Despite the limited infrastructure for electric vehicles, many car manufacturers are choosing Vietnam as a place to introduce strategic electric car models.
In 2023, the Vietnamese car market is becoming increasingly vibrant with the presence of a range of new electric car models in all segments, from cheap mini cars to luxury SUVs.
CHEAP MINI ELECTRIC CARS
Wuling HongGuang MiniEV
Introduced in Vietnam since the end of June 2023, the Chinese car model Wuling HongGuang MiniEV quickly attracted the attention of many users. With prices ranging from 239 to 282 million VND for each version, this car model is considered quite expensive compared to some other small car models in Vietnam.
Although it is the pioneer model in the mini electric car segment in Vietnam, the HongGuang MiniEV is made in China, which makes many users hesitant to invest in it.
The car has a compact size with a length of 2,920 mm, and a turning radius of only 4.2 meters. The car has 11 trendy color options. The Advanced version is equipped with daytime running lights, LED taillights, Wuling logo with LED strips on both sides.
Meeting the transportation needs in urban areas, Wuling HongGuang MiniEV has a 4-seat interior space with standard conveniences such as a 7-inch LCD TFT display, dual-zone air conditioning, Bluetooth/radio connectivity, electric power steering, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera (LV2).
Positioned as a mini electric car for urban use, Wuling Hongguang Mini EV has a relatively weak motor (17.4 horsepower), slightly stronger than the motor of the Honda SH150i (16.9 horsepower).
With limited safety features such as anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), tire pressure monitoring, automatic door lock while driving, driver airbags (LV2), this car model leaves users unsure about its safety in the event of a collision.
It is expected that in 2024, the mini electric car segment in Vietnam will become more vibrant with the presence of VinFast VF 3.
MAINSTREAM ELECTRIC CARS
In the mainstream electric car segment, there are currently two dominant models from VinFast: VF 6 and VF 7, and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
VinFast VF 6
The B-segment SUV VF 6 was officially introduced in September with two versions: Base and Plus. The Base version is priced at 675 million VND (without battery) and 765 million VND (with battery). Meanwhile, the Plus version is priced at 765 million VND (without battery) and 855 million VND (with battery).
Both versions of VF 6 are equipped with a 59.6 kWh LFP battery with a corresponding operating range of 399 km and 381 km (according to WLTP standard) on a full charge. The car uses an electric motor with a maximum power of 100 kW and 150 kW, corresponding to maximum torque of 135 Nm and 310 Nm, giving a lively driving experience and meeting the travel needs of every customer.
In terms of safety features, VF 6 features advanced level 2 high-speed driving assistance technologies included in the ADAS package, such as lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, emergency lane keeping assist, etc., which outperform competitors in the same B-segment crossover category.
VinFast VF 7
Introduced on November 22, VinFast VF 7 is positioned in the C-segment Crossover segment. This segment has relatively high sales in the Vietnamese market, and VF 7 is expected to become the flagship model to increase VinFast’s market share in the coming time.
The car is available in 2 versions: VinFast VF 7 Base priced at 850 million VND (without battery) and 999 million VND (with battery); Plus version priced at 999 million VND (without battery) and 1.199 billion VND (with battery).
In terms of performance, VinFast VF 7 Eco version is equipped with a single motor on the front axle, providing a maximum power of 201 horsepower (150 kW) and 310 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the high-end Plus version is equipped with two motors with a dual-motor drivetrain, delivering up to 349 horsepower (260 kW) and 500 Nm of torque.
VinFast VF 7 is equipped with a 75.3 kWh battery for both versions. The car has a maximum driving distance of 450 km for the Eco version, while the Plus version can reach up to 431 km on a full charge.
In terms of safety, the car is equipped with 8 airbags and full active safety systems including anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist (BA), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control system (TCS), hill-start assist (HSA), rollover prevention (ROM), etc.
Especially, the Plus version is equipped with an advanced ADAS driving assistance system with 11 basic features and 15 advanced features. At the time of delivery, VF 7 will already have basic ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot warning, door opening warning, automatic front emergency braking, 360-degree camera system, etc. Other features will be updated remotely by VinFast free of charge in 2024.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Introduced on July 31, with the same segment as VF 7 is the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The car is assembled in Vietnam by Hyundai Thanh Cong with a starting price of 1.3 billion VND.
