Vietnamese automaker VinFast has delivered the first 45 of the 999 VF 8 City Edition EVs to customers in California. Notably, the automaker’s official launch into the North American market was marked by the delivery to nine dealerships across the state, per the press release.
“The event drew tremendous attention from our US consumers. It’s extremely gratifying in fulfilling our delivery promise and to witness the excitement our customers have for the VinFast brand. This is a great moment for all of us and more motivation to continuously strive to exceed the expectations of our valued customers.”
VinFast Deputy CEO Gareth Dunsmore
Delivery delays since the US import
VinFast, Vingroup JSC’s EV unit, delivered the first 999 EVs in the US in December 2022. Apparently, customers who purchase the VF 8 City Edition will get a unique financing option as the EV is a limited edition. Customers can lease the first EVs through US Bancorp.
However, it encountered over two months of delivery delays. VinFast previously disclosed that the delivery was delayed until late February to equip the EVs with the updated software. That schedule clearly did not materialize, given that the delivery started on March 1, 2023.
VinFast thrives in the US market despite challenges
It is also worth noting that VinFast has qualified for federal tax credits of up to $7,500 under the Inflation Reduction Act. Furthermore, the $4 billion facility in North Carolina will finally go into construction once the automaker receives final regulatory approval.
Despite the skepticism that VinFast has received since expanding to the US, the automaker continues to overcome challenges commonly faced by EV startups.
See Also:
- VinFast postpones the first US EV deliveries until late February
- VinFast’s new business unit to consolidate its US and Canadian operations
- Vietnam EV maker VinFast receives permit to build U.S. factory
- VinFast celebrates the arrival of its first VF 8 shipment in the United States
- Luxury EV maker VinFast files for IPO in the United States
About the VF 8 City Edition
VinFast offers two VF 8 City Edition variants: the Eco and Plus.
Below are the VF 8 City Edition key specifications:
| Specs | Eco | Plus |
| Overall dimension (LxWxH) | 187 x 76.1 x 65.6 (in) | 187 x 76.1 x 65.6 (in) |
| Battery Capacity | 87.7 (kWh) | 87.7 (kWh) |
| Range | 207 miles | 191 miles |
| Charging speed | 10% – 70% in < 31 mins | 10% – 70% in < 31 mins |
| Engine/e-Motor | Motor x 2 | Motor x 2 |
| Max. power | 348 (hp) | 402 (hp) |
| Wheelbase | 116.1 (in) | 116.1 (in) |
| Vehicle warranty | 10 years or 125,000 miles | 10 years or 125,000 miles |
The VF 8 City Edition also offers ADAS and Smart Services on top of the firmware over-the-air (FOTA). FOTA allows VinFast EVs to receive regular software updates related to their functionality and performance.
