Batteries not included: China EV makers struggle to break VinFast’s dominance in Vietnam

[HO CHI MINH CITY] With Vietnam’s passenger electric vehicle (EV) sales more than doubling last year, competition is fierce.

Home-grown hero VinFast, which commands the lion’s share of the domestic market, is being challenged by Chinese EV makers looking to replicate their success in other parts of the region.

To defend its turf, VinFast launched an affordable mass-market model VF 3 at 235 million dong (S$12,512) for the non-battery version, priced at four to five times the cost of the country’s ubiquitous motorcycles. Customers choosing to purchase the car without a battery can opt for VinFast’s flexible battery subscription plan, which offers three tiers of recurring monthly costs tailored to driving needs.