VinFast has introduced its updated VF 8 electric SUV in the Philippines, pricing the five-seater from P1.55 million with a battery subscription or P1.79 million with the battery included.
The Philippines is the first international market to get the refreshed VF 8, with customer deliveries expected to begin this November.
The latest model gets more than a cosmetic makeover. VinFast has revised its design, chassis, electronic architecture and vehicle systems, promising improvements in ride comfort, handling and responsiveness.
Under the hood, or rather beneath the floor, is a 170-kilowatt electric motor delivering 330 Newton-meters of torque. Drivers can choose among Eco, Normal and Sport modes, depending on whether efficiency or quicker responses take priority.
Its 60.13-kilowatt-hour battery is rated for a driving range of up to 480 kilometers under the New European Driving Cycle standard. Charging from 10 percent to 70 percent takes less than 30 minutes, according to the company.
The cabin gets a 12.9-inch central infotainment screen, a separate driver information display and a steering-column-mounted gear selector. The SUV also rides on 19-inch wheels and offers 170 millimeters of ground clearance.
VinFast backs the VF 8 with a seven-year or 160,000-kilometer vehicle warranty. Its high-voltage battery gets longer coverage of 10 years or 200,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.
VinFast Philippines chief executive Antonio “Toti” Zara III said the launch underscores the company’s investment in product development and its commitment to the local market.
The company is also expanding dealerships, aftersales support and charging infrastructure with V-Green and local partners as it seeks to make electric vehicle ownership more practical.
VinFast has yet to disclose the battery subscription fees, leaving buyers without a full picture of the long-term cost difference between the two pricing options.
