VinFast Displays Four Electric SUVs at Montreal Auto Show
VinFast is a Vietnamese automaker that had zero experience in building cars five years ago. It’s now looking to break through the Canadian market with not one but four all-electric vehicles including the VF 6, VF 7, VF 8 and VF 9.
Visitors at the 2023 Montreal Auto Show (Jan. 20-29) can take a close look at each of them on the show floor.
- Also: VinFast Shows VF 6 and VF 7 in L.A., Opens First Canadian Store
- Also: VinFast Could Launch Electric Pickup After Its Five SUVs
VF 8 and VF 9
The first two models that Canadians can order are the VF 8, a two-row midsize SUV, and the VF 9, a larger, three-row SUV.
Both are available with standard all-wheel drive. The VF 8 generates 348 hp or 402 hp depending on the trim level (Eco or Plus) and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in as little as 5.5 seconds. The VF 9 is no less powerful, obviously, but it proves slower (6.5 seconds) due to its heavier weight.
Vietnamese SUVs with Italian Styling
VinFast got some help from renowned Italian design studio Pininfarina. Whether you like them or not, these two SUVs are no copycats of European or Japanese models. Featuring a distinctive front grille and V-shaped lightning signature, they have their own unique identity. Inside, the design is a little more classic except for the giant, Tesla-like centre display that controls just about everything.
Of course, the question on just about everyone’s lips when it comes to EVs is range. Two different batteries are available with each vehicle. The official ratings by Natural Resources Canada have yet to be announced, but the VF 8 and VF 9 deliver an estimated 380-430 km and 400-520 km of range, respectively.
VinFast Stores and Pricing
Also similar to Tesla, VinFast doesn’t have dealers. Rather, it plans to operate over 30 stores across Canada by the end of 2023, the first seven of which have just opened (in Ontario, Quebec and B.C.).
But the unique thing about VinFast’s business model is the battery subscription plan. With the VF 8, the Fixed plan with unlimited km costs $259 a month. In the case of the VF 9, it’s $349 a month.
The good news is that VinFast has committed to providing a lifetime battery warranty covering all maintenance and repair costs and will replace the battery for free when charging capacity dips below 70 percent.
For customers who don’t want to pay monthly fees for the battery, VinFast has all-inclusive prices starting at $64,990 for the VF 8 and a whopping $103,790 for the VF 9.
