This week on EV Rider we’re checking out an automotive brand that recently launched in the U.S. that you may not have of heard yet. Come along as we take you for a spin in the Vinfast VF8.
Vinfast has been speeding along like a rocket. It was formed in 2017 in Vietnam and already has a full lineup in its native country.
Post your questions or comments about the Vinfast VF8 here.
That’s kind of amazing if you think about it. Tesla was formed way back in 2003 but by 2011 had built less than 2,500 examples of its Roadster with the Model S replacing it in 2012. Tesla didn’t have two consecutive models in production until 2015, when it began deliveries of its Model X SUV.
By comparison, in the second quarter of 2024 alone VinFast delivered more than 12,000 EVs and those numbers are growing fast.
Here in the U.S. VinFast first launched with the VF8, which is aimed at the heart of the SUV market.
The VF8’s biggest feature is the longest limited factory warranty in the industry at 10-years or 125,000 miles. Most EV makers have 8-year, 100,000-mile limited warranties on their batteries and powertrains.
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The base model starts at $46,000 while the top Plus comes in just under $52,000. But is the VF8 anything you’d want in your garage? Let’s find out.
If you’re in the market for an SUV it checks quite a few of the boxes EV owners have come to expect.
It starts with a power sunroof with sunshade on the upper trim Plus model along with a solid interior that includes Android Auto and Apple Car Play in the center stack on all trims.
Moving to the infotainment system, it’s a video entertainment powerhouse, coming with Sony’s RIDEVU, which has a vast catalog of movies that can be streamed on the center screen while parked. It’s also got a suite of preinstalled games. A companion app lets passengers stream movies on portable screens like smartphones and tablets.
VinFast did cut a few corners. There no satellite radio, HD Radio or AM Radio. But thanks to wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay and its web browser, you’ll be able find streaming versions of most of those stations.
The EPA estimates the base-model VF8 has a range of 264 miles with VinFast saying the VF8’s battery has 87.7 kWh of usable capacity.
The all-wheel-drive base model has 349 horsepower while the Plus model ups horsepower to 402, while dropping the range to 243-miles per charge.
When it comes time to recharge the VF8 is rated at a peak charging speed of 160 kW in ideal conditions and 11 kW on AC home chargers, assuming they are on a 60-amp circuit.
At last check there was no word on whether VinFast was close to reaching an agreement with Tesla to gain Supercharger access as many EV brands have done. But even without Superchargers figured in, the U.S. charging infrastructure is rapidly improving.
VinFast estimates the VF8 Plus’ 0-60 mph time at 5.5 seconds. Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and lane centering assist are also along for the ride on all trims.
In addition to the sunroof and extra horsepower, the Plus model includes a 10-speaker sound system with woofer, up from the base-car’s 8-seakers. The Plus trim also gets a power liftgate.
Outback the VF8 has 48.4 cubic inches of storage space with the rear seat folded. It has a second truck up front.
EV Rider tested two VF8’s. The first one had a host of firmware or software issues and a front trunk that didn’t latch correctly.
Over the air updates corrected the issues EV Rider encountered with the adaptive cruise control, lane centering and turn signals which behaved erratically on the early build car that had not yet received the updates.
The second VF8, which was up to date, worked as expected and has no frunk latching issue.
While it’s never good to see a new car with bugs or defects, it is encouraging that VinFast was able to correct the issues so quickly.
For a more in-depth look at the VinFast VF8, which includes driving impressions, be sure to watch the road test at the top of this post.
A big thanks goes to Tom Bush VinFast here in Jacksonville, FL for providing EV Rider with the VF8 featured in this review.