Hanoi, Vietnam – May 18, 2024 – The tiny VinFast VF3 electric vehicle has garnered a record number of pre-orders in its home country of Vietnam, despite concerns about its limited range.
Early Success, But Questions Remain
Within 66 hours of launch, VinFast received a staggering 27,649 non-refundable pre-orders for the VF3, the highest number ever recorded for a new car in Vietnam. This success is attributed to a user-friendly online reservation system and partnerships with e-commerce platforms. However, VinFast has faced criticism in the past for inflated sales figures, with a significant portion going to its own taxi subsidiary.
Compact Size, Modest Performance
Scheduled for production soon with deliveries starting in August 2024, the VF3 boasts a compact design measuring just over 4 meters long. It features two doors, seating for four, and an undisclosed cargo capacity. Performance details are limited, but acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is estimated at 5.3 seconds.
Range Concerns Cloud US Prospects
The biggest concern surrounding the VF3 is its range. With a 18.64 kWh battery, the car boasts a maximum range of 130 miles based on the NEDC testing procedure, known for being less stringent than the EPA standard used in the US. Translating this to the EPA cycle could result in a significantly lower real-world range, potentially as low as 88 miles. This limited range raises questions about the car’s suitability for the US market, where commutes are often longer.
Affordability with Options
In Vietnam, the VF3 starts at a competitive price of around $9,300 with a battery subscription model. Owning both the car and battery increases the price to roughly $12,200. The package includes a 7-year or 100,000-mile warranty for the car and an 8-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery.
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The Verdict is Still Out
While the VinFast VF3’s early success in Vietnam is undeniable, its potential success in the US hinges heavily on achieving a more practical range after EPA testing. Whether its affordability and compact size can outweigh range limitations remains to be seen.