VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker, is forging ahead with its electric vehicle ambitions despite a challenging start with the VF 8 SUV. At CES 2024, VinFast unveiled the VF Wild, an electric pickup truck concept, and confirmed the global availability of the compact VF 3 electric SUV.
Front three quarter view of the VinFast VF 3 electric SUV.
Initially unveiled in June 2023 for the Vietnamese market, the VF 3 is a two-door, four-seat mini SUV, measuring a mere 122.5 inches long, even shorter than a Mini Cooper. Featuring a 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the VF 3 targets an EPA-estimated range of over 125 miles. While the range might appear modest, VinFast aims to compensate with a competitive base price, which will be announced later, along with the U.S. launch date. Early reservations are expected to open later this year.
VinFast VF Wild electric pickup truck concept
The VF Wild electric pickup truck concept, showcased at CES 2024, boasts dimensions comparable to midsize pickups like the Ford Ranger, measuring 209.0 inches long and 79.0 inches wide. This makes it significantly smaller than current electric trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV. A notable feature is the innovative midgate, similar to the Silverado EV, which allows for an expandable bed, ranging from 5.0 feet to 8.0 feet by folding down the rear seats. VinFast has not yet disclosed any production plans for the VF Wild.
VinFast’s entry into the U.S. market has been fraught with delays and setbacks. The VF 8 SUV, initially slated for December 2022 delivery, finally reached customers in March 2023, with the initial City Edition models receiving negative reviews. The company’s initial battery-leasing strategy, aimed at differentiating VinFast from competitors, was also abandoned before sales commenced.
Despite these challenges, VinFast is rapidly expanding its EV portfolio. The upcoming VF 9, a three-row electric SUV boasting a 330-mile range, will be followed by the VF 6 and VF 7, positioned between the VF 8 and VF 3 in size. A new $2 billion factory in North Carolina, with an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles, is scheduled to open in 2025, supporting VinFast’s ambitious growth plans.
In conclusion, VinFast’s expansion into the mini SUV segment with the VF 3 and the introduction of the VF Wild electric pickup truck concept demonstrate the company’s commitment to diversifying its EV lineup. While facing initial hurdles in the U.S. market, VinFast’s aggressive product development and manufacturing investments signal its determination to become a significant player in the global electric vehicle industry.
