VinFast is attempting to flesh out its EV lineup, with the Vietnamese upstart promising to create a diverse pool of utility vehicle models aimed at appealing to a wide segment of the buying public. While the VinFast VF8 has had mixed reviews since it arrived on our shores, it will ultimately be the bigger VF9 model that will help determine whether the company can seal the deal in the eyes of both customers and newly minted stockholders.
VF9 Can Go 330 Miles On A Single Charge
The VF9 is VinFast’s flagship EV offering, and for a price, the VF9 aims to please with its blend of luxury and all-electric efficiency. A base model starts at $83,000 and, like the smaller VF8, the VF9 uses exterior styling that was designed by the Pininfarina design house. It’s important to note that the 330-mile EPA-estimated figure is for the base Eco model, with the uplevel $91,000 Plus trim getting 291 miles of range between charges. Either way, both figures are higher than VinFast’s internal estimates, which stated both trims would get 272 and 262 miles of range, respectively.
“VinFast always strives to bring high quality products, reasonable prices and outstanding aftersales services to our consumers globally. The VF9’s 330-mile battery range is among the best on the market, confirming our efforts and dedication to produce competitive vehicles. VinFast expects to export this model to the North American market this year, joining the VF8 model,” stated VinFats global CEO Le Thi Thu Thuy.
Both versions of the VF9 will feature a dual-motor electric powertrain that makes 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, which allows the VF9 to make the sprint to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds. A 123 kWh battery pack provides the juice, and it can go from 10 to 70 percent charge in 10 minutes when hooked up to a DC fast charger. The VF9 also comes with an ADAS system that’s very similar to the VF8’s. However, we suspect that the VF9’s system could have some improvements derived from some of the lessons the company learned on the VF8. VinFast also claims the model will come with a suite of intelligence-based software and will benefit from OTA updates.
When Can I Buy One?
The VinFast VF9 is already available in the Vietnamese market, where the first deliveries have already begun. The company also has reservations open globally for customers. However, buyers in the U.S. will have to wait a bit, with the company saying that the first U.S. spec models will begin making their way to our shores later this year. Look for sales to be still confined to the state of California for now, but the company is planning to expand to other states with a focus on those that don’t have laws that constrain their direct sales approach.   Â
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.