Vietnamese carmaker VinFast has delivered the first 100 of its VF 8 all-electric SUVs to customers in Vietnam, with global deliveries expected to kick off in December.
VinFast has moved quickly to develop itself as a potential player in the battery electric vehicle (BEV) market since starting operations in 2019. Already VinFast has made inroads into the US automotive market, and earlier this year began a roadshow in California to show off its all-electric VF 8 and VF 9 SUVs.
The first VF 8 SUVs, however, were delivered to pioneering VinFast customers in Vietnam at a delivery event held over the weekend at VinFast’s manufacturing complex in Hai Phong.
An electric SUV made for global markets, VinFast’s VF 8 SUV seats five and measures in at 187.00″ (length) x 76.14″ (width) x 65.63″ (height). Two versions have been rolled out, the Eco and Plus.
The Eco boasts a range of up to 420 kilometres and a 260kW electric motor delivering maximum torque of 500Nm, while the Plus is equipped with a 300kW motor delivering maximum torque of 620Nm and a range of up to 400 kilometres.
The VF 8 is also equipped with driving assist features such as Highway Assist, Automated Lane Changing Assist, Smart Parking Assist, Smart Summon Mode, and Remote Parking Assist.
The VF 8 is also equipped with a “Smart Services” package which appears to include features for controlling and interacting with the vehicle through voice and remote vehicle control accessed through the VinFast mobile app.
A battery subscription offer is also available in an effort to reduce the cost of the vehicle.
“Today’s event marks a turning point for Vietnam’s auto industry,” said Le Thi Thu Thuy, vice chairwoman of Vingroup and global CEO of VinFast.
“In this historic moment, we are extremely happy to deliver the first batch of VF 8 all-electric vehicles to our pioneering customers in Vietnam. And very soon, the enthusiasm will be realized by more than 65,000 pioneering customers worldwide.”
The VF 8 reportedly sells for $US42,200 in the US, excluding the battery leasing cost, while the VF 9 will reportedly be sold for $US57,500.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.