In the Vietnamese market, Hyundai Ioniq 5 uses a single engine combined with a 72.6 kWh battery. The electric motor produces 214 horsepower, 350 Nm of torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 185 km/h. The battery supports fast charging from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes using a 350 kW power source. However, it takes up to 20 hours to fully charge the car with the built-in charger at home. Each full charge allows Hyundai Ioniq 5 to travel up to a maximum of 450 km.
LUXURY ELECTRIC CARS
Not to be outdone by competitors Mercedes-Benz and Audi, in 2023, BMW also joined the electric vehicle market with the i7, i4, and iX3 models.
BMW i7
The BMW i7 is considered the electric configuration of the 7-Series, competing with the Mercedes-Benz EQS.
Introduced in Vietnam, the car is only available in one version, the BMW i7 xDrive60, priced at 7.199 billion VND.
The powertrain of the BMW i7 consists of a rear axle motor producing a maximum power of 313 horsepower, and a front axle motor producing 258 horsepower. The combination of the two power sources results in a combined power of 544 horsepower and a total torque of 745 Nm. With this power, the car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds and has a range of up to 625 km on a full charge.
BMW i4
Alongside the i7, the BMW i4 – the pure electric version of the 4-Series, was also unveiled at the end of July 2023. The car is officially distributed by THACO AUTO at a price of 3.759 billion VND.
The BMW i4 is the first electric Gran Coupe that BMW focused entirely on the thrilling driving ability of the vehicle. The car has a combined electric consumption of 19.1 – 16.1 kWh/100 km (according to WLTP test cycle) combined with a 250 kW / 340 horsepower electric motor and a rear-wheel drive system.
BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 is considered the pure electric version of the X3. The car is distributed in Vietnam in a single M Sport version with a price of 3.499 billion VND.
The BMW iX3 is the pioneering SAV model, opening up a new development phase of BMW with a focus on bringing more driving pleasure and safety to the brand’s leading electric models. The BMW iX3 is also the first high-riding vehicle to be equipped with the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, an optimized drivetrain for electric motors, and a series of the most advanced driving assistance technologies from BMW.
Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV
The Mercedes-Benz EQB is positioned as a small luxury 7-seat SUV, developed based on the GLB platform.
This car model is equipped with many modern utilities and a series of driving assistance features such as LED High-Performance headlights, AMG sports seats wrapped in Artico leather combined with Microcut fibers, a dual-screen with a size of 10.25 inches accompanied by the latest MBUX6 infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Providing power for the Mercedes-Benz EQB will be an electric motor with a maximum power of 190 horsepower and a maximum torque of 384 Nm, allowing the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds. The car uses a front-wheel drive system. According to the announcement from Mercedes-Benz Vietnam, EQB has an operating range of up to 473 km on a full charge.
The car is officially distributed in Vietnam with a price of 2.289 billion VND.
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
The Mercedes-Benz EQE is positioned two grades higher than the EQB, as a 5-seat SUV. The car is distributed in Vietnam with a single version, EQE 500 4Matic, priced at 3.999 billion VND.
EQE SUV has a youthful and modern exterior design, with exquisite interior equipped with many advanced convenience features such as the MBUX Hyperscreen (including 3 connected screens with a size of 56 inches).
This electric car is also equipped with many premium features such as over-the-air software updates, Intelligent Park Pilot parking assist system, range-based route planning based on battery capacity, etc.
Providing power for the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC is two electric motors at the front and rear, which generate a maximum combined power of 300 kW, maximum torque of 858 Nm, allowing the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC achieves an average travel distance from 462 – 549 km according to the WLTP test. EQE SUV is equipped with a 400V lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 90.56 kWh.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
The most prominent electric SUV among the upcoming models in Vietnam is the EQS SUV. The car is distributed in a single version, EQS 500 4Matic with the AMG Line sports package, and is priced at 4.999 billion VND.
As the most luxurious model with the “S” character in its name, EQS SUV is a car with a special and iconic significance, representing the highest level of technology and emotion of the EQ brand.
The exterior of EQS SUV also has many similarities with EQS, such as the extended grille and taillights. In addition to adding a third row of seats, the cabin of EQS SUV is almost identical to that of EQS. The car still has the MBUX Hyperscreen with a size of up to 56 inches.
Providing power for the Mercedes EQS 500 4MATIC SUV is 2 electric motors with a total power output of 443 horsepower and a total torque of 828 Nm, along with a 108.4 kWh battery and a 4-wheel drive system. Mercedes-Benz announces that the fast charging time of EQS SUV 500 4Matic is 31 minutes from 10% to 80%. The car has a maximum range of 616 km.
TH (Tuoitrethudo)
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