Guide to VinFast Cars: Models, Cost, Availability, and Range

This Vietnamese automaker is entering the U.S. market with an assortment of electric SUVs.

Roberto Baldwin | 

Aug 3, 2022 | 3 min read

VinFast

VinFast

What Is VinFast?

Launched in 2017, VinFast is the automotive manufacturing division of Vietnam’s highly successful Vingroup, a conglomerate that has its hands in everything from real estate to artificial intelligence, and education to healthcare. The burgeoning carmaker has produced a few gas-powered, BMW-based vehicles for other markets, but is now pivoting to an EV-only lineup. In Vietnam, it has already introduced several electric scooters and the VF e34 electric crossover, and by the end of 2022, it intends to have two more EVs in production—and on our shores. This will make VinFast the first Vietnamese automaker to crack into our market, for which it has big plans. To ramp up its U.S. business, it will invest at least $2 billion to build a factory in North Carolina and has filed for an initial public offering to help pay for it.

VinFast

What Kinds of Electric Vehicles Does VinFast Make?

The first models we’ll see in the U.S. are the five-seat VF 8 and seven-seat VF 9 midsize electric SUVs, supposedly launching by year’s end. Both models have two motors, providing all-wheel drive, and up to 402 horsepower. Initially, VinFast will build these EVs in Vietnam, but it hopes to move production to North Carolina within two years.

The automaker also intends to bring three smaller electric crossovers—the subcompact VF 5 and the compact VF 6 and VF 7—to market by 2023.

VinFast

How Much Does a VinFast EV Cost?

The VF 8 will start close to $42,000, while the larger VF 9 will demand about $57,000. Those prices, however, don’t include the battery pack, which owners must lease from the company. VinFast is doing this not only to allay customer fears about battery degradation, but also to present buyers with lower asking prices.

The automaker will offer two subscription plans for its vehicles’ packs. Owners who drive fewer than 310 miles a month may wish to select the flexible plan, which costs $35 for the VF 8 and $44 for the VF 9. (Go over the mileage limit, though, and you’ll have to pay 11 and 15 cents per mile, respectively.) If you want unlimited use of your vehicle, choose the fixed plan, which requires a monthly payment of $110 for the VF 8 and $160 for the VF 9. VinFast will cover all battery maintenance costs, including replacement should the pack’s charging capacity dip below 70%.

VinFast

When Will I Be Able to Buy a VinFast Electric Vehicle?

Both the VF 8 and VF 9 are available for preorder with a $200 deposit, and the automaker says deliveries should start late this year.

How Many Vehicles Has VinFast Sold?

In 2021, VinFast sold 35,723 vehicles, a 21% increase over 2020. Given the company’s first EV, the VF e34, didn’t reach customers until December, it’s safe to assume most of 2021’s sales were for internal-combustion models. However, the company claims that it has more than 60,000 reservations (worldwide) for its upcoming EV crossovers.

VinFast

Roberto Baldwin

Roberto Baldwin is an automotive and technology reporter based in Northern California. In addition to traditional car coverage, he has focused on the emergence of electric vehicles and driver assistance features in vehicles and the eventual launch of autonomous vehicles. Over the past seven years he’s sat in more autonomous test vehicles than he can remember but still reminds the average driver to keep their eyes on the road. He currently owns a Subaru BRZ, Hyundai Kona Electric, and a Vespa GTS 250.