The Vietnamese company’s growth has been impressive. In October, VinFast sold 131 units. In November, its sales more than doubled, showing a jump of over 122 percent. This kind of month-to-month improvement is rare for a new entrant, especially in a competitive and price-sensitive market like India. VinFast’s strong performance has made it one of the most talked-about new EV brands in the country.
Tesla, meanwhile, continues to grow slowly. Its sales increased from 40 units in October to 48 units in November, which is a modest 20 percent rise. Tesla is a globally known brand with a loyal following, but in India, its progress has been limited. One major reason is pricing. Tesla currently sells only the Model Y in India, and since it is fully imported, the price starts at ₹59.89 lakh. This positions it in the luxury segment, which naturally attracts fewer buyers.
VinFast, on the other hand, has taken a very different approach. The company started local assembly operations in India in September, which helps keep prices lower. It launched two models—the VF6 and VF7—priced at ₹16.49 lakh and ₹20.89 lakh (ex-showroom). These prices put VinFast directly in the middle of the high-demand, mass-market EV category, where most Indian buyers are looking for value and affordability. This smart pricing strategy is one of the biggest reasons behind its rapid growth.
Even with the excitement surrounding VinFast’s rise, the Indian EV market still has a clear leader: Tata Motors. Tata sold 6,153 electric vehicles in November, making it the dominant force in the segment. With a strong dealer network, a wide range of EVs, and years of local market experience, Tata continues to stay far ahead of newer brands like VinFast and global players like Tesla.
Industry experts believe that VinFast’s success comes from understanding what Indian buyers want—practical EVs at competitive prices. By choosing local assembly right from the start, VinFast avoided the high import duties that make many foreign EVs expensive. This allowed the company to position itself as an affordable alternative without compromising too much on features.
Tesla, for now, is still focused on the premium consumer group. Until it begins local production or introduces more budget-friendly models, it may continue to see slower adoption in India. However, Tesla is expanding its distribution network, and its strong global reputation could help it grow gradually.
Overall, November’s numbers show an interesting shift in India’s EV landscape. VinFast’s rapid rise, Tesla’s slow but steady presence, and Tata’s unmatched dominance together paint a clear picture of a market that is evolving quickly and attracting global attention.
