Vietnam's leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast, known globally for its premium electric cars and SUVs, is now preparing to make a big splash in the Indian two-wheeler market. Documents filed in the Indian Patent Office (Intellectual Property India) have revealed that the company has officially patented the design of its new sporty electric maxi-scooter 'Rasad' (VinFast Rasad) and 'Viper' (VinFast Viper) in India. This Vietnamese company, which is setting up its huge manufacturing plant in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), Tamil Nadu, no longer wants to be limited to only four-wheelers, but also wants to make a strong presence in India's rapidly growing e-two-wheeler segment.
This development is also special for the Indian automobile industry because till now traditional car manufacturing companies had kept distance from the two-wheeler segment. However, skyrocketing demand for electric two-wheelers in India and government incentives have forced Vinfast to change its global strategy. The patent photos and leaks clearly show that the company is going to launch a performance-oriented and muscular looking e-scooter keeping the Indian youth in mind.
After cars, now entry in two-wheeler market: Know what is the master plan of VinFast?
VinFast had initially prepared a roadmap to introduce its electric cars (such as VF 6 and VF 7) in India. But seeing the success of Ola Electric, Ather Energy, TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak in India, the company realized that the biggest volume and growth in India is in the two-wheeler segment. In recent weeks, the company has also patented the design of the 'Rasad' maxi-scooter as well as the 'Viper' e-scooter and an electric bike called 'Sulad'.
These back-to-back patents make it clear that Vinfast is working on an aggressive strategy to launch a complete electric two-wheeler portfolio in India instead of launching just one or two models. For this, the company has also started appointing top executives to lead its e-scooter business in India.
Look and design of VinFast Rasad and Viper: Yamaha will give a direct challenge to Aroks
According to the patent documents, 'VinFast Rasad' has been designed in a premium maxi-scooter format. Its overall stance and design language is very similar to the performance scooters currently available in the Indian market like Yamaha Aerox 155 and Honda ADV160. It has an aggressive central spine and muscular body panels instead of a flat floorboard like ordinary scooters.
Talking about its front profile, it has the company's signature 'V-shaped' LED DRLs (daytime running lights) and a high windscreen that prevents wind-blast at high speed. Apart from this, it has large alloy wheels, a long and comfortable stepped seat, split pillion grab rail and angular body cut. Built on an underbone chassis, this scooter promises to offer a formidable road presence on the roads.
Top speed of 100 kmph and range of 145 km: How powerful will it be in performance?
According to Automovit reports and leaked specifications, VinFast Rasad has a powerful centre-mounted electric motor generating peak power of 7.1 kW. This motor is capable of easily taking the scooter to a top speed of 100 kilometers per hour (100 kmph).
If we talk about VinFast Viper model, it is available with removable batteries in international markets. Its dual-battery variant gets two battery packs of 1.5 kWh capacity each, which offer a certified driving range of approximately 145 kilometers on a full charge. The rider can easily remove these batteries and charge them in an ordinary socket at home or office. For suspension and safety, it has telescopic forks at the front, twin shock absorbers at the rear and disc brakes on both the wheels.
Tension will increase for Ola, Ather and TVS: What will be the impact on Indian EV market?
Currently, India's e-scooter market is going through extremely tough competition. On one hand, Ola remains the market leader on the basis of its features and range, while on the other hand, Ather is attracting customers with its premium manufacturing and family scooters like Rizta. In such a situation, if a Vietnamese car manufacturer enters India with in-house battery technology and global manufacturing experience, the competition will become very tough for domestic companies.
Vinfast's biggest advantage will be its local manufacturing hub located in Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu). If the company assembles and manufactures these scooters on a large scale in India, it can take advantage of government schemes like FAME/EMPS to price its vehicles very aggressively and affordably.
When will it be officially launched in India and what will be the price?
Industry experts believe that Vinfast can officially launch these electric scooters in the Indian market in the fourth quarter of 2026 (Q4 2026) or early 2027 along with presenting them globally. Although mere design patent of a vehicle does not guarantee its 100% immediate launch, but the way the company is building its network in India, it is clear that this scooter will soon be seen running on Indian roads.
In terms of price, it is estimated that VinFast Rasad and Viper can be launched in the Indian market in the price range between ₹ 1.20 lakh to ₹ 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom), due to which it will directly compete with Ather 450X, Ola S1 Pro and TVS iQube ST.