-If you’re in Canada, now is the ideal time to consider an EV thanks to significant government incentives. But with so many choices, which EV is right for you?
“Google Maps still showed half the site as under the South China Sea.”Post this
The VF 8 from VinFast, Vietnam’s first domestic automaker, is a compelling contender. Being VinFast’s first international offering, the VF 8 represents a symbol of national pride, a testament to the nation’s remarkable progress as it emerges as a player on the global automotive stage.
Recent reviews suggest the VF 8, with its practical features and commitment to sustainability, has the potential to be a head-turning electric vehicle (EV) in Canada’s green transition.
A Practical and Appealing EV
VinFast has taken the automotive world by storm with its ambitious commitment to electric vehicles. Established in 2017, the company’s rapid progress is epitomized by its state-of-the-art factory, built in a mere 21 months on what was once coastal swampland.
That remarkable feat even caught the attention of Time Magazine, which featured VinFast in its 2024 list of 100 Most Influential Companies, noting how, during their visit, “Google Maps still showed half the site as under the South China Sea.” Unsurprisingly, VinFast began delivering the VF 8 to North American customers in March 2023, just over a year after committing to an all-electric future.
The VF 8 initially received mixed reviews, but VinFast listened to customer feedback. More recent reviews suggest the VF 8 is now a decent and practical choice for those looking to switch from internal combustion engines (ICEs) to EVs.
The model’s design strikes a balance between familiarity and innovation, with a size and shape reminiscent of popular midsize SUVs in Canada, while incorporating signature LED lighting and distinctive V emblems that set it apart.
VinFast offers the VF 8 in two trims. The Plus version, with its 300 kW power upgrade, delivers an impressive 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and 87.7 kWh usable battery pack promise an EPA-rated range of up to 425 km on the Eco version.
The interior is spacious and comfortable, with high-quality materials and optional upgrades like heated and ventilated leatherette seats, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting.
Features are plentiful, centered around a 15.6-inch high-definition touchscreen and a minimalist aesthetic. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and other amenities enhance the driving experience.
Safety As A Priority, With A Warranty To Match
The VF 8 boasts a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features. Multiple car owners have praised the highway driving assistance tech due to it making the VF 8 a comfortable and capable road trip car.
Charging is efficient, with VinFast claiming a 10% to 70% charge in 31 minutes. This makes road trips with 3-hour drives and 30-40 minute charging breaks feasible.
VinFast further solidifies its commitment to quality with an industry-leading 10-year/200,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery and drivetrain. The VF 8’s safety accolades, including multiple awards at the ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards, further underscore VinFast’s dedication to safety.
Associate Professor Dr. Dam Hoang Phuc, Director of the Automotive Technical Training Program at Vietnam-based Hanoi University of Science and Technology, commends the effectiveness of the VF 8’s safety technologies:
“Electric cars inherently have a safety advantage over gasoline cars due to lower latency, which translates to quicker and more adaptable responses from the safety features,” said the Associate Professor. “This is a significant advantage for the VF 8 in particular, and VinFast electric vehicles in general.”
Incentives Further Sweeten the Deal
Government incentives are helping to drive EV adoption in Canada. According to a recent report by S&P Global, provincial incentives offering up to CA$7,000 for BEVs, have significantly boosted EV sales.
These incentives, along with the federal iZEV program offering rebates of up to CA$5,000, have contributed to a 57% increase in BEV registrations in Canada in the first four months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
With these kinds of incentives, the VF 8’s affordability, lower operating costs compared to gasoline cars, and comprehensive features make it an even more attractive choice for those embracing green mobility in Canada.
