Tesla unlikely to achieve high sales in Vietnam, needs dedicated charging network

Speaking on the 'Tren Ghe' program, an automotive talk show produced by Ho Chi Minh City Television and tech firm VCCorp, Dung shared his assessment of Tesla's potential entry into Vietnam, including its business strategy, pricing, and likely competitors.

Tesla models may cost up to $78,000 in Vietnam

Reports of Tesla's preparations to enter Vietnam first emerged in early 2026, when Tesla Motors Vietnam Co. Ltd. was established with registered capital of around VND77 billion (US$3 million).

The company has also begun recruiting staff but has yet to announce its launch date, product line-up, prices or distribution network.

Dung said Tesla might not officially begin operations in Vietnam in the near future, noting that the company tends to generate public interest well ahead of its actual market entry, with implementation often taking considerable time after an initial announcement.

He estimated that Tesla models distributed through official channels in Vietnam could cost between VND1.5 billion ($58,480) and VND2 billion ($77,970).

Vietnam's electric vehicle incentives could create favorable conditions for the U.S. automaker, but Tesla positions its products in the premium segment and is unlikely to offer particularly low prices, he said.

Even the Tesla Model 3, the brand's most affordable model, could cost around VND1.5 billion ($58,480) if officially introduced in Vietnam, according to the expert.

He cited the Ford Mustang Mach-E as a reference, saying that bringing it to Vietnam could cost between VND1.6 billion ($62,380) and VND1.8 billion ($70,180), excluding some additional costs and the manufacturer's profit margin.

Tesla's potential competitors in Vietnam

Dung said Tesla mainly attracts customers who are considering vehicles from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Lexus in overseas markets.

"Tesla and Vietnamese electric vehicle makers are largely operating in different segments, targeting different customer groups with distinct strategies," he said.

Most Chinese car brands currently selling in Vietnam focus on the mass market, with many models priced below VND1 billion ($39,990), he noted.

Potential competitors for Tesla in the higher-end segment could include Chinese brands such as Zeekr and Li Auto, as well as premium models from BYD, including the Han and Denza line-ups.

Tesla's key advantages lie in its technology experience, user interface, and driver-assistance features such as Autopilot, according to Dung.

Customers choosing Tesla are not simply buying an electric vehicle but also seeking a technological experience that differs from that offered by traditional luxury carmakers, he said.

However, with its products’ prices, Tesla is unlikely to achieve high sales volumes in Vietnam and will probably focus on affluent customers.

Tesla needs own charging network

Another major consideration is how Tesla will develop charging infrastructure in Vietnam.

Dung said the company had several reasons to invest in its own charging network rather than relying entirely on independent charging service providers.

First, developing its Supercharger network has been an integral part of Tesla's business strategy in many markets.

Second, Vietnamese consumers have become accustomed to electric vehicle manufacturers providing charging infrastructure alongside their vehicles.

Customers buying a premium electric vehicle would also expect convenient charging services and a reliable ownership experience, he said.

However, Tesla would not necessarily need to build an extensive network immediately.

Dung cited Porsche's approach in Vietnam, where charging stations are concentrated mainly in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and several other areas with suitable customer bases.

Tesla could adopt a similar strategy by prioritizing locations with actual demand, he suggested.

The company's arrival would initially give Vietnamese consumers more choices, particularly those seeking premium electric vehicles with distinctive technological features, Dung said.