VinFast to break ground first electric vehicle factory in North Carolina

A groundbreaking ceremony for VinFast's electric vehicle factory will be held on 28 July at the Triangle Innovation Point in Chatham County, North Carolina.

VinFast, a Vietnamese electric automaker, announced on 19 July, adding that the factory will begin production in 2025.

Rendered image of the electric vehicle facility in North Carolina. Photo: Vingroup

This will be the first electric vehicle manufacturing facility in North Carolina, contributing to the supply of electric vehicles in North America and accelerating the global green mobility revolution.

The approximately 1,800-acre facility is designed to reach a capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year in Phase 1. It will consist of two main areas: electric vehicle manufacturing and assembly. The complex will also house ancillary supply operations. The project has received permits to start construction of Phase 1.

Le Thi Thu Thuy, CEO of VinFast Auto, said the North Carolina plant is one of VinFast's key projects.

"Once operational, the factory will be VinFast's main supplier of electric vehicles to the North American market, allowing us to optimize production and business operations. We hope that building the factory in Chatham County will help advance the clean energy economy in the US and support North Carolina's green mobility strategy," she said.

Last year, VinFast received a $1.2 billion incentive package from the State of North Carolina for this project and significant financial support from the City of Sanford, Chatham County and the Golden Leaf Foundation.

VinFast is expanding its retail system and organizing events across California to increase its brand recognition in the US and allow customers to experience its EVs.