Vietnam-based car manufacturer VinFast has broken ground on its electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Chatham County, North Carolina, US.

The project is said to be the first electric car production plant in the US state and a significant economic development for both the county and the company.

The factory boasts a first-phase investment of up to $2bn, stretches approximately 1,800 acres, and is divided into five primary production sections.

These sections include a body shop, press shop, paint shop, general assembly segment, as well as an energy centre.

VinFast has selected Clayco as its general contractor and construction manager to handle the project and will soon commence the bidding process for subcontractors.

The factory’s primary objective will be to produce VinFast’s VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9 electric car models, with a manufacturing capacity of 150,000 EVs annually.

The factory’s future growth and related improvements will be determined in its upcoming second phase.

VinFast's CEO Le Thi Thu Thuy said: “Today’s event marks a new milestone for VinFast, affirming our commitment to the North American market.

“Not only will this project create thousands of jobs and contribute to North Carolina’s economic development, but VinFast’s electric vehicles produced here will also bring additional economic benefits to consumers.

“We also look forward to contributing to the development of the North Carolina community - our second home - during the production and business operation here.”

The EV manufacturing factory is scheduled to begin production in 2025.