VinFast has launched an exchange program in India, inviting petrol car owners to trade in their old cars for locally assembled VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs, in one of the most direct attempts yet to accelerate India’s shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles.
The move comes as China’s electric vehicle transformation is moving from policy pronouncements to visible changes on the ground: state budgets, city pilots and growing queues at charging stations along national highways.
For newcomers, VinFast is expanding at an alarming rate. Within a year, it set up an assembly plant in Tamil Nadu, launched the VF 6 and VF 7 for Indian buyers, and forged partnerships that extend far beyond retail showrooms. The brand’s messaging to customers is also evolving – moving from aspirational positioning to a more practical, accessible narrative for everyday drivers.
Central to the strategy is a new exchange program that transforms the common practice of trading in used cars into a gateway to electric vehicle ownership. Customers purchasing gasoline vehicles can access cash support and structured financing through partner banks, thereby closing the upfront cost gap between internal combustion and electric SUVs. The aim is simple: lower the psychological and financial barriers that often hinder electric vehicle adoption.
Both SUVs come with tech-heavy kit – DC fast charging, connected car features and advanced driver assistance systems. VF 6 is equipped with a 59.6 kWh battery, has a MIDC-certified cruising range of up to 468 kilometers, and can be charged from 10% to 70% in about 25 minutes. The larger VF 7 has higher power output and similar charging performance. Importantly, both have received a five-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, strengthening VinFast’s pitch to safety-conscious Indian buyers.
This swap model is inspired by VinFast’s experience in Vietnam, where such events regularly attract thousands of visitors and result in hundreds of electric vehicles being purchased on the same day. Buyers walk in curious and are convinced after test drives, financial comparisons and clear after-sales commitments.
VinFast recognizes that EV acceptance relies heavily on supporting infrastructure and is investing in service capabilities and charging partnerships across the country. Agreements with dealer groups are expanding the use of EV-ready workshops, while partnerships with charging company V-Green and major fuel retailers aim to install fast chargers on existing petrol station networks. A long warranty of up to 10 years with free charging period and free maintenance is designed to ease early ownership anxiety.
For many early adopters, these guarantees make the switch feel less like a gamble and more like a logical upgrade. “I don’t feel like I’m being asked to take a leap of faith for environmental protection,” said a new VF 7 owner in Tamil Nadu. “The ecosystem already exists.”