It’s official, the VinFast VF 3 is coming to the U.S. Electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast announced the global launch of its mini-eSUV at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Will it upend the affordable EV segment?

VinFast VF 3 Size and Range

The VF 3 is designed for city commutes, so consequently its a small, nimble car. The VF 3 is 125.6 inches (10.5 feet) in length, 66.1 inches (5.5 feet) wide, and 63.8 inches (5.3 feet) tall. For comparison, the 2024 Fiat 500e is 142.95 inches (11.9 feet) long, 74.12 inches (6.2 feet) wide, and 66.3 inches (5.5 feet) tall. VinFast points out that the VF 3’s small size helps it provide optimal maneuverability to confidently navigate city streets. Interestingly, VinFast says the VF 3 has a target estimate of over 125 miles per charge. This range is only 24 miles less than the 149-mile range of the 2024 Fiat 500e Red and the 2024 Nissan Leaf S.

Exterior Design and Interior

Robust geometric blocks seamlessly balanced with sleek lines define the VF 3’s exterior. Snowbelters and those who need to travel on rutted roads will rejoice: the generous ground clearance helps tackle snowdrifts and rutted paths. The VF 3 mercifully eschews large diameter wheels, instead using comparatively conservative 16-inch wheels. Additionally, function dictates form in the VF 3’s interior, where every element serves a purpose, leaving nothing superfluous. Nonetheless, it provides ample space and essential smart features. This helps create a comfortable and convenient driving experience. Furthermore, interior features include an infotainment system with 10-inch screen. This includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There’s also folding second-row seats that allow for an increase in cargo space.

Practicality and Personality

Ms. Tran Mai Hoa, Deputy CEO of Sales and Marketing, VinFast Global, shared: “With the global launch of the VF 3, we are pleased to introduce a new electric car in our range. More importantly, we are providing a new companion for a generation of young drivers who value practicality alongside personality. The VF 3 aims to unbound the imagination of urban mobility that is not only sustainable but also accessible for everyone.”

Availability and Pricing

Mark your calendars! VinFast opens VF 3 pre-orders in 2024. Reservation and delivery schedules, pricing, and warranty information will be rolled out for each market over the coming weeks. It’ll be interesting to see where the VF 3 lands on pricing for the U.S. market. The 2024 Fiat 500e Red has a base price of $34,095. This includes the destination charge. The 2024 Nissan Leaf S base price is $29,255 including destination charge. In the June 2023 VinFast VF 3 press release the company noted that the car would be “accessibly priced for mass appeal” in the Vietnam market. Time will tell if the VF 3 will be priced below its competitors in the U.S. There’s certainly a need for an affordable electric car in America. VinFast could potentially enjoy strong sales with a low-buck electric car.

About VinFast

VinFast – a member of Vingroup – envisions driving the advancement of the global smart electric vehicle revolution. The company was established in 2017. VinFast owns a state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing complex with globally leading scalability that boasts up to 90 percent automation in Hai Phong, Vietnam.