Vietnamese electric automaker VinFast reportedly mulls introducing a fifth model in its US portfolio, the mini electric crossover VF3, for only sub-$20,000.
According to InsideEVs, VinFast originally developed the VF3 for the Vietnamese market. However, it also poses a huge potential for success in the United States, considering its affordable price.
About the VinFast VF3
VinFast VF3 features a boxy appearance, as usual for small electric vehicles. It also has two doors with a length of 122.6 inches, about 10 inches shorter than the Baojun Yep EV.
Unfortunately, there are no available details yet about the model’s electric motor and battery. However, VinFast claims the VF3 has an “impressive travel distance,” particularly for regular Vietnamese drivers.
It may have a single motor and two-wheel drive powertrain, considering its size and pricing.
VinFast VF3 attracts US dealers
Techstory reported that US-based VinFast dealers express strong interest in the all-electric mini crossover. They encourage VinFast to officially launch the VF3 as a low-end model for US customers.
In response, VinFast asserted that the company is now “researching the demand and potential for the VF3 model in the US, following the positive responses from our dealers.”
It also guaranteed to provide more details about the potential launch in “due course.”
Notably, VinFast is currently choosing potential dealers for the US market. According to the automaker’s regulatory filing, it has so far listed 27 US-based dealers for its newly employed hybrid retail sales model.
Automotive News reported VinFast Adviser Duke Hale’s remarks that the automaker presented VF3’s actual-size foam model to two meetings with potential US dealers in September.
Interestingly, approximately 100 of the dealers at the meeting voted unanimously for the VF3 to hit the US market.
“They liked the whole lineup but the VF3, I would say, got an almost 100 percent response. They really liked the VF3 and the reason is it’s probably sub-$20,000.”
VinFast Adviser Duke Hale
As of now, VinFast currently offers the mid-size VF8, three-row VF9, VF6 subcompact, and the VF7 compact.
VinFast has yet to disclose the official pricing of the VF3 EV in its home market. However, it assured that the model will have a very affordable pricing to attract mass-market customers.
VinFast aims to launch official sales of the VF3 in Vietnam as early as next year, while deliveries will commence in Q3 2024.
