The Green Revolution: Unveiling the Upcoming Wave of Eco-Friendly Vehicles in Vietnam, with a Focus on Chinese Auto Imports

From now until the end of the year, Vietnam’s automotive market is set to buzz with the arrival of a slew of new electric vehicles, ranging from affordable options to luxurious SUVs.

Here are some of the electric vehicles that are gearing up to enter the Vietnamese market:

Porsche Macan EV

Recently, the official website of Porsche in Vietnam unexpectedly updated detailed information about the second-generation Macan, the all-electric version. According to the website, this all-electric SUV will be distributed in Vietnam in two variants: the Macan 4 Electric and the Macan Turbo Electric, with starting prices of VND 4.18 billion and VND 6.77 billion, respectively.

Porsche dealers have started taking orders for this model and promise delivery within a year from the time of order placement.

The Porsche Macan EV was globally launched in early 2024. It is the first model in the German automaker’s lineup to undergo a transition from internal combustion engines to a fully electric powertrain.

In terms of design, the 2024 Macan EV doesn’t stray too far from the rest of Porsche’s lineup. However, it utilizes the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, shared with the similarly-sized Audi Q6 e-Tron, resulting in some enhancements.

Compared to the internal combustion engine-powered Macan, the Porsche Macan EV 2024 is 58 mm longer, 76.2 mm taller, and 224 mm wider.

The Macan EV features a sloping roofline akin to a coupe, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. It also sports retractable spoilers on the rear doors, which deploy at higher speeds. The large clamshell hood has been replaced with a more conventional hood with shut lines running from the top of the headlights to the base of the windshield, rather than along the edge of the front fenders.

With its increased dimensions, the Macan EV offers a more spacious interior, providing added comfort for passengers. Additionally, the cargo space has been expanded compared to the internal combustion engine variant.

The SUV is equipped with a 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster, a central display, and a co-driver display, all measuring 10.9 inches. Climate control functions can also be adjusted via a screen located in the center console.

Both variants of the Porsche Macan EV are powered by a pair of fixed-magnet synchronous motors with a single-speed gearbox on each axle. The front motor is supplied by Bosch, while the rear motor is manufactured by Porsche at its facility in Zuffenhausen, Germany.

The Macan EV boasts an all-wheel-drive system thanks to electric motors mounted on each axle. The integrated battery management system enables DC charging up to 270 kW, allowing the vehicle to charge from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes.

The Macan 4 delivers 408 horsepower with Overboost and 650 Nm of torque. It can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds with Launch Control and has a top speed of 220 km/h. Its energy consumption is rated at 17.9 – 21.1 kWh/100 km.

On the other hand, the Macan Turbo Electric boasts an impressive 639 horsepower with Overboost and 1,130 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 260 km/h.

Equipped with a 100 kWh battery pack, the Macan 4 Electric and Macan Turbo Electric offer maximum ranges of approximately 613 km and 591 km on a single charge, respectively.

The Macan Turbo is fitted with an upgraded torque vectoring system – PTV Plus, which allows the rear motor to act as a limited-slip differential.

Both variants feature a four-wheel steering system, allowing the rear wheels to turn up to 5 degrees in either direction, enhancing stability at high speeds and improving cornering at low speeds. Additionally, they come standard with air suspension.

Positioned in the D-segment SUV category, the Porsche Macan EV will directly compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW iX3, and iX4 in Vietnam.

Aion Y Plus

In June, two models, the Aion Y Plus and Aion ES, are scheduled to be launched in Vietnam. Both vehicles are currently on display at dealerships for customers to preview.

The Aion Y Plus boasts dimensions of 4,535 mm in length, 1,870 mm in width, and a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. These dimensions rival that of the VinFast VF 7, although the Aion Y Plus has a significantly shorter wheelbase.

Initially, the Y Plus will be offered in two variants: Elite and Premium.

Despite being positioned in the SUV segment, the Aion Y Plus bears a resemblance to an MPV in terms of exterior design. Notable features include vertically stacked LED daytime running lights, 17-inch wheels, and hidden door handles akin to those found on Lamborghini supercars.

In terms of interior, the vehicle offers a 5-seat configuration. Thanks to its long wheelbase and flat floor design, the Chinese-made SUV offers ample interior space. Legroom for rear passengers measures an impressive 1,022 mm, claimed to be the most generous in its class.

Both variants of the Aion Y Plus come equipped with a 10.25-inch screen behind the steering wheel, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, a 6-speaker audio system, 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat, and a panoramic sunroof. The higher-spec version adds auto-dimming mirrors, a center armrest, and power tailgate.

In the Thai market, the Aion Y Plus high-spec variant is fitted with an electric motor that generates 204 horsepower and 225 Nm of torque. It utilizes a 68.3 kWh battery pack, delivering a range of approximately 550 km on a single charge, according to the NEDC standard. Meanwhile, the lower-spec variant employs a 63.2 kWh battery, offering a maximum range of 490 km.

The Aion Y Plus is equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and automated parking.

GAC Aion ES

Alongside the Aion Y Plus, GAC is also introducing the Aion ES, a C-segment sedan, to the Vietnamese market. With dimensions of 4,810 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, the Aion ES exudes a sporty and dynamic character.

The Aion ES features a sleek, coupe-like roofline and a simplified LED lighting design compared to the Aion Y Plus.

On the inside, the Aion ES offers a blend of analog dials with a small integrated screen, a small central touchscreen, a rotary gear selector, electronic parking brake, and automatic climate control.

Under the hood, the Aion ES is powered by an electric motor that generates 136 horsepower and 225 Nm of torque, enabling it to reach a top speed of 130 km/h. Its battery provides a range of over 440 km on a single charge.

In terms of safety, the ES is equipped with basic safety features but lacks the ADAS suite found in the Y Plus.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)