VinFast is preparing to enter the US public transportation market with battery-electric buses through NexMove, a joint venture between Transportation Management Services (TMS) and Zeem Solutions. The companies announced the partnership on October 6, 2026, at the TRANSform & Expo in Chicago.
Under the initial arrangement, NexMove will offer VinFast electric buses through an as-a-service model. Contracts are expected to combine the vehicles with charging infrastructure, maintenance and operations, allowing transit operators to evaluate the technology without taking on the full operational responsibility from the outset.
VinFast Electric Buses Planned for US Market
Homologated VinFast electric buses are expected to become available from the first quarter of 2028.
Before then, uncertified demonstration vehicles will be positioned at Zeem charging depots, where potential operators will be able to assess the buses and their operating capabilities.
The planned service model is intended to provide a controlled introduction to the US market, with NexMove taking responsibility for key operational elements. The contracts are expected to include a planned 97% uptime commitment.
No pricing, customer orders or US manufacturing location have been announced as part of the initial agreement.
VinFast Brings Experience From Vietnam
VinFast already has experience deploying electric buses in Vietnam, where approximately 2,000 of its electric buses are in operation.
The company builds, operates and maintains the vehicles in its domestic market. Its electric bus technology includes lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, fast-charging capability, anti-corrosion protection and camera- and radar-based driver assistance systems.
The US introduction will require the vehicles to meet applicable certification and regulatory requirements before they can be used by public transit agencies.
NexMove Combines Buses With Charging and Operations
By bundling the electric bus with charging, maintenance and operational services, NexMove aims to reduce the initial operational burden for potential transit customers.
Kevin O’Connor, CEO of TMS and NexMove Commercial Director, said the partnership combines electric vehicle technology with transportation and infrastructure services.
“Partnering with VinFast is a natural fit with our commitment to innovative, sustainable mobility. By combining proven electric vehicle technology with integrated transportation and infrastructure solutions, we can help customers move toward fleet electrification with greater confidence, efficiency and reliability,” said O’Connor.
The service-based approach also allows agencies and operators to gain experience with the buses before committing to larger deployments.
VinFast Targets Wider US Electric Mobility Market
Brian Finnerty, CEO of VinFast North America, said bringing the company’s electric buses to the US represents another step in its broader plans for the market.
“Bringing VinFast electric buses to the United States marks an important next step in our long-term commitment to this market,” said Finnerty. “As demand grows for cleaner, smarter urban transportation, we are doubling down on our investment in the U.S. and working with partners such as NexMove to help cities, transit operators and businesses accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility.”
Finnerty added that the partnership is intended to expand access to electric transportation while supporting VinFast’s longer-term presence in the US.
“This partnership advances our vision of making electric transportation more accessible while building a lasting presence for VinFast in one of the world’s most important markets,” Finnerty said.
US Public Transit Entry Depends on Certification
VinFast’s planned US bus deployment will require the company and its partners to navigate federal requirements before the vehicles can be adopted by public transit agencies.
The companies have not yet disclosed a US production facility, pricing structure or confirmed transit agency orders. The initial demonstration program and planned service model are therefore intended to establish operating experience while the companies work toward homologated vehicles.
If the planned timeline is maintained, US customers could begin receiving certified VinFast electric buses from the first quarter of 2028, initially supported by NexMove’s vehicle, charging and operational services.