When an ambitious Vietnamese startup called VinFast unveiled its first all-electric vehicle lineup in early 2022, industry observers were intrigued but skeptical. Could this fledging manufacturer with global aspirations really compete in the exploding EV space against the likes of Tesla?
VinFast‘s initial offering, the slick VF7 electric crossover SUV, suggests they just might stand a chance. As the company revs up production and prepares to deliver the first VF7s to local pre-order customers, let‘s take a closer look at what this "car of the future" is bringing to the road.
VinFast Makes a Bold Bet on the Future of Transport
Backed by Vietnam‘s largest conglomerate Vingroup, VinFast was established in 2017 as the country‘s first domestic car brand focused solely on electrified mobility. Founder Phạm Nhật Vượng, Vietnam‘s first billionaire entrepreneur, had a vision to accelerate Vietnam‘s transition from gas-powered scooters to smart, sustainable electric vehicles suitable for the global market.
Phạm Nhật Vượng, Founder of Vingroup and VinFast
Early models ran on internal combustion engines and parts licensed from industry partners like BMW. But in 2019 the company made a bold strategic pivot, sinking $2 billion into R&D with aims to roll out a range of proprietary EVs offering compelling design and features at mass market prices.
VinFast constructed an impressive 400-hectare factory complex in northern Vietnam capable of producing 250,000 cars annually, and moved global headquarters to Singapore to support its international expansion strategy. Featuring respected industry talent like former GM executive James DeLuca and BMW‘s top engineer, VinFast means business.
The result is an ambitious new EV lineup targeting North American and European launch between 2022-2024:
- VFe34 mini crossover SUV
- VF5/VF6 midsize crossover SUVs
- VF7/VF8 compact/midsize crossover SUVs
- VF9 large crossover SUV
Priced from ~$30,000-$60,000 USD, this range of stylish, tech-loaded electric SUVs aim to convert drivers to the EV revolution through compelling design and value.
Which brings us to VinFast‘s opening salvo – the 2024 VF7.
The Vinfast VF7 By the Numbers
As a compact crossover SUV slotting between models like the gas-powered Audi Q5 and BMW X3, the VF7 makes a bold first impression with its sleek, coupe-inspired silhouette. Beyond the head-turning exterior, here are the key technical specs and capabilities packed into this next-gen people mover:
| VF7 Eco | VF7 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Max Power (hp) | 201 | 348 |
| Max Torque (lb-ft) | 228 | 368 |
| 0-60 mph (sec) | 6.9 | 5.3 |
| Battery Capacity | 75.3 kWh | 75.3 kWh |
| Max Range (mi) | 280 est. | 268 est. |
| Max Charging Speed | DC 150 kW | DC 150 kW |
| Wheel Drive | RWD or AWD | RWD or AWD |
| Highway Assist | L2 | L2 |
| OTA Updates | Yes | Yes |
| Starting Price (USD) | ~$41,000 | ~$51,000 |
The VF7 platform offers buyers choice between Eco and Plus variants – the former focused on efficiency, the latter on performance. Dual motor all-wheel drive and exclusive options like 21" alloy wheels are available.
Across the board, Vinfast packs its debut EV with segment-leading tech: huge curved dashboard displays with integrated Alexa and smartphone integration, Level 2 advanced driving assistance systems, regular over-the-air software updates, and an industry-leading 10 year/125,000 mile battery warranty.
On paper at least, VinFast checks a lot of boxes for compelling and competitive next-gen mobility.
From Engineering Labs to City Streets
Bringing the VF7 (and 4 other EVs) successfully to production in just a few years represents an enormous undertaking. Industry reactions to early VF7 pre-production models have been largely positive regarding design, features and value-for-money.
But turning hype into satisfied owners requires flawless execution – no easy task for a young company. So how is VinFast addressing potential growing pains?
Comprehensive Testing Regimens
VinFast engineers thoroughly evaluated critical components of the VF7 like batteries, electric motors, chassis and physical crash structures. The factories use German robotic manufacturing systems for precision part assembly. Extensive road testing continues across diverse conditions.
Strategic Industry Partnerships
Co-developing core systems with proven automotive suppliers reduces reliability risks. VinFast collaborated with leading EV firms like StoreDot and PowerPilot AI to enhance battery tech and self-driving software.
Direct Sales and Service Model
By owning the customer experience via online orders, streamlined configurations and company-staffed retail stores/service centers, VinFast hopes to simplify purchases and maintain quality oversight.
Proactive Upgrades
Continuous over-the-air software improvemens will enhance VF7 features and performance over time. Interior components will be refreshed every 2 years to keep things fresh.
Still, VinFast doesn‘t shy away from early stumbles, as evidenced by the recent recall of over 700 VFe34 models to fix a faulty side crash sensor. While an embarrassing issue just as exports began, the company deserves some credit for transparency and decisive action upholding rigorous safety standards.
Savvy industry observers remain cautiously optimistic, while emphasizing that only sustained positive customer experiences over hundreds of thousands of vehicles will prove if VinFast‘s meteoric rise results sticks the landing.
What VinFast Means for the Global Auto Industry
Should VinFast meet their lofty sales targets, the ripple effects could reshape mobility both in Vietnam‘s booming urban centers as well as Europe and North America‘s competitive EV markets:
In Vietnam, successfully replacing millions of scooters and internal combustion cars with domestically-produced EVs could dramatically improve urban transportation. VinFast as a national champion also symbolizes the country‘s rising economic promise.
For legacy automakers, VinFast represents an ambitious disruptor looking to siphon market share through premium branding and features at non-luxury price points. Partners like BMW now have a potentially dangerous rival on multiple fronts.
Startups may face new patent legal challenges, while benefiting from VinFast helping validate investor excitement around new EV companies with fresh ideas.
Most intriguingly, VinFast shortcuts the traditional auto industry product cycle by going direct-to-consumer with online ordering, streamlined configs and company owned stores. Combined with a tech industry-like focus on continual OTA updates, we could be seeing a new data-driven, customer-centric business model emerging.
In coming years, industry watchers expect a fierce battle across critical segments like compact SUVs as VinFast ramps up exports amidst cutthroat competition from EV juggernauts and traditional automakers‘ best electric models. The world gets a glimpse at battery-powered mobility through Vietnamese eyes – will global consumers embrace VinFast‘s vision? The VF7 sets the stage.
The Vinfast VF7‘s sleek shape provides a tempting preview of battery-powered mobility to come for Vietnamese automaker VinFast. Pre-orders indicate enthusiastic early reception in home and export markets alike. As early production models ship and attention shifts from auto show displays to real-world performance, discerning drivers have good reasons to seriously consider VinFast‘s initial electrified offerings as worthy options versus established brands.
Savvy industry observers caution the road ahead remains filled with potential pitfalls that could derail VinFast‘s global coming out party. Yet there‘s also tremendous upside should they manage to sustain manufacturing quality and customer satisfaction. I for one am excited to witness the start of what could become a compelling new chapter for mobility in Vietnam and beyond.
