DRIVING THE 2023 VINFAST VF 8 PROTOTYPE

TIME IS SHORT, AT LEAST THE WAY THE COMPANY SEES IT

- ALISA PRIDDLE

VinFast is more than just a name. "Vin" denotes its place as part of Vingroup, Vietnam's largest private conglomerate. "Fast" is appropriate given the speed with which the fledgling automaker is working to establish itself as a global player, with plans to sell electric SUVs in the U.S. later this year and build EVs and batteries in North Carolina in July 2024.

U.S. sales are to begin with the 2023 VinFast VF 8 two-row midsize SUV in November with a starting price of $41,900, not counting the monthly charge of $35-$110 to lease the battery, depending on the subscription plan. The three-row VinFast VF 9 will follow a month later with a starting price of $56,700 plus $44-$160 per month for the battery. In 2024 buyers will have the option to purchase or lease the battery.

The U.S. will get two-motor AWD models with two trims to start: Eco and Plus. A third, premium trim will follow in 2023. There are at least two variations to come, including an upscale midsize sedan. The VinFast VF 7 compact SUV will launch next year. Further down the road, VinFast is considering a pickup truck, CEO Le Thi Thu Thuy says.

The SUVs will launch with a standard battery delivering a range of up to 260 miles per charge. A longer-range battery offering up to 292 miles will follow in early 2023. A third could be added by the end of 2023 to provide about 340 miles. Leased batteries can be swapped for higher-capacity packs in the future.