Key Takeaways
- Official VinFast VF 3 specs and details ahead of Vietnam market arrival
- Flexible battery subscription option introduced for the electric SUV
- Pricing in the US expected under $20k, potentially below $12,500 with fedetal tax credit
VinFast has officially revealed detailed information about the VF 3 before its showroom debut in its home country. The Vietnamese automaker has also started accepting deposits for the funky electric SUV.
When VinFast brought the VF 3 to the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) alongside its superhero-inspired pickup truck concept, it was more of a design preview to attract the attention of American customers than an actual launch. Important details like power output, range, and charging were a mystery, but now we have official information on what to expect from this tiny SUV.
Cuteness Beyond Looks
The 125.5-inch VinFast VF 3 is undeniably cute, measuring only 125.5 inches long and 66.1 inches wide, but this trait extends to the specs revealed by the automaker. It’s powered by an electric motor that channels 43 horsepower and 81 lb-ft torque to the rear wheels, drawing juice from an 18.64 kWh lithium-ion battery. This setup allows a “brisk” sprint to 31 mph (yes, not 62 mph) in 5.3 seconds.
Equally disappointing is the VF 3’s range, rated at 130 miles based on the obsolete NEDC standard (introduced in 1992), which is even more optimistic than the already-generous WLTP standard. At least fast charging from 10-70% will only take 36 minutes, but that’s expected given the measly battery capacity.
Related
VinFast Has Already Opened 18 Dealerships Across The US
The Vietnamese automaker is determined to succeed in America and says it should have more than 100 dealers operating by the end of the year.
Pricing And Availability
The VinFast VF 3 is priced at approximately $12,670 in Vietnam after the introductory 72-hour period, though a version without a battery comes cheaper at $9,445. This is because VinFast offers the electric SUV with a flexible battery subscription plan – a three-tiered subscription (more like a lease) with varying prices depending on monthly mileage.
It’s unclear whether VinFast will also offer this battery subscription plan when it launches in the US. What’s projected, however, is that it will be priced under 20 grand, which can go below $12,500 if it qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit. VinFast said it would start accepting early reservations from American customers sometime this year.
Clearly, the VF 3 is meant to become a cheap EV meant for the city, but it’s left to be seen whether discerning US customers will venture into owning one based on initial specs.
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