VinFast has launched its battery-electric buses in the United States, signaling the Vietnamese automaker’s first major entry into North American public transportation. The company debuted its fleet at the APTA 2026 Transform & Expo in Chicago this week, with U.S. deliveries set to begin in the first quarter of 2028.
The partnership with NexMove Certified, a joint venture between Transportation Management Services and Zeem Solutions, will oversee operations, maintenance, and charging infrastructure for the buses. Under the agreement, NexMove will manage the entire lifecycle of the fleet, including technical support and fleet optimization, through a single contract. This arrangement simplifies procurement for transit agencies by bundling hardware with operational services.
VinFast’s buses feature advanced driver assistance systems, incorporating cameras and radar to provide real-time collision warnings and adaptive cruise control. Additional smart technologies include intelligent solutions for charging, maintenance, seamless connectivity, and communication for both staff and passengers. Brian Finnerty, VinFast’s CEO for North America, described the U.S. launch as a cornerstone of the company’s broader strategy to accelerate clean transportation adoption in major cities. He emphasized that urban transit systems require scalable, low-emission solutions to meet growing demand while reducing pollution.
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Paul Gioupis, NexMove’s CEO, visited VinFast’s production facilities in Vietnam last July and praised the company’s manufacturing capacity and operational experience. He stated that the partnership will ensure the buses meet U.S. manufacturing standards and comply with Federal Transit Administration regulations. The collaboration also aims to streamline deployment for public transit agencies by offering integrated support, from vehicle delivery to charging infrastructure.
While electric bus adoption in the U.S. remains slower than in Europe or China, where stricter emissions policies and government subsidies have accelerated transitions, VinFast’s entry presents a potential catalyst for change. The company’s turnkey approach, which includes maintenance and charging solutions alongside vehicle sales, addresses common barriers to adoption.
The focus on urban mobility reflects broader industry trends, as cities increasingly prioritize zero-emission public transit to combat air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. VinFast’s U.S. expansion aligns with this shift, positioning the company as a key player in the evolving electric transit market.
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