat NCAP Safety Rating in India

My Take

Simply put the VF7 is a promising EV and quite advanced globally. But in India, a bit of caution is needed. Will the range match real-world expectations? How will software and service support perform? That’s the real test. If you are an early adopter and tech-savvy, exploring it could be interesting. But don’t expect a fully hassle-free ownership yet.

I feel VF7’s success in India will depend on how quickly and effectively the company handles real-world challenges. And until test drives and long-term reports come in, I personally recommend observing a bit and then deciding.

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Gaurav Jha Gaurav Jha is a seasoned automotive journalist and digital media expert with a passion for new technology, electric vehicles, and unbiased product reviews. As the founder of GearChoice.in, he aims to empower readers with transparent, well-researched information about the latest cars, gadgets, and mobility trends.

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