VinFast Feliz S stands out in terms of cost-efficiency. However, the transition from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles requires adaptation, and the Vietnamese manufacturer needs to pay more attention to this aspect.
Let’s start with the price of this Vietnamese-made electric scooter, VinFast Feliz S. The model is listed at 29.9 million VND, excluding the battery. If you don’t want to purchase the battery, which costs around 20 million VND, you have the option to rent it instead.
With this in mind, the overall cost of VinFast Feliz S will be around 30 million VND. This places it in the affordable price segment, comparable to competitors such as Honda Vision or Yamaha Janus Freego.
Compared to other electric scooter models on the market, VinFast Feliz S is positioned in the higher price range. However, the reputable Vietnamese origin, extensive dealer network, and attractive after-sales policy compensate for this, making the price of Feliz S reasonable.
By switching to VinFast Feliz S, consumers no longer need to worry about the unpredictability of gasoline prices. This advantage not only applies to Feliz or VinFast but to all electric scooter models in general.
According to Hoang Vu, a VinFast Feliz S owner, it only takes 3.5 kW of electricity to fully charge the scooter’s battery. The corresponding cost is approximately less than 10,000 VND, which is only a fraction of what you would spend on filling up a regular gas-powered scooter.
With a fully charged battery, VinFast Feliz S can travel approximately 160-170 km, depending on the driving style. If the scooter carries two passengers, the range decreases to around 120-130 km on mixed roads.
On average, a fully charged VinFast Feliz S has the capacity to run about 140 km. This means that if the scooter owner’s daily travel demand is around 20 km (commuting in the city, picking up children, going to the market, shopping, coffee dates, etc.), Feliz S only needs to be charged once a week – for about 4-5 hours, equivalent to overnight charging.
Therefore, on average, users with a daily travel demand of 20 km will only need to charge their scooters 4-5 times a month, costing them less than 50,000 VND. Clearly, this is much cheaper than the operating cost of an equivalent gas-powered scooter.
The monthly cost of renting a battery is nearly 190,000 VND, while the unlimited mileage package costs 350,000 VND per month. The attractive aspect of the battery rental policy is that consumers don’t have to worry about battery-related issues, such as failure or depletion, that are significant concerns when purchasing an electric scooter.
On the flip side, electric scooter users don’t have to change oil or regularly maintain their scooters like gas-powered ones. The cost of maintaining an electric scooter averages around 150,000 VND per service, which can be considered a reasonable offset for the regular maintenance and oil change cost of a gas scooter.
In terms of design and features, VinFast Feliz S surpasses its competitors and is on par with regular gas scooters.
In terms of design, VinFast Feliz S is an upgraded version of the first-generation Feliz model, which used lead-acid batteries. Apart from the 3.5 kWh LFP battery, the scooter has undergone minimal changes in terms of design, with the addition of an “S” logo.
Another notable difference is that the LFP battery pack is placed under the scooter’s floor, freeing up space in the trunk. The larger trunk can now comfortably fit two half-face helmets and other items.
In terms of durability and reliability, VinFast has been in the market for almost 5 years, offering a wide range of products that have gained global recognition. This is a testament to the brand’s commitment to providing a strong response to consumers.
When it comes to electric scooters, most models from VinFast’s portfolio, such as Klara and Theon S, have been thoroughly tested. VinFast prioritizes reputable suppliers with a long-standing track record. It also gives priority to domestic suppliers to reduce product costs and support domestic manufacturers. As a result, the quality of components and accessories that make up the complete scooter is optimal in terms of both quality and cost.
This sets VinFast electric scooters apart from low-quality and cheap models from obscure “foreign brands” across the border. Once again, it confirms that the price difference between Feliz S and its competitors is completely justifiable.
However, there are areas for improvement in terms of the riding experience. One design flaw of Feliz S is the short rear mudguard and the large gap between the wheel and the bottom of the trunk. This makes rear passengers more prone to getting dirty with mud and dirt, especially when traveling in wet weather conditions.
Additionally, VinFast Feliz S is equipped with a firm suspension system, which can be uncomfortable for the rider when going over rough roads or speed bumps. However, Feliz S, like other electric scooter models, doesn’t have the vibrations generated by a gas engine, which can cause fatigue over extended periods of use.
Unlike cheap and low-quality electric scooters, VinFast Feliz S doesn’t suffer from the problem of uncontrolled acceleration or sudden jerks when accelerating. Although the acceleration is smooth, the throttle has a relatively large range. If quick acceleration is desired, the rider will need to twist the throttle deeper.
In Eco mode, the scooter limits the speed to below 40 km/h to ensure battery life. In Sport mode, Feliz S can reach a top speed of 80 km/h. Regardless of the mode of operation, the scooter operates smoothly and quietly, without the noise typical of gas-powered scooters. After a period of use, the noise of a gas scooter tends to be much louder compared to a new scooter.
Weighing about 110 kg, VinFast Feliz S offers riders confident control with a relaxed and flexible riding style, allowing for easy maneuvering through the city without feeling heavy or cumbersome. The riding position and the rear seat are comparable to most regular scooters, with no noticeable difference.
Each VinFast Feliz S comes equipped with an e-Sim for easy vehicle management through a smartphone app. However, real-world experience shows that the e-Sim connection on the scooter is often interrupted, leading to an unreliable connection.
In conclusion, VinFast Feliz S is a high-quality product with a reputable brand, reasonable price, and low operating costs compared to the general market. However, to provide users with a complete experience, the Vietnamese manufacturer still has room for improvement with this mid-range electric scooter.
Top 5 Family Cars Under 1 Billion Dong Worth Buying Now
Cars priced below one billion dong are often considered by many Vietnamese consumers when purchasing a family car, especially for young families with a decent average income.
[CAR REVIEW] Wuling Mini EV: Affordable, Compact, Convenient, but…
Even though it is only sold in its home country, China, the Wuling Mini EV has quickly surpassed the Tesla Model 3 to become the world’s best-selling electric car thanks to its affordable price and compact size. Expected to be available from late June 2023, will this model be successful in Vietnam?
Quick review of the MG5: A sporty everyday car
Having numerous advantages, yet the MG5 certainly has its fair share of reasons that make users hesitate when they want to “make a decision.” Can this car model maintain a strong position among formidable competitors such as the K3, Mazda3, Altis, Civic, U5…?
Vinfast Feliz S 2022: The Next Generation “National” Electric Car, a Comparison with Honda Vision?
Vinfast Feliz S 2022 has made its official debut with significant improvements in performance. With a range of nearly 200km per full charge, the Feliz S is the perfect choice to replace gasoline motorcycles in urban environments in Vietnam.
User reviews of the Kawasaki W175 SE after 2 months of ownership
With its 177cc engine, sleek and classic design, and affordable price, the Kawasaki W175 SE is a compelling choice for newcomers to the world of big bikes. The biggest hurdle for users, however, is the requirement of an A2 license.
