VinFast launches its cheapest VF3 EV overseas to take on low-cost Chinese EV makers
A new low-cost electric car is rolling out to global markets, and it’s not from China. Vietnam’s VinFast officially launched its most affordable EV, the VF 3, overseas as it expands its presence in the Philippines.
After unveiling the VF 3 in January, VinFast’s mini electric SUV instantly became a hit in its home market and across the internet.
With a compact but still rugged (almost mini Ford Bronco-like) design, the VF 3 is aimed at “young drivers who value practicality alongside personality,” according to Ms. Tran Mai Hoa, VinFast’s Deputy CEO of Sales and Marketing.
In May, VinFast opened VF 3 pre-orders in its home market with a special introductory price of 235 million VND, or around $9,248.
The promo price was for the battery subscription model. For the battery included, VinFast’s VF 3 was available for 315 million VND, or around $12,390, for those who placed deposits between May 13 and May 15.
Within 66 hours, VinFast secured 27,649 pre-orders, a new record in Vietnam. The company said its mini electric SUV became a “social media phenomenon” in Vietnam, topping trend rankings with the most online discussions.
VinFast began VF 3 shipments last month, with prices starting at 322 million VND ($12,800). The company said it aimed to deliver at least 20,000 models this year.
VinFast VF launches overseas in the Philippines
On Tuesday, VinFast officially launched the VF 3 in the Philippines. Those who reserve the VF 3 from September 19 through September 30 will get special pricing and other incentives.
The special promo price is 605,000 pesos ($32,000) for the battery subscription model and 705,000 pesos ($36,900) for the battery included.
After this month, prices will go up to 645,000 pesos ($33,800) for the subscription and 745,000 pesos ($39,000) with the battery included.
Those who opt for the battery subscription can choose from various monthly plans based on how much they travel.
| Monthly Travel Distance | Monthly Battery Subscription Fee |
| < 1,500 km | 2,800 pesos ($146) |
| 1,500–2,500 km | 3,800 pesos ($200) |
| 2,500 km | 6,300 pesos ($330) |
VinFast also offers early VF 3 buyers the ability to choose from nine exterior paint colors free of charge. Premium paint colors will cost 20,000 pesos ($1,000) following the promo.
During the promo, VinFast said VF 3 buyers can customize the exterior paint design beyond the nine colors. VinFast is now accepting deposits of 5,000 pesos ($260) on its website or at authorized dealers.
Taking aim at low-cost Chinese EV makers
At 3,190 mm long, 1,679 mm wide, and 1,622 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,075 mm, VinFast’s VF 3 is even smaller than the Chevy Bolt EV (4,145 mm long x 1,765 mm wide x 1,611 mm tall).
With an 18.64 kWh battery, the VF 3 can travel up to 130 miles (210 km) on a full charge. It can also fast charge from 10% to 70% in around 36 minutes.
VinFast’s mini electric SUV will challenge low-cost EVs from China in the Philippines. China’s BYD currently dominates the market, with a 66% share of EV sales YTD in 2024.
BYD’s Atto 3 electric SUV starts at around $28,600 (P 1,598,000) and accounts for 44% of EV sales in the Philippines so far this year. It is available with 49.9 kWh or 60.48 kWh battery options and has a driving range of up to 255 mi (410 km) or 298 mi (480 km), respectively.
Can VinFast’s VF 3 compete overseas with BYD and other Chinese EV makers? Let us know what you think of the mini electric SUV in the comments.
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On today’s sunny side up episode of Quick Charge, we take a look at the latest from the world of solar power, and discuss Congressional Republicans’ plans to limit your energy independence by eliminating a critical tax credit for homeowners nearly ten years early. (!)
We’ve also got a quick review of a massive solar farm powering 200,000 homes in Indiana and the biggest solar project East of the Mississippi – both part of a record 98% of all new power generation and grid capacity introduced in 2025 coming from wind and solar. Those are jobs, those are lower utility rates, those are energy independence … so why are Congressional Republicans working to make that more expensive?
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If you want to read that EnergySage report on the state of the home solar industry, including news about battery energy storage system and V2H/V2G prices and financing trends, you can check it out for yourself, below, then let us know what you think in the comments.
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If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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A Waymo autonomous vehicle drives along Masonic Avenue on April 11, 2022 in San Francisco, California.
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Alphabet’s Waymo unit has received approval to expand its autonomous ride-hailing service to more parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Jose.
In March, the company submitted a request to the California Public Utilities Commission to gain approval for its latest passenger safety plan, a key step in gaining permission to operate driverless vehicles across a broader area. On Monday, the proposed expansion was approved, allowing for Waymo’s driverless coverage to extend from San Francisco down through the Peninsula.
“We’re very excited to share that the CPUC has approved our application to operate our fully autonomous commercial ride-hailing service in the South Bay and nearly all of San Jose!” the company wrote in a post on X on Monday. “While this won’t change our operations in the near-term, we’re looking forward to bringing the benefits of Waymo One to more of the Bay Area in the future.”
The $5 billion Empire Wind is back in business. The Trump administration’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has lifted its stop-work order for Empire Wind, a major offshore wind project off the coast of New York led by Empire Offshore Wind LLC, a subsidiary of Equinor. Construction is now allowed to resume.
Equinor CEO Anders Opedal welcomed the news, saying the restart reinforces Equinor’s commitment to delivering clean energy while supporting local economies and saving thousands of jobs. He also credited a wide coalition of officials for helping get the project back on track, including Trump, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and congressional leaders like Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Dan Goldman. Opedal also thanked the Norwegian prime minister and the minister of finance for raising the issue with the US administration.
Governor Hochul said in a statement that “countless conversations with Equinor and White House officials” had taken place.
Neither the BOEM nor the Department of the Interior has issued a comment.
The Trump administration halted construction of the 54-turbine Empire Wind on April 16, but discussions between Equinor, regulators, and leaders at the federal, state, and city levels led to a reversal. That means Empire Wind can now push ahead with its goal of powering 500,000 New York homes with offshore wind energy.
“This project delivers on the energy ambitions shared by the US and New York by providing a vital new source of power to the region,” said Molly Morris, president of Equinor Wind US. She added that Empire Wind is boosting supply chain investments across the country, with activity in New York, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, and South Carolina.
Equinor plans to reassess the project’s financials in the second quarter. The goal is still to install turbines offshore in 2025 and hit full commercial operation by 2027. The company says it will work with suppliers and regulators to minimize any delays from the month-long pause.
Empire Wind was first awarded its offshore lease in 2017 after a competitive federal process. It received its final construction green light in early 2024 following an extensive environmental review. Construction kicked off shortly after, and the project is now over 30% complete.
The US is a major market for Equinor. The Norwegian energy giant says it has invested around $60 billion in US energy projects since the early 2000s, more recently in low-carbon solutions, critical minerals, and renewables. Empire Wind is one of its flagship projects in the US.
Read more: Trump admin halts $5 billion NY offshore wind project mid-build
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
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