VinFast has introduced a new EV model, the Minio Green, aiming to capture a piece of the mini electric vehicle market that is currently dominated by Chinese manufacturers. Unlike a concept car, VinFast is serious about bringing the Minio Green to mass production. The vehicle is designed as a four-wheeled alternative to motorcycles, making it a potential solution for urban commuters looking for a compact and affordable EV. One might compare it to a modern version of the Tata Nano, though VinFast is hopeful it will be more successful.
The Minio Green is small, even by mini car standards, sitting below the VF3 model in VinFast’s lineup. Its design takes inspiration from Chinese mini EVs but features a more rounded, playful aesthetic with bug-eyed headlights and vertical tail lights. The car rides on steel rims, likely to reduce manufacturing costs, and sports a clean, minimalistic look that reflects its budget-friendly pricing.
Although there are no interior photos available yet, the Minio Green is expected to have a very basic interior, possibly featuring a couple of screens for functionality. Given its size, it’s likely to accommodate up to four passengers at most.
Powering the Minio Green is a single motor mounted at the pack, delivering 27 horsepower and 65Nm of torque. The vehicle offers two range options: 120km for the Eco model and 180km for the Plus variant. It also supports a maximum charging rate of 12kW. Performance-wise, the Minio Green has a top speed of 85 km/h and can accelerate from 0 to 50 km/h in 6.5 seconds.
While the price of the VinFast Minio Green has yet to be disclosed, given the affordability of the VF3, it’s expected to be even more budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious consumers.
