VinFast considers launching $20,000 VF 3 electric car as US dealers show interest
Vietnamese EV maker VinFast (VFS) may launch the cheapest EV in the US soon. VinFast showed off its VF 3 electric car to US dealers, which could launch at under $20,000.
VinFast is mulling adding a fifth electric model to its US offerings that could serve an important market.
The EV maker currently sells the VF e34, VF 5, VF 8, and VF 9, but new models are on the way. VinFast is preparing to launch the VF 6 and VF 7 in Vietnam ahead of global deliveries.
Its most recent addition – the VF 3. Although the electric minicar is specifically designed for Vietnam, it could find another home in the US, among other global markets.
VinFast unveiled the VF 3 in June, a compact but functional electric mini car. The mini SUV is only 10.2 feet long (3,114 mm) but can fit five people.
Although the vehicle is compact, it features plenty of ground clearance and is equipped with 16″ wheels.
VinFast is expected to begin selling the VF 3 sales in Vietnam next year. So, what about the US?
Is VinFast launching a $20,000 electric car in the US?
Representatives from the company told Automotive News that VinFast is considering adding the electric car to its US lineup. The VinFast VF 3 could start at around $20,000 as the cheapest EV in the states.
VinFast is shifting its strategy as it looks to sell models through US dealers. The EV maker has had several meetings already, with overall feedback coming back positive.
VinFast told AN, “We are discussing with a majority of large, well-established dealers across the US, following the positive responses from our dealers.” Adding “Further details will be announced in due course.”
Duke Hale, a VinFast advisor, explained with other A-segment vehicles like the Chevy Spark and Fiat 500 being discontinued, it could leave an opening for VinFast.
Potential VinFast dealers want the VF 3 to attract buyers looking for an affordable EV starting around $20,000.
Hale said the EV maker had two meetings with prospective dealers in the past month. VinFast even brought a life-sized foam model of the VF3 to show dealers.
The advisor said nearly all of the dealers (about 100 of them) wanted to see the VF 3 make its way to the US.
“They liked the whole lineup, but the VF 3, I would say, got an almost 100 percent response.” Hale explained in an interview, “They really liked the VF 3, and the reason is it’s probably sub-$20,000.”
Although pricing has yet to be revealed for the VF 3, VinFast’s larger VF 6 starts at roughly $26,000 in Vietnam.
VinFast revealed four EVs for its US lineup, including the VF 6, VF 7, VF 8, and three-row VF 9. It also broke ground on its first US EV plant in July. But, a $20,000 electric car would offer something unique and in demand.
Electrek’s Take
Although the US market is known for its large trucks and SUVs, there’s a growing segment of buyers looking for smaller, more efficient vehicles.
In this segment, price is generally a big concern (in addition to efficiency). At $20,000, the VF 3 could offer “something no other automaker can likely touch,” according to Hale.
The VF 3 could also qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit through leasing, potentially bringing prices as low as $12,500 for shoppers.
VinFast is struggling to gain traction in the US market, with EV leader Tesla slashing prices all year, forcing other automakers to follow. When asked why US dealers would want an electric minicar, Haley pointed to being a “price leader” and attracting younger buyers.
The company has already lowered prices to compete, but without an established brand, the road ahead could be even more challenging.
A $20,000 electric car would be the perfect addition to VinFast’s US portfolio. The brand could establish itself in a segment poised to keep growing.
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Believe it or not, you can lease an EV for under $200 a month. New deals on models like the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 are hard to pass up this month.
Electric vehicles have been all over the news lately, with the Trump administration threatening to end federal incentives and introducing new tariffs that are expected to lead to higher prices.
On the positive side, new EV models are arriving, giving buyers more options and driving prices down. Many automakers reported record US electric car sales in the first three months of 2024.
GM remained the number two seller of EVs behind Tesla after sales doubled in Q1 2025. With the new Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado EVs rolling out, Chevy is now the fastest-growing EV brand in the US. Ford’s Mustang Mach-E is off to its best sales start since launching, with over 11,600 models sold in the first quarter.
With the 2025 models rolling out and about 15 new EVs arriving this year, many automakers are introducing steep discounts to move vehicles off the lot.
EVs for lease for under $200 a month in April
Although the decade-old Nissan LEAF remains one of the most affordable this April at just $149 per month, there are a few EVs under $200 right now that are worth taking a look at.
The new 2025 Hyundai IONIQ might be the best EV deal this month, with leases as low as $199. Hyundai is currently promoting a 24-month lease deal with $3,999 due at signing.
