Kumar Bahukhandi
A man in Delhi once dismissed electric cars as little more than expensive appliances on wheels. He liked the idea of clean mobility but could not see himself behind the wheel of something he thought would feel dull. That opinion shifted the day he tried a new electric SUV with adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a connected infotainment system that spoke to his phone as naturally as his home apps. For him, the switch was not about saving on fuel, although it’s still a significant amount. It was about discovering that driving could feel smarter.
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With the arrival of affordable premium models like VinFast’s VF 6 and VF 7, Indian car buyers are beginning to see electric vehicles less as frugal green machines and more as tech-rich companions that promise comfort, safety, and smarter driving
The New Priorities of Indian Car Buyers
For quite some time, Indian consumers are usually portrayed as a way to cut fuel costs and reduce emissions. That message still matters, but the market is showing signs of a different hunger. Electric cars made up only about 2.5 percent of India’s passenger vehicle sales in 2024. Yet momentum is building. In the first half of 2025, sales of electric cars and SUVs hit about 74,539 units, a 53 percent jump from the year before.
What drives this growth may not be just lower running costs, as was revealed by the shifting priorities seen in consumer surveys. A study shows that 72 percent of Indian buyers are open to switching brands, and a third point to technology and features as the deciding factor. Eighty-eight percent say they are willing to share personal data if it improves connected services. And 62 percent rank quality and features above price. These figures suggest Indian buyers are not content with bare-bones cars. They want vehicles that can adapt, connect, and protect.
That means the in-car experience now matters as much as range or charging time. Buyers expect a car to provide navigation that feels intuitive, assistance systems that watch the road, and cabins that keep the air clean. In short, the vehicle must feel intelligent, not just economical.
VF 6 and VF 7: Tailored Made for Indian Roads and Families
Into this landscape come the compact VF 6 and sporty VF 7, the ambitious Vietnamese EV maker VinFast’s first electric SUVs built in India at its new Thoothukudi facility. The VF 6 is a compact premium SUV, while the VF 7 is larger and sportier. Both carry technology that speaks directly to Indian preferences.
When it comes to safety, the list of technology is extensive. Each vehicle offers Advanced Driver Assistance at Level 2, a 360-degree surround view, and automatic emergency braking. The VF 7 adds a driver monitoring camera to keep attention on the road. On crowded streets, these systems can matter as much as horsepower.
Inside the cabin, the focus shifts to connectivity. A 12.9-inch infotainment display supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a coloured head-up display and several drive modes. Comfort is not overlooked, with ventilated seats, dual-zone air conditioning with PM 1.0 filtration, and panoramic glass roofs that make the cabin feel more open.
Range and charging speeds aim to cut daily hassles. A quick charge from 10 to 70 percent takes roughly 25 minutes, and certified ranges stretch as far as 468 kilometers for the VF 6 and 532 km for the VF 7. This mix of short charging stops and long distance capability tackles two of the biggest concerns for buyers: waiting at chargers and running out of power on the highway.
For Indian families, these features mean cleaner air inside the cabin and less time spent at service centers. Young professionals see seamless digital links and a design that feels in step with the times. Price-conscious buyers find value without giving up the conveniences common in global models. Together, they suggest these SUVs are built to deliver a premium smart experience that turns EVs from eco gadgets into everyday companions.
Back to the driver in Delhi. Once skeptical, he now notices how the car anticipates his needs, protects him in traffic, and eases the grind of long commutes. For him, and for many Indians entering the EV market, electric cars are no longer just about cutting costs or emissions. They are about driving smarter.
