Despite the constant “honesty in advertising” thing, you have to give VinFast credit. They’re growing at almost the speed of light. The automaker is only six years old and already on its way to conquering the world. The first Vietnamese automaker started production in 2019, just two years after its founding.
Two years later, the automaker decided to abandon internal combustion engine technology, launching its first all-electric vehicle in the domestic market. VinFast plans to launch a range of electric vehicles from the small VF 5 Plus to the luxury VF 9. Four of those products are expected to be sold in the US by the end of 2023, starting with the launch of the VF 8, a mid-size two-row battery-powered SUV.
The high-end VF 9 will likely hit showrooms in the middle of this year, followed by the smaller VF 6 and VF 7 models in late 2023. That would make VinFast the automaker with more all-electric SUVs on sale than any other brand. At least this year, the company is offering its models through 28 dealers in California. The goal is to expand to other states in the coming years, said Nguyen Van Anh, CEO of VinFast North America.
Overview
The rise of the electric vehicle market has spurred a slew of new manufacturers, including Tesla, Fisker, and Rivian. But another brand emerged earlier this year: VinFast, which delivered its first electric vehicles to customers in California. VinFast has made headlines in recent years for a number of reasons. First, it’s Vietnam’s first automaker. And now it’s preparing to build a manufacturing complex in North Carolina.
Currently, the company's first model sold in the US is the mid-size VF 8, which is being imported from a factory in Hai Phong, a few hours' drive from Vietnam's capital Hanoi .
Unlike previous Asian brands that have tried to enter the U.S. as a niche market, VinFast is not launching with a small, cheap, econobox. Although the VF 8 starts at a relatively affordable price, it is not positioned as a budget car. Instead, VinFast has positioned it as a spacious, well-equipped car with the longest warranty in the industry and a commitment to excellent customer service, including 10 years of free roadside assistance.
Initially, the company is starting with the VF 8 City Edition, which has a range of 207 miles per charge in the Eco version, which is more than enough for normal commuting needs. The company also plans to launch a Standard version with a longer range in the middle of this year.
I had the chance to drive the VF 8 prototype at the VinFast factory in Hai Phong a year ago, and had the chance to compare it with the current version during a trip to San Diego last week.
Exterior
VinFast has partnered with Pininfarina, one of the most renowned independent design firms in the industry, to develop its first two all-electric models, the VF 8 and VF 9.
The automaker said its goal was to create “a harmonious combination of the dynamic curves of a sports car, with the long, flowing lines typically found in luxury sedans, and the height and sharp, powerful cuts of an SUV.”
The overall look of the car is very eye-catching, although there are some details that are reminiscent of similar details of many famous cars. For example, the taillights are reminiscent of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, but the front end is much more distinctive with the brand's signature light strip forming a "V" in the center.
As is common with modern battery-powered BEVs, the car lacks a traditional grille, as it doesn’t need to push air into the engine bay. However, there is a small grille at the bottom of the bumper, designed to provide cooling air to the motor and battery. Side vents help reduce turbulence around the front wheels.
Overall, this crossover is about the same size as the BMW X3 or Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Interior
The SUV's battery pack is located under the floor, creating spacious interior space in both the front and rear of the vehicle, similar to the BMW iX model.
The interior design, however, may be a bit controversial due to the lack of a dashboard. Instead, essential information such as speed, charge status, and turn signals are displayed on the central infotainment screen (like a Tesla) and on the HUD.
The 15.6-inch touchscreen becomes the heart of the VF 8. This screen has some of the usual controls, like Rivian, even the rearview mirror and steering wheel are activated on the screen, then adjusted using the toggle switches on the steering wheel.
The cabin is beautifully laid out with a level of sophistication that is beyond expectations for a young electric vehicle manufacturer from Vietnam. The 5-seater VF 8 is positioned almost as a luxury model, one step below the company’s high-end VF 9. The interior is designed with beautiful materials, mainly environmentally friendly leather.
Transmission
As planned, four all-electric VinFast models will be available in showrooms by the end of 2023, starting with the recent delivery of the VF 8 City Edition.
The car comes in Eco and Plus trims. The Eco trim makes 349 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, sending enough power to all four wheels to get from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The Plus trim bumps that up to 402 horsepower and 457 pound-feet and can hit 60 mph in an estimated 5.5 seconds, about 0.2 seconds quicker than the Volkswagen ID.4. Both trims come with all-wheel drive.
