VinFast Electric Buses Headed For Europe

VinFast Is Betting Big On Europe

Vietnamese automaker VinFast is launching a calculated, high-stakes entry into the European Union’s lucrative public transport market, scheduling the debut of two purpose-built electric bus models for the Busworld Europe 2025 exhibition. This move is more than just a product launch; it represents a critical test of VinFast’s global ambitions and its strategy to build a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem far from its home base.

VinFast is not entering an empty field.

The European electric bus market is fiercely competitive, dominated by established giants like Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and MAN, alongside the formidable Chinese competitor BYD, which has already secured a significant foothold. However, the timing is strategic. The EU’s aggressive climate targets — mandating 90% of new city buses be zero-emission by 2030 — have created a massive, state-supported demand for reliable electric transit solutions. VinFast aims to capture a piece of this rapidly growing pie by leveraging its manufacturing scale and existing technological expertise.

“Europe shares VinFast’s vision of a green and sustainable future and the launch of our VinFast electric bus models at Busworld is a strong statement of VinFast’s long-term commitment to the region,” Le Thi Thu Thuy, Chairwoman of VinFast, shared.

Purpose-Built For Europe

To compete, VinFast is bringing two models, the EB 8 and EB 12, armed with specifications designed to meet European operational demands.

Critically, the flagship EB 12 model is not merely adapted but has been fully homologated to meet UNECE and CE regulations. This means its design, from size and charging compatibility to safety systems, has been engineered from the ground up for European infrastructure.

Both models use LFP battery packs from industry leaders CATL and Gotion, with capacities up to 422 kWh. This translates to a practical range of up to 400 km, sufficient for a full day of urban routes. With 140 kW fast-charging capability, the buses can be fully recharged in 2 to 3 hours, minimizing downtime and maximizing fleet availability.

The buses are equipped with a modern suite of ADAS features, including Blind Spot Detection and Forward Collision Warning. Passenger amenities like Wi-Fi and USB ports are standard.

The Vietnam Blueprint

Unlike startups launching conceptual vehicles, VinFast brings a crucial advantage: four years of large-scale operational data. The company has successfully built and operated Vietnam’s first electric bus network, managing fleets in major cities. This real-world experience provides invaluable insights into maintenance schedules, battery degradation, and operational challenges. With a CE-compliant factory capable of producing up to 2,000 buses annually, VinFast can also promise scalability.

“Beyond individual electric cars, we are building a comprehensive green transformation ecosystem to make electrified transport more accessible than ever. With an increasingly diverse product range, we are confident we can contribute to creating a zero-emission transport system and a cleaner, greener life for Europeans,” Thuy said.

VinFast’s stated strategy of forming partnerships with leading European transport and infrastructure specialists will be critical to overcoming these barriers. If successful, the move could validate its global strategy and provide a stable, long-term revenue stream to complement its consumer vehicle division. The launch in Brussels will be the first major test of whether VinFast’s ambition can translate into European success.