Vietnamese automaker VinFast is moving quickly after unveiling a full electric vehicle portfolio last year. After an explosive entrance in 2021, VinFast looks to become a household name as the first 100 customers receive their new VF 8 electric vehicles, so the automaker is setting its sights on global expansion.
VinFast is the automotive group of Vingroup, the largest conglomerate in Vietnam, whose development mission is to create a better life for people through sustainable technologies, services and social enterprises.
In other words, Vingroup is involved in almost everything from electric cars and electric motorcycles to EV battery technology and storage solutions. Vingroup even owns golf courses and hospitals.
Its most promising technology, however, lies in its EV solutions. VinFast initially began manufacturing electric motorcycles before launching its first electric vehicle, the VF e34. On December 25, 2021, VinFast held a ceremony after the first customers received their first orders for the VF e34, which marked the first electric vehicle sold in the Vietnamese market.
In November 2021, VinFast unveiled two new all-electric SUVs – the VF 8 and VF 9 – at the Los Angeles Auto Show, in addition to announcing its ambition to become a global electric vehicle manufacturer with its U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles.
What’s more, earlier this year, the automaker said it would stop producing internal combustion engine vehicles by the end of 2022 and simultaneously unveiled an all-electric lineup. The lineup includes models in various segments, including
Mini (mini) – VF5
Subcompact – VF6
Compact – VF7
Mid-size – VF8
Full-size – VF9
Vinfast said it received 24,000 orders worldwide within 48 hours of opening pre-orders for the VF 8 and VF 9. On Monday, Vinfast announced that the first 100 VF 8 customers received their EVs.
In another huge milestone, Vinfast has delivered the first 100 units of its newly launched full-size SUV electric vehicle, the VF 8.
Le Thi Thu Thuy, Vinfast’s global CEO, spoke highly of the automaker and exclaimed at the event.
“Today’s event marks a turning point for the Vietnamese automotive industry. We are very pleased to deliver the first VF 8 all-electric vehicles to our pioneering customers in Vietnam at this historic moment. And soon, this enthusiasm will be realized by more than 65,000 Pioneer customers around the world.”
VinFast’s VF 8 is said to be designed to enter the global market as a full-size SUV with the following dimensions: 187.00 inches (L) x 76.14 inches (W) x 65.63 inches (H).
On top of that, the VF 8 is fully equipped with ADAS – including advanced driving features such as Smart Parking, Smart Summoning, Remote Parking Assistance and Highway Assist. Drivers will be able to interact with and control their vehicles by accessing the VinFast app to access intelligent services.
Vinfast VF 8 is available in two different versions.
Eco (eco version) – equipped with a 260 kW electric motor with a maximum torque of approximately 369 ft-lbs and a range of 260 miles on a full charge.
Plus – For added performance, the VF 8 Plus comes with a 300 kW electric motor with a maximum torque of about 457 ft-lb. Some range will be sacrificed, though, with a maximum of 248 miles on a full charge.
Vinfast noted that in addition to the battery subscription service announced in April, the automaker is now offering customers the ability to purchase the vehicle and battery so they can own both instead of renting them.
After the first 100 deliveries, Vinfast plans to ship the next batch of VF 8s (about 5,000 in total) to the U.S., Canada and Europe starting in November. VinFast says customers could receive their electric vehicles as early as December.
