VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle maker, seems to be preparing for its debut in the Indian market with its Minio Green compact EV. The design patent for this 4-seater supermini has been filed in India, raising speculation about its potential launch. If introduced, the Minio Green would become a rival to the MG Comet EV, a model currently enjoying a monopoly in India’s all-electric supermini segment.
An EV Tailored for Commercial Buyers
The Minio Green is positioned as an affordable, no-frills, compact electric vehicle aimed at commercial buyers. Its focus is on practicality and functionality rather than luxury, offering bare-bones design features with essential technology, making it a straightforward choice for businesses or fleet operators looking to invest in EV technology.
Highlights:
- Affordable 4-seat compact EV designed for fleet operations
- Simplistic design with black-and-blue interiors
- 14.7kWh battery pack offering 170 km range
Exterior and Dimensions of Minio Green
The compact Minio Green is marginally longer than the MG Comet EV, with dimensions that make it the smallest model in the current VinFast lineup. Its design prioritizes practicality with a “tall-boy” stance, ideal for maximizing interior space in a small footprint.
Specifications
- Length: 3,090mm
- Width: 1,496mm
- Height: 1,625mm
- Wheelbase: 2,065mm
The styling is minimal with subtle details, such as semicircular headlights connected by a black-and-chrome trim piece, body cladding along the skirts and bumpers for durability, 13-inch steel wheels, and a small roof spoiler. Its slightly blacked-out rear section with integrated tail-lamps adds a premium touch despite its cost-effective approach.
Interior and Features
Stepping inside the Minio Green reveals a 4-seat cabin focused purely on utility. The dashboard is entirely free of unnecessary add-ons like infotainment touchscreens or fancy entertainment systems. Instead, a digital driver’s display doubles as the infotainment system.
Major interior details include:
- Flat-bottomed 2-spoke steering wheel
- 4-way powered driver’s seat
- Basic air conditioning with functional vents
- Blue accent trim for a hint of style
- Center console with cubbies for storage
Despite its simplicity, safety and usability have not been overlooked. Essential features like a driver’s airbag, traction control, ABS with EBD, and a 2-speaker sound system have been integrated into the design.
Battery and Performance
At the heart of the Minio Green is a compact 14.7kWh battery pack paired with a rear-mounted electric motor producing 27 horsepower and 65Nm of torque. While these figures don’t scream performance, they are perfectly suitable for the Minio Green’s intended role as a city runner or fleet vehicle.
Battery and Performance Specs:
- 14.7kWh Lithium-ion battery
- Claimed range of up to 170 km (NEDC)
- Top speed of 80 km/h
- 12kW maximum charging capability
The modest output is geared toward energy efficiency, ensuring sufficient range for daily city commutes. The Minio Green’s relatively light weight aids its efficiency and makes it nimble to handle in tight urban settings.
The Road Ahead for VinFast in India
The Indian EV market is expanding at a rapid pace, and VinFast’s entry with the Minio Green might not be far off. If it enters production, it will be a game-changer in the commercial and personal EV space at the budget-friendly end of the spectrum. With features tailored to meet the needs of commercial operators, this compact EV could help strengthen the transition toward cleaner and more sustainable mobility in urban India.
Considering the MG Comet EV is currently the only player in this niche, the introduction of the Minio Green could disrupt this segment and offer customers an exciting new option.
