On the Shopper Electronics Present in Las Vegas on Tuesday embattled Vietnamese automotive firm VinFast introduced the Jabbawockeez dance crew onstage to unveil its new pickup truck, the Wild. Whereas that pickup is only a idea for now, VinFast additionally used its CES presentation to formally announce that its tremendous small, tremendous cute and hopefully tremendous low cost VF3 electrical SUV will likely be bought in America, in line with Motor1.
The VF3 has whole Suzuki Jimny vibes by way of styling, but it surely’s a lot, a lot smaller. At simply 125.6 inches lengthy the VF3 is nearly a foot shorter than even the kei model of the Jimny, and it’s solely a pair inches longer than the outdated Scion iQ. Which means the VF3 can be practically two ft shorter than the brand new Fiat 500e, which would be the smallest EV on sale when it reaches U.S. sellers inside the subsequent few months.
Regardless of its diminutive dimension the VF3 can apparently seat 5 individuals, and the second row folds down for as much as 19.4 cubic ft of cargo area. The inside contains a 10-inch gauge cluster display screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus precise steering wheel buttons and stalks and what appear like local weather management knobs.
No specs have been given but, however in the course of the CES presentation VinFast stated it’s aiming for an EPA vary of 125 miles. That’s each not lots and in addition greater than sufficient for a automotive like this. The outdated Good ForTwo EV had a spread of simply 58 miles, and even the brand new 500e solely has a spread of 149 miles.
VinFast says that it’s going to open the reservation books within the U.S. later this 12 months, with no phrase as to when deliveries will begin. The corporate has already damaged floor on a manufacturing unit in North Carolina that may start manufacturing in 2025; if the VF3 had been to be constructed within the U.S. it might definitely be simpler to hit the sub-$20,000 goal that VinFast set for the VF3 final 12 months.
When the VF3 first debuted, VinFast talked about the way it needs the VF3 to develop into the individuals’s automotive of Vietnam:
With its excellent benefits of zero emissions, noise-free operation, environmental friendliness, and, most significantly, excessive security requirements, VF 3 has the potential to develop into the brand new “nationwide automobile” for the Vietnamese individuals. It could possibly assist fulfill the “automotive goals” of thousands and thousands of households whereas enhancing residing requirements and serving as a strong catalyst for the widespread adoption of electrical automobiles in Vietnam.
If the VF3 actually does make it to the U.S., on the proposed value and with out the issues which have plagued the VF8, VinFast may lastly have a success on its arms.