VinFast, the fast-growing Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, has officially patented the design of its Minio Green EV in India. This move indicates the brand’s serious intent to tap into India’s compact electric car segment, which is still relatively underpopulated. If launched, the Minio Green could directly rival the MG Comet EV, one of the few ultra-compact electric hatchbacks available in the Indian market today.
With its compact dimensions, city-friendly design, and budget-oriented positioning, the Minio Green has the potential to appeal to a wide range of buyers—urban commuters, first-time EV owners, and even fleet operators looking for affordable electric mobility.
Design and Styling
The Minio Green embraces a tall-boy hatchback silhouette, maximizing cabin space without stretching the footprint. The front features a minimalist bumper design, semi-circular LED headlamps, and a clean, aerodynamic nose. Its profile is short yet tall, with 13-inch wheels, compact overhangs, and simple wheel arches.
At the rear, vertically stacked tail lamps are positioned towards the edges, enhancing the perception of width. The design is clean and functional, without unnecessary ornamentation—an approach that works well for a practical urban EV.
Dimensions
The Minio Green’s size makes it ideal for tight Indian roads and congested parking spaces:
- Length: 3,090 mm (slightly longer than the MG Comet EV)
- Width: 1,496 mm
- Height: 1,625 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,065 mm
These proportions provide just enough road presence while keeping it maneuverable. The slightly longer body compared to the MG Comet could also translate into a bit more cabin space.
Interior Layout
Inside, the Minio Green focuses on functionality over luxury. The dashboard features a compact digital instrument cluster that doubles as the infotainment interface, eliminating the need for a central touchscreen. This approach keeps costs down while simplifying usability.
Other highlights include:
- A flat-bottom, two-spoke steering wheel with rotary controls
- Dual-tone black-and-blue interior theme
- Fabric seat upholstery
- Four-way powered driver’s seat
- Simple storage solutions for daily use
- Two-speaker sound system
While the cabin may lack the high-tech appeal of premium EVs, it offers the practicality that budget-conscious buyers and fleet operators often prioritize.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the skin, the Minio Green is designed for short city commutes rather than highway touring. It is powered by:
- Motor Output: 27 hp and 65 Nm of torque
- Drive Layout: Rear-wheel drive
- Battery Pack: 14.7 kWh capacity
- Top Speed: 80 km/h
- Claimed Range: Around 170 km per charge (NEDC cycle)
Charging speeds are modest, with the capability to handle up to 12 kW. While these figures may not excite performance enthusiasts, they are adequate for the Minio Green’s role as a budget urban commuter.
Target Segment and Market Positioning
In India, the MG Comet EV currently enjoys a monopoly in the mini electric hatchback space. The Minio Green could be a serious challenger, offering similar dimensions and capabilities but potentially a slightly larger cabin and fresh styling.
Potential target audiences include:
- Urban Commuters: People living in crowded cities who need a compact, easy-to-park vehicle.
- Fleet Operators: Companies providing ride-hailing or last-mile connectivity services.
- First-Time EV Buyers: Those making the transition from two-wheelers or entry-level petrol cars to electric mobility.
VinFast’s India Strategy
The Minio Green’s patent filing is part of VinFast’s broader strategy to enter the Indian EV market. The company has already announced plans for local manufacturing in Tamil Nadu, which will help in competitive pricing and quicker supply.
VinFast is expected to debut in India with larger SUVs like the VF6 and VF7, followed by niche offerings like the Minio Green to address the small EV category. This strategy allows the brand to establish itself in both premium and budget segments simultaneously.
Possible Price Positioning
In its home market of Vietnam, the Minio Green is priced in the equivalent range of ₹8–9 lakh. If VinFast can localize production in India, the EV could be priced similarly—or even lower—to challenge the MG Comet EV directly.
A competitive price tag will be essential for success, especially since the Indian EV market is extremely price-sensitive and buyers expect good value for money.
Advantages Over MG Comet EV
- Slightly Larger Dimensions: May offer better interior space without compromising maneuverability.
- Fresh Brand Appeal: A new entrant could attract buyers looking for something different from mainstream options.
- Potential Price Advantage: Local manufacturing could help undercut rivals.
Challenges Ahead
- Brand Awareness: VinFast is a relatively unknown brand in India, so it will need to build trust.
- Charging Infrastructure: For small EVs to thrive, accessible charging stations are a must.
- Range in Real Conditions: The 170 km claimed range (under NEDC) might drop in real-world conditions, which could limit appeal for some buyers.
- Competition from Future Launches: As more automakers enter the micro-EV segment, the competition will intensify.
Potential for Fleet and Shared Mobility
Given its low running cost, compact size, and affordable pricing potential, the Minio Green could be highly appealing for electric taxi services, last-mile delivery fleets, and shared mobility platforms. This is especially relevant as Indian cities push for greener public transport and commercial fleets.
Conclusion
The VinFast Minio Green EV patent filing in India signals the company’s intent to compete in a niche yet growing market segment. With its compact size, practical design, and potential affordability, it could be a game-changer for urban EV adoption in India.
If VinFast backs the Minio Green with aggressive pricing, local production, and strong after-sales support, it could not only rival the MG Comet EV but also set new benchmarks for compact electric mobility in the country.
Hello, my name is Muskan Kumari and I am an experienced Digital Marketer. I have been blogging for the last 3 years and I have special interest in SEO. Here I give you easy bikes and writes easy-to-understand reviews and news about the latest bikes, helping readers choose the best options.. My aim is to always provide you with accurate, new and useful information.
