VF 3 launched in Vietnam.

MUCH-ANTICIPATED in its home market of Vietnam, global EV maker VinFast delivered the first batch of the VF 3, its first small urban electric car with a square, robust and unique two-door design to the first of nearly 28,000 customers who made deposits the for the car. VinFast received these orders in just 66 hours of sales opening in May 2024.

Initial deliveries started last August and this month the pace of turnover to customers is increasing to meet the target of fulfilling at least 20,000 vehicles by the end of the year.

“Today marks a significant milestone as we deliver the first batch of VF 3 to our valued customers. We are confident that with your continued support, the VF 3 will become a beloved and ubiquitous electric vehicle across the nation.”  Vu Anh Tuan, CEO of VinFast Vietnam said, speaking at the handover ceremony of the first batch of VF 3 cars.

Last December, during the VinFuture Prize awarding event, insiders at the Vietnamese car maker told this author that there was a “exciting small concept vehicle” that would be announced at the 2024 CES in January this year. That vehicle was the VF 3 which as launched alongside the VF Wild, a concept pick-up truck. From the day of announcement, a very “rapid development and production” stage followed.

Months later, in June, news filtered back that a rolling test unit, fitted with a VF3-specific battery, was undergoing trials. The pace was relentless, reflecting VinFast’s ambition to bring this “dynamic mini-eSUV, packed with character and personality” to the market swiftly. It took less than 4 months for VinFast to produce the vehicles, all coming from the state-of-the-art assembly plant in Hai Phong.

The VF 3 itself was a sight to behold. Compact, yet brimming with personality, its bold, square design and vibrant color palette echoed the dynamism of Vietnam’s urban landscape. It was more than just a car; it was a statement of “smart, sustainable, and accessible urban mobility for everyone.”

The VF 3 measures 3,190 mm long, 1,679 mm wide, and 1,652 mm tall, striking a balance between a sleek profile and ample space for its four passengers. Its 2,075-mm wheelbase contributes to a comfortable ride, and the 16-inch alloy wheels with 191 mm of ground clearance ensure confident handling across various terrains.

Equipped with a battery pack capable of up to 215 km of range, the VF 3 also offers quick charging, replenishing from 10 percent to 70 percent in just 36 minutes. Its 30-kW electric motor delivers 110 Nm of torque to the rear wheels, enabling a 0-50 km/h acceleration in 5.3 seconds.

Despite its compact size, the VF 3 boasts a 10-inch touchscreen and a steering-wheel-mounted gear shifter, adding a modern touch to the driving experience. Safety is prioritized with features like a driver airbag, front disc brakes, ABS, emergency braking, and hill start assist.

Pricing for the VF 3 starts at 240 million VND (around $9,505) with a battery subscription or 322 million VND (approximately $12,752) for outright ownership. The flexible battery subscription plans range from 900,000 VND (about $35.6) per month for up to 1,500 km to 2,000,000 VND (around $79.2) for over 2,500 km. It is backed by a 7-year/160,000 km warranty, and the battery enjoys an 8-year unlimited-kilometer warranty.

“The overwhelming enthusiasm for our VF 3 has filled the entire VinFast team with pride and determination. This extraordinary response is the driving force behind our relentless pursuit of perfection and our commitment to meeting the growing demand,” Vu Anh concluded.

On September 17, VinFast Philippines will launch the VF 3 locally. This will be the first market to receive the VF 3 after Vietnam. To be able to meet the launch schedule the VinFast shouldered the expense of bringing in the initial batch of vehicles via a special air cargo shipment.