LA MOTOR SHOW: Two new VinFast EVs emerge

Aspiring Vietnamese electric car-maker VinFast has made its international debut at the Los Angeles motor show, revealing its all-new 2022 VinFast VF e35 mid-size SUV and VF e36 large SUV.

The decision to launch in LA was a tactical one, with the brand saying it “established South-East Asia as a beacon on the global automotive map” as the company now looks to gain a foothold in the North American and European markets.

Styled by Pininfarina and developed at least partly in Australia, North American pre-orders for the VF e35 and VF e36 are due to open in the first half of next year ahead of first customer deliveries starting in the final quarter.

Both SUVs are aimed at global markets, while domestic sales in the duo’s home market are expected to commence next month.

There’s no word yet on an Australian introduction, despite previous comments that our market was still considered a “strategic” one when VinFast pulled the pin on its local R&D operations in August.

Ditto for the VinFast VF e34 small SUV that was launched in Vietnam earlier this year.

Riding on VinFast’s bespoke EV platform, the VF e35 and VF e36 will come as standard with advanced driver assist tech including lane assist, collision warning, driver monitoring, fully automated parking, ‘summon vehicle’, advanced ‘smart infotainment’, voice assistant, virtual assistant and e-commerce services, among others.

Drawing its power from a 90kWh lithium-ion battery, the VF e35 will be available in both single- and dual-motor configurations with respective outputs of 150kW/320Nm and 300kW/640Nm.

The larger VF e36 has the same dual-motor options but employs a bigger 106kWh battery, which VinFast claims enables a 550km maximum driving range – up 50km on the e35.

Both models have been designed with aerodynamics in mind, with plenty of air-channelling lines and creases to be found from almost every angle.

VinFast Global CEO Michael Lohscheller said the brand was “deeply motivated” to inspire its customers “to be bold” and join the EV revolution.

“VinFast believes that the future of mobility will be one of smart electric cars that are highly personalised and integrated with technologies that benefit life and our environment,” he said.

“These vehicles will do so while meeting safety standards and delivering superior and comfortable driving experiences.”