First Batch of VinFast SUVs Finally Arrives in Canada
Vietnamese automaker VinFast, which has now received all the necessary certifications to sell cars in Canada, today announced that the first shipment of 781 VF 8 electric SUVs has arrived to Nanaimo port in British Columbia. Deliveries to customers will begin next month.
At the same time, the company is able to confirm the official range estimates for the various VF 8 models—425 km for the base Eco ($53,600 plus freight and PDI), 354 km for the Plus 260 kW ($59,200, 349 hp) and 391 km for the Plus 300 kW ($60,700, 402 hp). Federal and provincial EV rebates apply in all cases.
As we mentioned in our recent VF 8 review, VinFast’s controversial battery leasing program is not available in Canada at this time. Apparently the company has trouble selecting financial partners. So, if you buy a VF 8, you buy the battery that comes with it. For the moment, at least.
“I believe with VinFast’s non-stop efforts together with its serious and methodical business strategy, VinFast will soon gain the trust and support from Canadian customers,” said Nguyen Thi Van Anh, CEO of VinFast North America.
Part of that business strategy is offering a 10-year/200,000-km comprehensive warranty and a 10-year/unlimited km battery warranty, which is quite reassuring. What’s more, a charging plan is included in the vehicle purchase price. New owners can choose between three years of fast charging on the ChargeHub network or a home charger.
In case you’re wondering, the first units of the VF 9, a larger, three-row SUV, are expected to arrive in Canada this summer. A handful of VinFast stores have already opened in Ontario, B.C. and Quebec, with more to come later in 2023 and next year.
