“We have always considered Europe to be one of our most defining markets, not only because of its economic potential, but also because its ambitions in Europe align with our own vision of a greener, more sustainable future,” said Ms. Le Thi Thu Thuy, Chairman of VinFast.
As tangible proof of that commitment, VinFast has started deploying electric buses on European roads, demonstrating its intention to go beyond providing EVs for the passenger car sector and become part of urban mobility.
For the first time, VinFast also announced a strategy to gain a foothold in this market: building partnerships with leading European transport and infrastructure companies to ensure a continued presence of its electric buses in the region.
Why VinFast’s European expansion starts with buses
In just a few years since the full switch to EVs, VinFast has grown to become Vietnam’s leading car manufacturer that has penetrated the world stage at a remarkable pace.
Few automakers worldwide have built such an extensive electric ecosystem in such a short period of time. VinFast’s portfolio now includes passenger cars, scooters, bicycles and buses, supported by a fast-growing network of charging stations, dealers and after-sales companies, while simultaneously scaling up international production capacity.
What many observers describe as nothing short of a “miracle” has been achieved not only through business acumen, but through determination combined with national ambition. Vingroup Chairman Pham Nhat Vuong repeatedly emphasized that VinFast is not a conventional commercial project. Rather, it was set up as a high-tech national brand with global influence, embodying Vietnam’s ambition to be seen as dynamic, modern, and increasingly prominent on the international stage.
Before focusing on Europe, VinFast tested its vision of public transport in its own country. Four years ago, the company’s electric buses operated on Vietnam’s first zero-emission route for the first time, an early step that later guided its international strategy.
Today, VinFast in Vietnam manages an integrated ecosystem for electric buses, including production, operation and maintenance, with a growing presence in the country’s largest cities. The company’s factories are capable of producing between 1,500 and 2,000 buses annually, with each stage of the process aligned with CE certification standards.
This ambition fits seamlessly with Europe’s own climate agenda, from the Paris Agreement to the European Union’s ambitious emissions targets. The goals are clear: a 43 percent reduction in emissions by 2030, with nine out of ten new city buses being zero-emission by then, and a complete switch to electrified bus fleets by 2035.
Towards an all-electric future
Electric buses are reshaping European public transport faster than policymakers had anticipated. By 2024, almost half of all new city buses sold in the EU were battery-electric, according to a report by Transport & Environment (T&E). This shift marks a decisive tipping point in the debate on the best way to decarbonise urban mobility. The market has been decisive: battery-electric buses have become the dominant technology. Cities are rapidly moving away from diesel and hybrid fleets and are opting for electric buses instead, due to their economic, operational and environmental benefits.
For municipalities and their residents, the implications are great. Cleaner air, quieter streets, and lower long-term operational costs are tangible benefits of this transition. The reduction of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions is particularly significant in this regard and underlines that battery-electric buses are not only gaining momentum, but are shaping the future of public transport.
Against this backdrop, VinFast will introduce its electric bus line internationally at Busworld Europe 2025, which will take place in Brussels from 3 to 9 October. By showcasing cutting-edge public transport solutions, the Vietnamese automaker aims to confirm its identity as an all-electric producer with a complete ecosystem. VinFast states that its buses will start operating on European roads in 2026, contributing to the continent’s green transformation and accelerating the transition to zero-emission public transport.
“The introduction of our portfolio of electric buses at Busworld is a strong confirmation of VinFast’s long-term commitment to the region,” said Ms. Le Thi Thu Thuy. “In addition to our electric passenger cars, we want to build a complete green mobility ecosystem so that electrification becomes more accessible than ever. With an ever-expanding range of offerings, we are confident that we can achieve a zero-emission transport network that brings cleaner and healthier cities to Europe’s people.”
At the world’s largest bus and coach show, VinFast will be showcasing two models: the EB 8 and the EB 12, both fully electric and designed to meet the stringent standards of the European Union.
The EB 12 has already received UNECE and CE certification. The dimensions, configuration, range and charging compatibility are specifically tailored to Europe, ensuring seamless integration into existing infrastructure and compliance with local regulations.
Both models are powered by LFP batteries, supplied by leading international manufacturers such as CATL and Gotion, with a capacity of up to 422 kWh and a realistic range of up to 400 kilometers. Thanks to fast charging technology of up to 140 kW, the vehicles can be charged in just two to three hours.
VinFast’s buses are also equipped with a range of smart technologies, including advanced driver assistance systems such as blind spot warning, intelligent acceleration support, collision warning and driver drowsiness detection. For passengers, there are amenities such as Wi-Fi, USB charging points, inflight entertainment and air suspension systems with a lowered chassis to make it easier to get in and out.
