- The first 9 examples of the Vinfast VF 9 have been delivered
- Vinfast said deliveries of the VF 9 are now underway across its distribution network
- The Vinfast VF 9 costs $69,800
Vinfast on Monday delivered the first handful of its VF 9 three-row electric SUVs to U.S. customers.
The company held a small event at its Los Angeles headquarters in which the first nine vehicles were handed over to their owners. But in addition to this small ceremonial group, deliveries are now underway to reservation holders across Vinfast’s distribution network of 36 dealerships and 15 company-owned retail stores in California, Vinfast spokesperson Jeff Holland told Green Car Reports.
Vinfast VF 9
The VF 9 was EPA-rated and approved for U.S. sale in 2023, even before deliveries of the two-row VF 8 had picked up. Those EPA ratings—330 miles for the base Eco model and 291 miles for the Plus version—still hold, but prices have come down from what Vinfast quoted in 2023, bringing the VF 9 closer to the Kia EV9 while offering a bit more range.
After scrapping a unique model revolving around a battery subscription, Vinfast in 2022 raised starting prices to $83,000 for the Eco model and $91,000 for the Plus. Now the company is listing base prices of $69,800 for the Eco and $73,800 for the Plus. It’s also offering the first 100 customers a lower lease rate of $529 per month and a down payment of $2,000 on the Plus, which it claims represents a $3,500 discount. Initial deliveries are of the Plus, with the Eco following “later this year,” according to Vinfast.
VinFast VF 9 Prototype
The VF 9 has dual motor all-wheel drive and an output of 402 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, which will get the Eco version from 0-60 mph in a claimed 6.6 seconds (the Plus version takes 0.1 second longer). The company also claims its 123-kwh battery pack can be recharged from 10% to 70% in 35 minutes.
Vinfast has gotten off to a rocky start in the U.S. A first drive of the VF 8 last year led us to warn that it simply didn’t feel ready yet. And even after the addition of franchised dealerships in addition to its company-owned stores to move product more quickly, the company earlier this year was falling behind on sales targets. In July, Vinfast also delayed a planned North Carolina factory, saying it would open in 2028, rather than the previous target of 2025.