The VF 8 City Edition Eco's 82 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides an EPA-estimated 207 miles per charge, and the Plus model offers 191 miles. VinFast will soon add the VF 8 Standard model with an 88 kWh battery pack, which is expected to provide 264 miles per charge for the Eco version and 243 miles for the Plus version.
According to the announcement, the City Edition version will go from 10% to 70% charge in less than 24 minutes when using a 160kW public fast charger, the charging speed is considered quite fast.
For home charging, the EV comes with a 7kW charger. The company also offers customers the option of three years of free charging at Electrify America charging stations or a free 11kW home charger (you will have to pay for installation, however).
Safety and Technology
Both versions of the VinFast VF 8 City Edition are equipped with a series of technology and safety features. In addition to 11 airbags, the model is also equipped with a series of advanced driving assistance systems ADAS, including Lane Keeping Assist.
All VinFast cars will be equipped with remote software updates similar to smartphones. This will not only solve problems with ADAS technology but also add advanced features later.
As noted, one of the distinguishing features of the VF 8’s design is the lack of a conventional instrument cluster. Instead, the company has used a large, easy-to-read head-up display for basic information, including speed and charge status. Other information appears on a large 15.6-inch infotainment screen. Depending on your personal preferences, you may or may not like this screen, as it’s the only way to operate some essential familiar functions, including climate control and adjusting the mirrors and steering wheel.
The electric SUV also offers wireless mobile phone charging, multiple USB ports and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment connectivity. It also integrates Amazon's Alexa voice-controlled virtual assistant and can monitor the vehicle and control various functions via a smartphone app.
The VF 8's infotainment system also comes with a number of pre-installed apps, including TuneIn and iHeartRadio.
Driving feel
I spent some time behind the wheel of the 2023 VinFast VF 8 City Edition Plus on a long, winding drive north of San Diego, giving me a chance to experience the all-electric vehicle in a variety of conditions, from winding rural roads to bustling city streets and busy highways.
To some extent, the VF 8’s “performance” is admirable, especially for a startup automaker’s first product. With 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, the electric car is quick and responsive.
In rural San Diego, the SUV proved more agile than expected. It maneuvered through tight corners with ease, and body roll was less likely thanks to the low center of gravity provided by the large battery pack under the floor.
The areas that need improvement in my opinion are VinFast's advanced driver assistance systems, also known as ADAS technology. With features like Lane Departure Control and Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, the warning sounds continuously. When starting up, the important sensors are too sensitive and automatically activate even when you are close to the lane markings.
The good news, however, is that the VF 8 is capable of over-the-air software updates, similar to smartphones. That will allow VinFast to enable semi-autonomous driving features.
Another area for improvement, I think, is regenerative braking. All electric vehicles use regenerative braking to recapture energy normally lost during braking and allow the driver to adjust the level. For example, in the top-spec EV Ford F-150 Lightning, I can switch to “1-Pedal Mode,” which helps me decelerate quickly when I lift off the gas and avoids having to switch from one pedal to the other when I need to brake hard.
Conclude
There are many reasons why you will love the VinFast VF 8 City Edition 2023 model, regardless of my comments on ADAS technology, because after the update, it is completely possible to turn off the annoying beeps from the warning bell.
The VF 8's design is much more attractive and unique than some of its competitors. The interior is the same, very well laid out with a refined, eye-catching look and good choice of materials.
The car's performance is quite solid. And as the name suggests, the VF 8 City Edition has a range that's more suitable for people who mainly use it in urban areas, where they don't need to charge it for several days, even if they have a charger at home.
As for pricing, the official MSRP is $49,000 for the City Edition Eco, $56,000 for the Plus. However, it’s only available for lease right now. That’s actually a plus, because under the new Deflationary Act, foreign-made electric vehicles can qualify for federal lease incentives of up to $7,500. The bottom line is that you’ll be able to lease the VF 8 City Edition Eco for $414 a month, with the Plus package costing $528 a month. That includes three years of free charging at an Electrify America or an 11kW home charger, depending on your choice.
With all that in mind, VinFast could be positioned as a “formidable” competitor in the emerging electric vehicle market.
NGOC LINH
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