If you‘re considering an electric SUV purchase in the coming years, the VinFast VF7 and Tesla Model Y both present compelling choices catering to slightly different buyer priorities. As a relative newcomer to electrification, VinFast aims to deliver premium features and solid performance at mass-market price points. Tesla‘s revered yet premium Models represent the pinnacle of today‘s EV offerings with heavy emphasis on technology, range and acceleration.
This head-to-head analysis will aid your buying decision between two of the most exciting electric crossovers yet. As an experienced technology industry analyst and EV owner myself, I’ll outline key considerations around performance, charging, pricing, availability timelines and ownership costs with insights on emerging trends that stand to shape these vehicles‘ futures.
Sizing Up VinFast: A Fresh Face with Familiar Foundations
Founded in 2017, VinFast is the fledgling automotive arm of Vietnam‘s largest private conglomerate, Vingroup. Despite its relative youth in vehicle manufacturing, VinFast wisely leveraged industry partnerships and licensing agreements to shortcut its way to a modern, tech-focused fleet of electric models.
VinFast’s new factory was designed jointly by top engineering firms ABB, Siemens, Bosch and more. The company’s first two SUV models launching in its home market borrow heavily from BMW’s X5 and X7 SUVs through a vehicle technology licensing arrangement.
For its debut electric models targeting North America and Europe, VinFast has enlisted Pininfarina design group along with other automotive and technology veterans to craft products matching their lofty desires to “create outstanding, world-class vehicles that represent and inspire the intelligence, creativity, and value of the people of Vietnam”.
And that brings us to the Vinfast VF7 – the company‘s first electric crossover and model aimed squarely at rivals like the Tesla Model Y. Though just a concept for now, production versions are expected to reach US shores for delivery starting sometime in 2024 barring any delays.
| Specification | VinFast VF7 |
|---|---|
| Projected Starting Price | $37,000 |
| Targeted Driving Range | 280 miles |
| Horsepower / Torque | 201 hp / 228 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | Unannounced |
| Battery Capacity | Unannounced |
| Maximum Charging Rate | Unannounced |
| Charging Connector Type | J1772 Compliant |
With a projected starting price undercutting the Model Y by around $17k before any tax incentives, VinFast is making a compelling play for budget-focused crossover shoppers. Let‘s see how Tesla‘s popular Model Y compares.
Tesla Model Y Overview: The Standout Electric SUV
Tesla requires little introduction given its EV sales domination and savvy in captivating consumers and stock markets alike. Years ahead of legacy automakers in battery tech and electrification, Tesla EVs still stand apart from rival offerings if you can swallow their premium price tags.
The Tesla Model Y compact SUV combines the winning formula of Tesla’s smash hit Model 3 sedan with added practicality and functionality of a crossover form factor. Adding a third row is said to be in the works. Both rear and all-wheel drive variants are offered, with AWD yielding supercar-like acceleration thanks to Tesla’s masterful electric powertrain engineering.
Over-the-air software update capability keeps the Model Y’s tech fresh while allowing for purchase of “Full Self Driving” capability down the road. Widely praised driver displays, user interfaces and smartphone integration round out the technology showcase.
While build quality and service capacity remain less consistent than established luxury brands can offer, Tesla continues working to better match its technology leadership with appropriate sales and ownership experiences.
| Specification | Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $53,490 |
| EPA Estimated Range | 330 miles |
| Horsepower / Torque | 384 hp / 376 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | 4.8 seconds |
| Battery Capacity | 82 kWh |
| Maximum Charging Rate | 250 kW |
| Charging Connector Type | Tesla Proprietary |
Performance and Powertrain Breakdown
On paper, the Model Y easily outguns the VF7 on raw performance metrics thanks to abundant horsepower and instantaneous electric torque. The Tesla’s sub-5-second 0-60 mph sprint demonstrates neck-snapping acceleration that vehicles costing over six figures struggle matching.
Tesla’s mastery of drive system engineering is evident by exceptional driving dynamics, responsiveness and efficiency. VinFast’s focus rests more on value pricing rather than breakneck speed.
The VF7 should still deliver satisfying acceleration for the average driver. Abundant low-end torque from electric motors provides smooth power delivery even in base trim cars. Top end performance data remains unannounced so far.
Both vehicles employ lithium-ion battery packs powering electric motors at one or both axles, though details around battery capacities are unknown for now. Software regulated torque distribution between front and rear wheels enables precisely tailored handling characteristics.
Charging Comparison
A key advantage EVs hold over gas vehicles is convenient home charging, which usually satisfies 70-80% of all charging needs. Both Tesla and VinFast vehicles can replenish 30+ miles of range per hour using widely available 240-volt Level 2 charge points. These charge times are very reasonable for overnight top-ups.
DC fast charging offers the fastest charging capabilities to minimize downtime on road trips. This is where Tesla’s Supercharger network provides huge utility by enabling 170+ miles of extra range in just 15 minutes. Newer V3 Superchargers achieve peak charging rates of 250 kW on the Model Y.
VinFast has not yet disclosed charging rates or connectors for the US-spec VF7. However all signs point to J1772 compliance for Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast charging. This allows access to public charging networks like Electrify America which provide 50-150kW DC fast charging.
Tesla confirms that Superchargers will open to other EVs starting in 2024. This is a potential game-changer expanding convenient, ultra-fast charging access beyond Tesla owners. The Model Y may forfeit some exclusivity, but new standards promise to benefit all future EV drivers.
