Hanoi-based carmaker VinFast has revealed a battery subscription policy for its electric SUV series VF 8 and VF 9 to be sold in the US, saying it aims to help customers “transition to electric vehicles easier.”
During the New York International Auto Show, which ended on April 24, the automaker introduced its battery subscription prices for two electric SUVs to be sold in the US.
The VF 8 and VF 9 are expected to be available in the US in the second half of this year, while customers will be offered two subscription plans – the flexible and fixed packages, VinFast said in a press release.
The two are 5- and 7-passenger models respectively.
“The flexible plan is designed for customers who travel infrequently, with a monthly battery subscription fee of US$35 for VF 8 and US$44 for VF 9. This is a monthly fee for 310 miles of travel,” it said.
“From the 311st mile, the battery subscription fee per mile is about US$0.11 for VF 8 and US$0.15 for VF 9,” it added.
“Rates for the monthly fixed subscription, which allows unlimited range, are US$110 for the VF 8 and US$160.00 for the VF 9,” it said. “Customers who make a reservation and deposit for the VF 8 and VF 9 in 2022 with the fixed subscription plan will be offered the same lifetime subscription fee.”
“By separating the price of the battery from the acquisition value of the automobile, VinFast takes on all the risks related to the vehicle’s battery and ensures a reasonable price for its products, while providing customers with peace of mind about the battery’s quality during use,” it said.
It is not clear whether the scheme would make the whole process more confusing for EV buyers, especially if they are in a region where it is difficult to trade in a battery, TechCrunch questioned. The scheme is made potentially more complicated because VinFast says that by the end of 2023, 50% of the battery will be for rent while the rest is for sale along with the purchase of the car, the report said.
Founded in 2017, VinFast, the automotive arm of Vietnam’s biggest conglomerate Vingroup, plans to build a US$2 billion EV and battery plant in North Carolina, Forbes reported.
The plant, covering an area of 800-hectares, will be responsible for electric cars and buses production and assembly, EV batteries production and ancillary industries for suppliers, VinFast said in a statement last month.
Keyword: Vietnam's VinFast unveils battery subscription scheme for US market