Vinfast Wants To Sell The Cheapest EV In America At Under $20,000

Vinfast is considering adding a small EV to its lineup in the U.S., which could cost under $20,000. The Vietnamese automaker is struggling to gain a foothold in the U.S. with models like the Vinfast VF8, but the upcoming VF3 could be sold in America to appeal to those looking for an affordable EV, according to Automotive News.

Vinfast calls the VF3 a “mini electric car” that’s slated for production soon, with orders already open and deliveries planned for late 2024 in the automaker’s native market. The VF3 was designed for Vietnam: it’s a ten-foot, two door EV that Vinfast claims will comfortably fit up to five adults. Take that with a grain of salt since Vietnamese and American automakers have distinct definitions of the term “can comfortably fit.” Chalk it up to cultural differences.

The details of the Vinfast VF3 are unclear. We know the car will be 10 feet long and will come with 16-inch wheels, but range and output figures are unknown. Vinfast’s other (bigger) EV models have ranges starting at about 187 miles and up to 249 miles, but given the small size of the VF3, which would be even tinier than the Fiat 500, the upcoming EV will likely have decreased range.

That may not be such a terrible compromise at a price point below $20,000, which has been elusive for automakers in the U.S. despite promises of EVs becoming cheaper as the tech matured. Auto News cites Vinfast representatives who say that the VF3 may even qualify for federal tax credits under an unclearly defined leasing rule. If so, the VF3 would cost around $12,500.