Hyundai upgraded the electric SUV with a bigger battery for more range (now up to 318 miles), a sleek new look inside and out, and it now comes with an NACS port so you can charge it at Tesla Superchargers.
The offer is for the IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range, which has a driving range of up to 245 miles. For just $229 a month, you can snag the SE RWD model, which has a range of up to 318 miles and a more powerful (225 horsepower) electric motor. It’s also a 24-month lease with $3,999 due at signing.
To sweeten the deal, Hyundai is offering a free ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 EV charger with the purchase or lease of any 2024 or 2025 IONIQ 5. If you already have one, you can opt for a $400 public charging credit.
After slashing lease prices this month, the 2025 Nissan Ariya is actually cheaper than the LEAF in some regions. In Southern California, the 2025 Nissan Ariya Evolve AWD is listed at just $129 per month. The AWD model has a range of up to 272 miles.
The deal is for 36 months, with $4,409 due at signing. In April, Nissan cut Ariya lease prices to around $239 in most other parts of the country.
Kia has a few EVs available to lease for under $200 a month in April. The 2025 Kia Niro EV Wind is listed at just $129 for 24 months, with $3,999 due at signing. Kia’s crossover SUV has EPA-estimated range of 253 miles.
The 2024 EV6 may be worth considering at just $179 for 24 months ($3,999 due at signing). In California, the EV6 Light Long Range RWD is only slightly more than the Niro Wind.
In most other parts of the country, you can still find the EV6 for under $200 a month. The Light Long Range RWD trim offers up to 310 miles of EPA-estimated range.
| Lease Price | Term (months) |
Amount Due at Signing | Driving Range | |
| 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range | $199 | 24 | $3,999 | 245 miles |
| 2024 Kia EV6 Light Long Rang RWD | $179 | 24 | $3,999 | 310 miles |
| 2024 Kia Niro EV Wind | $129 | 24 | $3,999 | 253 miles |
| 2025 Nissan Ariya Evolve AWD | $129 | 36 | $4,409 | 272 miles |
| 2025 Nissan LEAF S FWD | $149 | 36 | $2,629 | 149 miles |
| 2024 Fiat 500 INSPI(RED) | $199 | 24 | $2,999 | 149 miles |
And don’t forget the 2024 Fiat 500e, which is now listed at just $199 for 24 months with $2,999 due at signing. The electric hatchback offers a range of up to 149 miles.
If you are looking to spend a little more, check out our list of EVs you can lease for under $300 a month.
Ready to snag the savings while they are still here? At under $200 a month, some of these EV lease deals are hard to pass up right now. Check out our links below to find deals in your area.
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![The US’s first solar panels over canals pilot is now online [video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Project-Nexus-solar-canal.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Project Nexus, the first solar panel canopies over irrigation canals in the US, is now online in California, and there are plans to expand the project to other areas.
Project Nexus is a $20 million pilot in central California’s Turlock Irrigation District launched in October 2022. The project team is exploring solar over canal design, deployment, and co-benefits using canal infrastructure and the electrical grid.
India already has solar panels over canals, but Project Nexus is the first of its kind in the US.
The Turlock Irrigation District was the first irrigation district formed in California in 1887. It provides irrigation water to 4,700 growers who farm around 150,000 acres in the San Joaquin Valley.
Project Nexus will explore whether the solar panels reduce water evaporation as a result of midday shade and wind mitigation, create improvements to water quality through reduced vegetative growth, reduce canal maintenance as a result of reduced vegetative growth, and, of course, generate renewable electricity.
The California Department of Water Resources, utility company Turlock Irrigation District, Marin County, California-based water and energy project developer Solar AquaGrid, and The University of California, Merced, are partnering on the pilot. Project Nexus originated from a 2021 research project led by UC Merced alumna and project scientist Brandi McKuin.
Solar panels were installed at two sites over both wide- and narrow-span sections of Turlock Irrigation District canals in Stanislaus County, in various orientations. The sections range from 20 feet wide to 100 feet wide. University of California, Merced has positioned research equipment at both sites to collect baseline data so the researchers can decide where solar will work and where it won’t.
In February 2023, Project Nexus announced it would also deploy long-term iron flow battery storage in the form of two ESS 75kW turnkey “Energy Warehouse” batteries.
You can learn more about Project Nexus here:
Read more: In a US first, California will pilot solar-panel canopies over canals
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