VinFast to enter PH market with VF5 EV crossover?

Recently, we got hold of information that Vietnam’s VinFast brand is looking to set up its automotive operations here in the Philippines. Based on our insiders, VinFast is already actively hiring experienced executives to fill key roles in the company.

Now we have something more to share, and it’s about what could be VinFast’s initial product offering in the country.

We got hold of the Department of Energy’s BEV list that recently got updated this month. And surprise, surprise, the VinFast brand has made the list with the VF5 EV crossover. In Vietnam, it serves as the brand’s most affordable EV model, retailing for around 458 million VND (just a little over PHP 1 million in today’s exchange rates).

For the unfamiliar, the VinFast VF5 is an A-segment crossover that measures just under 4 meters long. For reference, it’s smaller than the Nissan Kicks e-Power and even the BYD Dolphin, which is why it’s being labeled as a battery electric crossover city car.

In terms of looks, the VF5 was designed by Pininfarina and Torino Design, with the front fascia’s main striking feature being the V-shaped LED daytime running lamps. There’s also a minimalist design for the rear, as it has a full-width LED light strip up top, while the rest of the lighting units are found on the lower part of the back. 

The engine, or rather the electric motor, puts out 134 PS and 135 Nm of torque. It’s powered by a 37.23 kWh battery pack that gives it a range of up to 300 km under the NEDC cycle. Based on the DOE file, the VinFast VF5 already comes with a Type 2 charging connector, making it compatible with most EV charging stations in the country.

As to when will VinFast launch the VF5 still anyone’s guess. But if they do push through with the VF5, it will be interesting how it matches up to the rest of the EVs in the 1-million peso range.