Vietnamese automaker VinFast has unveiled two other new electric SUVs it plans to bring to the US market by early 2023. The VF 6 and VF 7 are smaller than VinFast’s first two offerings – the 2-row, from average height. VF 8 and 3 rows VF 9.
You might not have realized that Vietnamese automaker VinFast has introduced any Electric SUVs in the US market. So an introduction is probably in order.
What is VinFast?
Founded in 2017, VinFast is the first Vietnamese automobile brand to market cars outside the borders of this country.
It is a subsidiary of VinGroup, Vietnam’s largest conglomerate, which operates in areas as diverse as real estate and healthcare. The company plans aggressive growth. It now has offices on five continents, with plans to sell vehicles in each.
Also see: What is VinFast? All about the Vietnamese automaker
This sales plan includes the United States, where VinFast is opening a handful of dealerships in Southern California.
Own the car, lease the battery
The company has a unique approach to electric vehicle ownership. Owners buy the car, but lease the battery for a monthly payment. Two subscription plans – one with unlimited mileage and a voucher for 310 miles of driving per month – are available.
In exchange, VinFast agrees to replace any battery that falls below certain performance thresholds. The company said it will also offer a more conventional purchase model in the future.
Its existing products, the intermediate VF 8 and VF 9, offer up to 402 horsepower. The EPA has not yet tested their line.
Compact and almost compact
The company showed off the two smaller models at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week, but didn’t provide pricing details.
The compact VF 6, says Vinfast, will be available with 174 or 201 horsepower. Both powertrains are front-wheel-drive (FWD) only.
The slightly larger VF 7 seems to split the difference between compact and midsize SUVs. It will be offered with an FWD powertrain developing 201 horsepower or an all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration developing 349 horsepower.
It did, however, announce that its vehicles will be backed by “VinFast’s 10-year warranty and a 10-year unlimited mileage or lifetime warranty on the EV battery – among the strongest new car warranties in the industry.” .