A Hyderabad customer who spent Rs 25 lakhs on a brand-new VinFast electric vehicle is facing an electric car nightmare after the VF7 Wind model allegedly broke down just 5 kilometers after leaving the showroom, raising serious concerns about the Vietnamese EV maker’s reliability and after-sales service in India.
The shocking incident has sent shockwaves through Hyderabad’s growing EV community, with customers questioning whether VinFast’s promise of sustainable mobility is backed by quality and reliability. The customer’s ordeal began on June 2 when he purchased the VinFast VF7 Wind from Naresh Automobiles in Raidurg, Hyderabad.
The 5-Kilometer Breakdown: What Happened
After driving the vehicle home on June 2, the owner returned to the showroom the following day, June 3, to use the dealership’s charging station. However, the brand-new electric car managed to travel just 1 kilometer after leaving the charger before coming to a complete halt directly in front of the dealership premises.
In total, the vehicle had logged a mere 5 kilometers on the odometer before a total breakdown, the customer alleged. For a car that costs Rs 25 lakhs and promises a range of up to 532 km, this is a devastating failure that has left the buyer furious and frustrated.
Showroom’s Indifferent Response: “Do Whatever You Want”
Frustrated with the breakdown, the buyer returned to the showroom to demand an immediate replacement. According to him, both the sales and service managers reacted with complete indifference, allegedly telling the buyer to “do whatever you want.”
“They reportedly told me that nothing could be done until replacement parts arrived and completely distanced themselves from the issue,” the customer said. “After spending Rs 25 lakhs, I expected better service, but they acted like this was my problem, not theirs.”
The customer’s account has sparked outrage among EV enthusiasts and potential VinFast buyers, who are now questioning the brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction in India.
Legal Notice Served: Customer Takes Action
In response to the showroom’s indifference, the customer has officially served a legal notice to the dealership, but is still awaiting a reply. The legal action marks a significant escalation in the dispute and could have serious implications for Naresh Automobiles and VinFast’s reputation in India.
The customer is now seeking either a complete replacement of the vehicle or a full refund of Rs 25 lakhs, along with compensation for the mental harassment and loss of time.
VinFast’s Silence: No Official Statement Yet
Despite the growing controversy, VinFast has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. The Vietnamese EV maker, which entered India in 2023 with ambitious plans to capture the premium EV market, is now facing a credibility crisis that could affect its future sales.
This report will be updated once the company provides its response.
VinFast’s Ambitions vs. Reality in India
VinFast entered the Indian market with grand promises of revolutionizing electric mobility, offering premium EVs with advanced technology and long-range capabilities. The VF7 Wind model, priced at Rs 25 lakhs, was marketed as a reliable, high-performance electric SUV with a range of up to 532 km on a full charge.
However, this breakdown incident raises serious questions about VinFast’s quality control and after-sales support in India. The company has faced multiple complaints from Indian customers, including issues with charging ports, software glitches, and poor service response times.
What This Means for EV Buyers in India
This incident has sent shockwaves through Hyderabad’s EV community, with potential buyers now questioning whether VinFast’s premium pricing is justified by quality and reliability.
Key concerns for EV buyers:
- Quality assurance: Are VinFast vehicles properly tested before delivery?
- After-sales service: Can the company provide timely support for breakdowns?
- Warranty coverage: What happens when a new car breaks down immediately?
- Brand reputation: Should buyers trust VinFast’s long-term reliability?
The Global EV Context: VinFast’s Benchmarks
VinFast is part of Vietnam’s Vingroup, the country’s largest private conglomerate. The company has faced criticism globally for quality issues, with some markets reporting similar breakdown problems. In the US, VinFast launched a new after-sales policy that gives customers cash or vouchers if their EVs break down, offering $100-$300 compensation for different types of issues.
However, in India, the company has not yet announced similar compensation policies, leaving customers vulnerable to expensive breakdowns without adequate support.
What Happens Next: Legal Battle and Industry Watch
The customer’s legal notice has now put Naresh Automobiles and VinFast India on notice. If the company fails to respond adequately, the case could escalate to higher courts, potentially affecting VinFast’s reputation across India.
The automotive industry is closely watching this case, as it could set a precedent for EV buyer protection and after-sales service standards in India’s rapidly growing electric vehicle market.
