Start-up electric vehicle (EV) brands, often associated with wealthy entrepreneurs, frequently encounter challenges on their path to success. While Elon Musk’s Tesla is an exception, most start-ups face numerous obstacles, and some may not even reach the production stage. VinFast, a Vietnamese EV start-up, follows a similar pattern.
Established in 2017, VinFast relies heavily on the financial resources of its billionaire founder, Pham Nhat Vuong, Vietnam’s wealthiest individual. Over the past six years, Vuong has invested billions of his personal funds into VinFast.
Despite this substantial capital infusion, VinFast has faced difficulties. The company has experienced CEO turnover, downsized its workforce in the United States, and, as observed during a recent test drive in Encinitas, California, rushed a vehicle to market that could have benefited from additional development time. Consequently, the car has received unfavorable reviews from the media. However, many of the identified issues appear to be fixable, leaving it up to VinFast to determine how swiftly they can address these concerns.
During our test drive, we had the opportunity to experience the VF 8 crossovers, specifically the VF 8 City Editions, which were among the initial 999 units shipped to America. These models are available in two variants: the more basic Eco model with a range of 207 miles, and the heavier Plus model that offers additional options, luxuries, and technology, with a range of 191 miles. Both versions utilize an 82-kWh Lithium Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum Oxide (NCA) battery supplied by Samsung.
Interestingly, the evening before our test drive, another shipment of VinFast cars arrived near San Francisco. These vehicles, known as VF 8s, include the newer “Standard” models. They are equipped with a more modern and energy-dense 87.7-kWh CATL Lithium Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) battery, providing a range of 264 miles in Eco trim or 243 miles in Plus trim.
While the initial City models were only available for lease, these new VF 8s can be leased or purchased, with prices starting at $46,000 for the Eco models and $56,000 for the Plus models.
VinFast plans to phase out the older VF 8 City Edition models as these new VF 8 Standard models become available. It would have been prudent for the company to postpone the media drive event and introduce the improved models instead.
Visually, the VF 8 City Edition is an attractively designed crossover, with its styling crafted by Pininfarina in Italy. It looks great on the road, especially our bright orange test car. However, upon closer inspection, some inconsistencies in panel gaps become apparent, such as the trunk’s misalignment with the body. Similar panel gap issues were noticed inside the cabin, where the dashboard meets the door trim.
Entering the front seat, the VF 8 provides a comfortable experience, with ample legroom in the rear. However, the bottom cushion of the rear seat is hard and flat, which may not be ideal for long journeys. In terms of cargo space, the VF 8 falls slightly short compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Audi Q4 e-tron.
The Plus model’s interior materials and switchgear are on par with mainstream brands like Chevrolet and Ford. The vegan leather trim appears to be of good quality. VinFast employs a large 15.6-inch central screen to control various functions in the car, although some functions are buried deep in the menus, making it slightly confusing to use.
During the test drive, some commands experienced delays. For instance, adjusting the tilt and telescoping steering wheel requires selecting the function on the screen and then using buttons on the
steering wheel, resulting in unnecessary back-and-forth interactions. However, VinFast’s drive modes are easily accessible through a well-designed window.
Upon entering the VF 8, the vehicle is instantly “on,” eliminating the need for a start/stop button. Throughout the trip, my test VF 8 emitted a soft hissing sound, akin to a white noise machine beneath the dashboard. This sound persisted, and it was confirmed not to be associated with the HVAC fan.
The VF 8 accelerates quickly from a standstill, boasting 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds, thanks to its 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. However, unlike many EVs, this acceleration is not entirely silent. Whining noises were noticeable from both the front and rear electric motors, along with wind rushing around the A-pillar once the VF 8 exceeded approximately 75 mph. Moreover, some buzzing was observed from the interior plastics when driving on rougher roads.
The VF 8 offers three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, adjustable through the touchscreen. Normal mode is the preferred option, as no noticeable differences were detected between it and Eco mode. Sport mode exhibited an overly aggressive throttle response, which may not appeal to all drivers. VinFast aimed for a more responsive ride, as evident in the suspension and steering calibration, but it can feel excessive.
Although the VF 8’s suspension effectively controls body roll on curvy roads, it becomes easily unsettled and exhibits bouncing on rougher surfaces. This behavior may be attributed to the vehicle’s weight, which is approximately 1000 pounds heavier than the Tesla Model Y and Audi Q4 e-tron.
The steering system is a mixed bag—precise and quick but lacking in providing a sense of what the front tires are doing. At highway speeds, the steering feels heavy, requiring frequent minor adjustments due to the quick steering ratio.
The VF 8 Plus model comes equipped with an extensive list of driver-assistance features, including lane-departure warning, lane-change assist, lane-centering assist, forward collision warning, front and rear emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. Unfortunately, many of these systems are calibrated to be overly intrusive during everyday driving, prompting the driver to disable them. Ideally, these features should aid the driver rather than become a nuisance.
The VF 8’s braking performance is comparable to other EVs, but the response can be described as non-linear in certain situations. For example, as the vehicle approaches a stoplight, more brake pressure is often required the closer it gets to the stopping point. Regenerative braking offers two modes: Low and High. While High mode is aggressive, it falls slightly short of providing a true one-pedal driving experience.
Representatives from VinFast attended the drive event, but none of them were vehicle engineers. Consequently, there was no opportunity to discuss the suspension, brakes, and steering tuning in detail, or learn more about the car’s development and assembly processes at the plant in Hai Phong.
To instill confidence in potential buyers, VinFast has implemented measures to reassure them. By the end of the year, the company plans to establish 28 retail locations in California. Additionally, the VF 8 is backed by a 10-year, 125,000-mile warranty, with the battery packs covered by another 10-year unlimited warranty. VinFast offers mobile support services and 24/7 roadside assistance. Furthermore, certain fixes or updates to the vehicle can be performed remotely.
Charging the VF 8 is facilitated by an extensive network of DC chargers, including Electrify America, EVgo, and Charge Hub, utilizing a convenient one-pay system. VinFast claims that the VF 8’s battery can be charged from 10% to
70% in 24 minutes using the fastest DC charging option. For home charging, an upgraded Level 2 charger with an 11-kW, 48-amp unit is available.
VinFast has ambitious expansion plans, including a car production facility in North Carolina slated to begin operations in 2025. The company has also announced a partnership with Black Spade Acquisition, potentially leading to a listing on the New York Stock Exchange in the second half of this year, which could expedite the construction of the plant.
Furthermore, VinFast intends to launch the seven-passenger VF 9 electric crossover in the fall, followed by the smaller VF 6 and VF 7 models before the year’s end. If all these vehicles arrive within the specified timeframe, they must undergo further refinement compared to the early VF8 models. VinFast possesses the potential for success, but it must concentrate on improving product details to entice buyers to choose their brand over established competitors.
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