VinFast VF 3 Launched In Philippines, 1st Market To Receive It After Vietnam

Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News!

The VF 3 lined up at the launch event the the ASEANA Business Park in Paranaque City, Manila. (Photo from VinFast Media Group)

VinFast has launched its highly anticipated VF 3 in the Philippines, making it the first international market to receive the compact urban electric car outside of Vietnam. This launch is seen as a key step in expanding VinFast’s presence in Southeast Asia, a region poised to embrace the shift towards sustainable mobility.

“We are excited to launch the VF 3, which has been very successful in Vietnam, to the Philippine market. We believe this vehicle will bring a breath of fresh air to the Philippine automotive market and continue VinFast’s success story,” Cao Ngoc Nguyen Duy, CEO of VinFast Philippines, said in a press statement.

The VF 3, which has garnered significant attention in Vietnam, will bring its unique two-door design, square yet stylish aesthetic, and robust features to the Philippines. In Vietnam, VinFast received nearly 28,000 pre-orders within just 66 hours of opening sales in May 2024, an indication of the strong demand for this vehicle. Initial deliveries in Vietnam started last August, and VinFast aims to deliver at least 20,000 units by the end of the year.

To meet the initial signups for the car and ensure the VF 3 arrives on time for the Philippine launch, VinFast opted for a special air cargo shipment of the first batch. This move underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the region and its ambition to bring sustainable urban mobility solutions to the global market.

The Philippines was the choice for the Southeast Asian launch primarily because it is a left-hand drive market. Insiders at VinFast told CleanTechnica that the vehicle will also be launched in the Middle East after and in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand as soon as the right-hand drive versions are completed.

That won’t take long, according to our insider. The research and development process allows the almost simultaneous development of both versions. However, production for the right-hand drive models will need to be done in Thailand where VinFast is setting up a manufacturing facility. Indonesia is where the Vietnamese EV maker has set up a battery factory.

From September 19 to 30, 2024, early customers who reserve their VF 3 will enjoy an array of attractive incentives and privileges, including a special P605,000 (~$11,000) option with VinFast’s battery subscription service or the same for P705,000 pesos (~$12,800) with the battery included. These prices will revert to the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of P645,000 (~$11,700 USD) and P745,000 (~$13,500 USD) respectively after the pre-order period.

Early buyers can also choose from nine striking exterior paint colors, including four base colors and five premium options, at no extra cost. After the pre-order period, premium colors will incur an additional charge of P20,000 pesos (~$360).

And from September 19 until the end of the month, early customers can personalize their VF 3 with a custom paint color beyond the nine standard options for just P40,000 (~$730). This exclusive privilege will not be offered again for the VF 3.

Comparatively, in Vietnam, the vehicle starts at 240 million VND (around $9,505) with a battery subscription model or 322 million VND (~$12,752) for full ownership. The battery subscription plans range from 900,000 VND (about $35.6) per month for up to 1,500 km to 2,000,000 VND (around $79.2) for over 2,500 km. The VF 3 comes with a 7-year/160,000 km warranty, and the battery is covered by an 8-year unlimited-kilometer warranty.

Filipinos can place a refundable deposit of P5,000 (~$90) through the official VinFast website or at authorized dealerships.

The VF 3, described as a “dynamic mini-eSUV,” stands out with its bold design and practical dimensions. Measuring 3,190 mm in length, 1,679 mm in width, and 1,652 mm in height, the VF 3 comfortably accommodates four passengers while maintaining a sleek and compact profile. The vehicle’s 2,075-mm wheelbase and 16-inch alloy wheels, combined with 191 mm of ground clearance, ensure a smooth ride on a variety of road conditions.

Performance-wise, the VF 3 is powered by a 30kW electric motor, delivering 110 Nm of torque to the rear wheels. With a battery range of up to 215 km and the capability for quick charging — replenishing from 10 percent to 70 percent in just 36 minutes — the VF 3 is designed to meet the needs of urban drivers. Its 0–50 km/h acceleration in 5.3 seconds adds a touch of excitement to the daily commute.

Despite its compact size, the VF 3 doesn’t compromise on features. Inside, drivers will find a 10-inch touchscreen and a steering-wheel-mounted gear shifter, providing a modern and intuitive driving experience. Safety features, including a driver airbag, ABS, emergency braking, and hill start assist, offer peace of mind for city driving.