Vietnamese manufacturer VinFast is betting that its new VF9 will attract a growing audience for three-row, all-electric SUVs when it arrives in North America later this year. The starting price for the VF9 "Eco" version is $83,000. Consider, however, that the company announced this week that the entry-level model received a certified EPA range of 330 miles (531 kilometers) for the Eco trim and 291 miles (468 kilometers) for the $91,000 Plus trim. The figures beat initial estimates of 272 miles (437 kilometers) and 262 miles (421 kilometers), respectively.
"The VF9's 330-mile battery range is among the best on the market, confirming our efforts and dedication to produce competitive vehicles. VinFast expects to export this model to the North American market this year, joining the VF8 model," said Madam Le Thi Thu Thuy, Global CEO of VinFast.
VinFast VF 9
The VF9, designed by the renowned Italian firm Pininfarina, has been delivered to customers in the Vietnamese market and can be reserved globally. The SUV, positioned to rival three-row options from Ford, Rivian, and Tesla, features electric motors and an AWD powertrain generating a total output of 402 horsepower.
The Eco and Plus models will offer Level 2 self-driving features made by ZF. The driver assistance package will come with functions like adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assistance, lane-keeping assistance and automatic lane changes.
The VF8 and VF9 models were both showcased at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show. Last year, the automaker said it would spend up to $2 billion to construct a new manufacturing plant in Chatham County, North Carolina. The plant, which started construction in July, will have the ability to produce around 150,000 electric vehicles each year.
Source: VinFast
