VinFast was a Vietnam-based conglomerate which quickly rose to become one of Asia’s largest conglomerates by moving quickly. Chairman Pham Nhat Vuong was known for setting ambitious targets and hiring the appropriate people to achieve them.
The company’s VF8 electric SUV, set to arrive in the US later this year, exemplifies this desire for speed. Although not suitable for everyone’s tastes, its size might prove appealing to certain American buyers.
Exterior
VinFast VF8 is an all-electric SUV from Vietnamese automaker VinFast which aims to sell in North America. Modelled after BMW’s X5 platform, two trim levels will be offered.
Though not an original design, the VF8 stands out. First of all, its striking exterior will undoubtedly draw people in.
The VF8 stands out with its clean lines and rear light bar design, 19-inch allow wheels providing the ideal complement to its overall looks, and comfortable and supportive seats making for an overall premium feel inside. Plus, there are features galore to make driving this luxury car feel truly luxurious!
In addition, the VF8 features an integrated marketplace on its center touchscreen that lets you buy products from different companies as well as make reservations and download content. Furthermore, this EV is capable of receiving over-the-air updates – an incredible feat indeed.
VinFast’s VF8 may not be the only electric SUV out there, but it does boast one major advantage over its competition: certification by the Environmental Protection Agency for sale within North America.
VinFast does have one major flaw: according to the EPA estimates of its estimated EV-only range being just 179 miles – that’s far lower than what VinFast claims as their standard edition range, and more so than competitors’ closest models.
VinFast does not see this gap as insurmountable, but it presents an issue: without software updates to increase range, VinFast may struggle against rival vehicles like Tesla’s Model X and Mustang Mach-E which both boast estimated electric-only ranges greater than that of its VF8 rivals.
VinFast is working on solving this problem and we may get the opportunity to drive one when they become available in the US market – although competition in this space will certainly make this task challenging!
VinFast, as one of the newest automakers worldwide, has taken an unconventional route into the US market with their entry. Beginning this year they’ll offer both their VF8 and seven-seat VF9 vehicles for sale here in America.
Interior
Vingroup, led by billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong and comprised of various billionaire conglomerates, debuted its fully electric vehicle (VF8) for sale last year with Pininfarina styled bodies meant for both Vietnam and America markets.
On their online shopping site, Viper allows customers to select one of four available VF8 models; currently only the City Edition Eco and Plus models are available. Both feature smaller batteries than standard VF 8s but that does not lessen their power; in fact, both can produce 348 HP and 402HP for an impressive 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds!
In addition to its battery, the VF8 offers an impressive list of safety and AI-powered infotainment functions. The 15.6″ display offers 30 features such as virtual assistant that uses natural language search to help find information while on the road.
While its interior may not match that of a Tesla Model Y, this vehicle offers an upgrade over Hyundai and Kia vehicles that many EV newcomers are familiar with. Its minimalist design feels less Apple store-meets-TRON Legacy than more like something that could stay on sale for some time to come.
Upgrade the VF8 with the Smart Driving Package for even greater driver assistance, including adaptive cruise control, highway driving assist and blind spot monitoring.
When it comes to charging, the VF8 can recharge its battery from 10% to 70% in 24 minutes for Plus and City Editions and 31 for Classic versions; and its subscription plan offers unlimited charging sessions over three years.
VinFast understands that paying monthly subscription fees for their battery may seem counterintuitive, but this approach helps the brand address any future issues with ease. They have also partnered with Electrify America to offer free charging at certain locations as well as their VinFast Charged-Up program that gives a Level 2 home charger plus $1,200 credit towards installation costs through service partners.
Powertrain
The VinFast VF8 crossover was purpose-built to be an electric vehicle (EV), and represents an impressive first effort from this relatively young automaker. Soon to hit Canadian streets for sale with necessary tweaks necessary, this product should prove successful as an electric rider option.
The VF8’s powertrain features two electric motors on both axles. For the Eco package, these motors were detuned to produce 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque; this figure increases significantly with Plus trim upping it to 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft torque respectively – creating a remarkable difference in power. Plus felt more aggressive with an instant burst of torque that left us gasping in amazement!
Charging is fast and efficient, taking just 24 minutes for the standard battery to charge from 10 per cent to 70 per cent capacity, while 31 minutes is comparable with other mass market EVs on the market today.
VinFast estimates the Eco’s estimated range at 420 km and 400 for Plus models; Canadians will have to wait until 2019 before accessing an extended-range option with up to 471 real world driving capacity.
The VF8 offers all-wheel drive capability, making light off-road duties easily accomplished. In addition, its good road handling and cornering abilities are further enhanced thanks to traction control and electronic stability control systems.
Overall, the VF8 stands out as being comfortable and quiet to ride in, making it a stand-out among its competition. Furthermore, its ample roominess gives drivers plenty of leg- and headroom.
A great deal of thought was put into designing the interior of the VF8, placing an emphasis on quality materials and using minimalist controls and screens for information display and control. There are no gauges or center console, simply an infotainment touchscreen mounted centrally in the dashboard with head-up display capabilities.
Technology
The VinFast VF8 is Vietnam’s inaugural fully electric SUV and caters to customers looking for low-maintenance and cost-effective transportation with higher incomes. Furthermore, production takes place in an efficient facility where almost 100% automation has been achieved.
The VF8’s design is one of its main attractions, thanks to Italy’s Pininfarina design studio that specializes in luxury vehicles and in collaboration with an in-house design team to produce a sleek and modern aesthetic.
The VF8 features many cutting-edge technologies, such as its 15.6-inch touchscreen in the center console that minimizes physical buttons and simplifies controls. At its heart lies an infotainment system controlled either through touch or voice activation – capable of showing streaming videos, shopping lists, or any other form of data.
Heads-Up Display is another important feature that projects information onto the windshield for easy viewing while driving, making it simple to keep an eye on important information as you go about your day. Furthermore, this display will warn drivers of dangerous road conditions in advance and help prevent collisions from happening.
VinFast also provides passengers with various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi hotspot and Bluetooth headsets, in addition to a mobile application which gives access to VinFast’s mobile repair service and 24/7 roadside assistance.
VinFast will offer an added incentive with their VF8: three years of free charging at any Electrify America location nationwide and a Level 2 Home Charger along with a credit of $1,200 toward installation costs with any service partner of your choosing.
The VF8 offers numerous safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and a rear view camera. Standard crash sensors also protect from collisions with cyclists, pedestrians and other motorists.
The VF8 not only delivers outstanding performance but is also built to be environmentally sustainable. The model’s lithium-ion cell battery offers up to 92 kilowatt-hours of energy storage – enough for an EPA highway rating range of 207 miles on the highway rating system. Furthermore, this vehicle complies with CAC emissions reduction requirements.