Vietnamese manufacturer brings battery-powered city buses to European market after four years of domestic operation
Vietnamese manufacturer brings battery-powered city buses to the European market after four years of domestic operation.
VinFast has unveiled its first electric buses for the European market at Busworld in Brussels. The Vietnamese carmaker, previously known in Europe only for passenger vehicles, is introducing two battery-powered city buses developed to meet European standards.
The EB 12 is a full-size 12-metre solo bus measuring 12,110 x 2,550 x 3,330mm with a 5,900mm wheelbase and 19.2-tonne gross vehicle weight. It features two 125kW wheel hub motors producing a combined 250kW output, with an 80km/h top speed. A 422kWh LFP battery pack from suppliers including CATL and Gotion delivers over 400km range on the SORT 2 cycle, whilst 140kW DC charging capability enables rapid turnaround times.
The low-floor bus has three doors and can accommodate up to 90 passengers. It has 35 seats, one wheelchair space, and 54 standing positions. Equipment includes driver assistance systems, dual-zone climate control with heat pump, air suspension on both axles, 26 USB charging ports, video surveillance, and LED lighting strips.
The smaller EB 8 midibus measures 8,610 x 2,470 x 3,220mm and uses a single 200kW central motor. Its 359kWh battery provides approximately 290km range (SORT 1 cycle) with 120kW maximum charging speed. Passenger capacity reaches 60, including 24 seats, one wheelchair space, and 35 standing positions. Standard features include ADAS, full air suspension, single-zone climate control, and an electric wheelchair ramp.
VinFast manufactures both models at a Vietnamese facility with an annual capacity of 1,500 to 2,000 units. The EB 12 is available to order immediately, with first deliveries planned for 2026. The EB 8 will follow later once it meets UNECE and CE regulations.
Both models come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty on the complete vehicle, whilst battery and anti-corrosion protection extend to eight years with no mileage restrictions.
Le Thi Thu Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup and Chairwoman of VinFast, said: "VinFast was founded with the aspiration of democratising electric mobility. We are confident that VinFast's modern, high-performance, and amenity-rich electric buses will be the ideal choice for both operators and their passengers."
VinFast plans to establish partnerships with European transport and infrastructure specialists to build distribution networks across Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Baltic states.
(Source: Electrive)
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