Ever wondered how Southeast Asia’s bustling markets can take your business to the next level? As a consultant with over two decades of experience in the FDI landscape of dynamic markets like Vietnam, China and Malaysia, I’ve seen firsthand how strategic insight can turn challenges into opportunities. Today I want to focus on a true […]
Vietnam's market is expected to receive a number of new electric car models in 2022 from VinFast, Kia and Mercedes-Benz.
Vietnam's electric vehicle market is promised to be more exciting in 2022 as from March 1, the first registration fee for battery electric cars will be 0%. Meanwhile, the excise tax on battery electric cars with less than 9 seats will be reduced from 15% to 3%. With these policies, electric car prices will drop significantly.
At the same time, Vietnamese consumers are expected to have more electric car options this year with some SUV and sedan models from VinFast, Kia and Mercedes-Benz.
VinFast VF 8 and VF 9
After VF e34, VF 8 and VF 9 - formerly known as VF e35 and VF e36 - are the next two electric car models that VinFast receives orders in Vietnam and is expected to deliver those cars in 2022.
When not including the cost of battery subscription, VinFast VF 8 has a starting price of 1.057 billion to 1.237 billion VND. The price of VF 9 is 1.443 billion to 1.572 billion VND.
VinFast positions VF 8 in the D-class SUV/crossover group, the segment of Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Fortuner or Ford Everest. However, the VF 8 has 5 seats instead of 7 seats like the above models.
VF 9 belongs to the large SUV group of models such as Ford Explorer, Volkswagen Teramont or Hyundai Palisade.
VinFast VF 8 and VF 9 both use electric motors with a capacity of 402 horsepower, 640 Nm of torque and AWD drive system. The operating distance of the VF 8 on a full charge is 460 km or 510 km depending on the version, that of the VF 9 is 485 km or 680 km.
In addition, these two models are also equipped with intelligent services, a package of safety features and driver assistance with a monthly battery subscription policy.
Kia EV6
According to Thaco (Kia assembler and distributor in Vietnam), the Kia EV6 electric crossover will be sold from the second quarter of 2022. Specific pricing and configuration have not been announced.
As the first Kia model to use an all-electric motor, the EV6 is introduced globally in March 2021. The car has a length x width x height of 4,695 x 1,890 x 1,550 mm, respectively, with a wheelbase of 2,900 mm. This parameter is not much different from VinFast VF 8 model.
In the international market, depending on the version, the electric motor on the Kia EV6 produces 168 - 577 horsepower and 350 - 605 Nm of torque. The vehicle is equipped with rear-wheel drive or AWD and has a travel distance of 510 km per full charge with a 77.4 kWh battery pack.
Kia EV6 has many advanced amenities and safety features such as Meridian speaker system, Nappa leather seats, interior lights, head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality support, intelligent driver assistance package, etc. In the UK, the car costs about 56,500 - 71,700 USD.
Mercedes-Benz EQS and EQB
In the online event taking place at the end of November 2021, Mercedes-Benz introduced a large pure electric sedan EQS, and said that this model will be sold in Vietnam.
At the same time, EQS also appears on the Mercedes product catalog in Vietnam, with 2 versions: 450+ and 580 4MATIC.
In particular, the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ has an electric motor in the rear axle, capacity of 329 horsepower and torque of 568 Nm. EQS 580 4MATIC uses 2 electric motors, capacity of 516 horsepower, torque of 855 Nm. Depending on the version, the EQS can go 640 - 785 km per full charge.
In ASEAN, Thailand is home to the Mercedes-Benz EQS production and assembly plant. It is possible that the EQS sold in Vietnam will be imported from this country.
Besides EQS, the official website of Mercedes-Benz Vietnam also has information about EQB, an all-electric 7-seater SUV. However, the list of versions and configurations has not been published.
Mercedes-Benz EQB was launched at the 2021 Shanghai Motor Show with 2 versions, namely EQB 300 and EQB 350. The car has a wheelbase of 2,829 mm, equivalent to the GLB model.
In particular, the highest version of EQB 350 is equipped with 2 electric motors with a total capacity of 288 horsepower, full-time 4-wheel drive and 300 km operating distance per full charge.
Source : Zingnews