Availability and Production Outlook
Tesla dominates when it comes to actually acquiring a vehicle in short order. Inventory cars may be matched with buyers instantly. Even custom orders traditionally delivered in just 1-3 months.
VinFast has not officially opened orders for US-market VF7 models as of early 2023. Reservations are already underway for the larger VF 8 and VF 9 electric SUVs launching worldwide later next year. Provided those production ramps unfold smoothly, the VF7 should follow soon thereafter once facilities are adequately tooled.
Both automakers aim to scale manufacturing rapidly in response to strong demand signals from early reservation volumes. Tesla continues expanding its Shangai factory while pioneering new techniques that promise massiveefficiency gains.
VinFast broke ground in 2022 on its first US factory in North Carolina, which aims to commence VF 8 and VF 9 production during 2024. Ramping VF 7 output would logically coincide with stateside facilities coming online pending sufficient demand.
Projecting Ownership Costs
Acquisition price makes up only part of total ownership costs accrued over years of driving. With fewer mechanical parts and little to no engine maintenance required, EVs shine in lower operating costs versus internal combustion vehicles.
Electricity fuels the Model Y Long Range for a mixed-use efficiency of approximately 28 kWh per 100 miles driven. At the US average rate of 14 cents per kWh for residential charging, drivers would spend under 5 cents per mile on electricity costs. Compared to 30 mpg combined for comparable gas-powered compact SUVs at $3.50/gallon, EV running costs save over 70% per mile.
Maintenance is likewise cheaper for EVs largely thanks to the absence of engine and transmission servicing needs. Regenerative braking reduces wear on brake pads as well. Scheduled maintenance costs for the Model Y add up to around $300 per year on average.
The VF7 remains too much of an unknown to accurately estimate ownership costs given uncertainties around real-world efficiency, charging performance and required maintenance. However VinFast positions the VF7 squarely as their most affordable EV suggesting it aims to be cost-competitive long term versus rivals. Any available incentives at order time will further help offset purchase prices.
Self-Driving Tech Where Permitted
While fully self-driving vehicles remain a work in progress pending policymaker approval, today’s driver assistance capabilities already ease the fatigue of gridlock and long highway stints. Here too Tesla leads the industry not just on the hardware side, but perhaps more importantly via continual software enhancements improving automation competence and judgement calls.
Tesla includes their AutoPilot driver assistance suite standard on all new vehicles, with subscriptions to Full Self Driving software available as a post-purchase upgrade. The company amasses billions of miles of real-world driving data to feed into AI neural networks governing system behaviors. Additional sensor hardware has been pre-installed on vehicles produced within the last 3 years for easy upgrade capability once software matures.
VinFast has provided no details on availability or capability of self-driving features in US-bound vehicles. The company targets compliance with typical advanced driver assistance features like lane centering and adaptive cruise control. Level 3 conditional automation could be offered in time leveraging software wizardry and machine learning know-how of partners like autonomous driving technology company Prophesee.
Key Takeaways Comparing the Vinfast VF7 and Tesla Model Y
The Vinfast VF7 promises to bring premium EV attributes to mass-market shoppers seeking maximum value. Tesla Model Y delivers irresistible technology with pinnacle EV performance for buyers focused on those virtues first and foremost.
On paper, the Model Y provides over 15% more estimated range along with nearly double the horsepower and torque metrics. Real-world range and acceleration testing remain pending for the VF7.
Tesla Superchargers offer exceptionally fast DC charging exclusively for Tesla drivers, but new charging format cooperation between automakers promises to expand speedy charging compatibility as EV adoption accelerates globally.
Tesla holds a multi-year lead in self-driving software with continual OTA enhancements, while VinFast only lists basic driver assistance systems for now. Regulations remain tentative but software already enables impressive automation where allowed.
The VF7 has only been announced as a concept while the Model Y is ramping production at breakneck speeds, albeit with occasional quality concerns. The VinFast should materialize within the next 12-18 months for US deliveries following initial overseas vehicle shipments.
Having analyzed the Vespa-like upstart and segment darling electric SUV contenders, the Model Y clearly surpasses the VF7 on quantified performance attributes and technology readiness. However the Tesla costs nearly 50% more before accounting for any incentives or tax breaks where the Americans automaker no longer qualifies.
For budget-focused electric vehicle shoppers, Vinfast’s potential to deliver respectable range and premium interior touches at mass-market sticker prices position the VF7 as an intriguing value leader. Yet anticipation around projected specifications leaves considerably more room forvariables to disappoint versus known quantities like Tesla‘s Model Y.
The bright side? Continued crowdsourcing of pre-orders by both automakers reinforce swelling interest in electric vehicles spanning diverse budgets and priorities. More choice fosters further EV adoption, which spurs expanded charging infrastructure, technology advancements and economies of scale that benefit all future buyers regardless of brand affinity. Both VinFast and Tesla stand to play important roles advancing electrification through uniquely positioned yet equally tech-savvy product portfolios catering to discerning early adopters like you!
I hope this detailed yet digestible overview contrasting these two crossover EV options aids your purchase considerations and excitement for the future of sustainable electric mobility. Test drives would provide the final gut check, but don‘t sleep on placement of refundable reservations whichever way you may be leaning! Please reach out with any other questions.
