Electric vehicle newcomer VinFast Auto plans to import three additional crossovers to join its midsize VF 8 that went on sale this year. Most of the automaker’s lineup is scheduled to be assembled at a $2 billion North Carolina factory, starting in 2025.
VinFast is off to a slow start for VF 8 sales, with just a few hundred vehicles delivered through July, according to a company spokesperson. But the EV maker is rapidly introducing new models in Vietnam that will make their way to U.S. shores.
Next to go on sale is the stylish VF 9, a three-row crossover. The company plans to import its smaller VF 6 and VF 7 crossovers next year.
VinFast is drawing attention with its design choices of modern interiors and adventurous exteriors. Pininfarina collaborated on the VF 8 and VF 9, the automaker said, while Torino Design worked on the VF 6 and VF 7.
Originally, VinFast planned to sell its EVs separate from their batteries, which would be leased for a monthly fee that varied with mileage. But this year, the company said that plan was on hold.
It is expected that the EV startup will focus on keeping its vehicles fresh via regular over-the-air software updates throughout the decade.
VF 9: The three-row VF 9, the flagship of the lineup, arrives this year with seven seats and a hefty starting price of $84,200 with shipping. VinFast said the large crossover comes with 402 hp, standard all-wheel drive, imitation leather seats and advanced driver-assistance features. The 123-kilowatt-hour battery is estimated to deliver 330 miles of range on the Eco trim level and 291 miles on the top Plus series, based on the EPA test cycle. Using a fast charger, VinFast said, the battery can be charged from 10 to 70 percent in 35 minutes under ideal conditions. No major updates are expected for the VF 9 before the end of the decade.
VF 8: VinFast entered the most popular and most competitive EV segment, midsize crossovers, with its first vehicle. Tesla’s price cuts have undercut rivals, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E. And unlike Tesla and Ford models, the VF 8 doesn’t qualify for federal EV tax credits because it’s not made in North America. The VF 8 delivers 264 miles of range, with pricing starting at $47,200 including shipping. VinFast said it considers the VF 8 a premium vehicle with generous standard equipment and awd on both the Eco and Plus trim levels. No major updates are expected before the end of the decade.
VF 7: The compact VF 7 is expected to arrive in 2024 from Vietnam before U.S. production starts in 2025. VinFast said the crossover’s base Eco version will have 201 hp and a 75.3-kWh battery. Range is estimated at 280 miles on Europe’s Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure standard. The Plus version will have 348 hp, awd and 268 miles of estimated range using the European standard. Pricing has not been announced. No major updates are expected before the end of this decade.
VF 6: The subcompact VF 6 is scheduled to debut next year with 174 hp on the base trim level and 248 miles of range using the European standard. The Plus series is rated at 201 hp and 237 miles of range. The VF 6 will have a 12.9-inch center screen compared with the 15-inch screen on other models. No major updates are expected before the end of the decade.
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