VIETNAM’S VinFast delivered over the weekend the first 100 VF8s to customers in the country. This triggers its first turnover to customers in the US, Canada, and Europe in December with vehicle exports expected to land in November.
The VinFast VF8 is a five-seater electric SUV. Specifically designed for global markets it has two versions. The Eco is equipped with a 260 kW-maximum-power electric motor reaching a maximum torque of 500Nm (~369 ft-lbs) with a range of 402 kilometers (260 miles) after each full charge. The Plus uses a 300 kW-maximum-power electric motor reaching a maximum torque of 620Nm (~457 ft-lbs) with a slightly lower range of 400 kilometers (248 miles) on every 100 percent charge.
“Today’s event marks a turning point for Vietnam’s auto industry. 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,” Le Thi Thu Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup and Global CEO of VinFast said addressing the live-streamed launch event called “The Future is Now” held at VinFast’s manufacturing complex in Hai Phong, north of Ho Chi Min City.
After these initial deliveries, the company will export part of the next production batch of approximately 5,000 VF8s US, Canada, and Europe in November. Customers from these most demanding markets are expected to receive their vehicles as early as December 2022.
Significant to VinFast’s production and selling strategy is its battery subscription policy. When customers purchase its EVs, the battery cost is deducted from the vehicle purchase price–a significant savings of up to 50 percent of the manufacturer’s retail price. Customers only pay a monthly subscription fee of $169 for the VF8 and the VinFast bears responsibility for battery maintenance, repairs, and replacement costs. This adds to the worry-free experience for the life of the vehicle which also includes a globally unmatched 10-year warranty, mobile charging, mobile service, and 24/7 free rescue during the warranty period, among many other perks.
On September 1, 2022, the company also offered an option to purchase batteries directly with the car. Customers who made reservations to for a VF 8 or VF 9 before September 1, 2022, can keep the original battery subscription option and enjoy a permanent rate for the lifetime of their vehicle.
The VF 8 is equipped with ADAS, a series of advanced automated driving features that include Highway Assist, Automated Lane Changing Assist, Smart Parking Assist, Smart Summon Mode, and Remote Parking Assist. In addition, the VF 8 is equipped with the “Smart Services” package, along with features for controlling and interacting with the vehicle through voice, and remote vehicle control which can be accessed via the VinFast app. The package also includes other impressive high-quality user experiences, such as online shopping, and video games that can be synchronized with a smartphone.
