Same assembly, same micro electric car, deposit VinFast VF 3 or Wuling HongGuang MiniEV?

VinFast VF 3 is the most surprising model of the Vietnamese car brand when it has never shown a drawing or concept before. This model is aimed at the ultra-small mini car segment (smaller than segment A). This is also the segment that the Wuling HongGuang MiniEV model from China targets.

VF 3 will be manufactured at the factory in Hai Phong, with delivery expected in the third quarter of 2024. MiniEV is also trying to access the Vietnamese market by assembling domestically, in the factory in Hung Yen. The car has been shipped, just waiting for the date of sale.

Previously, MiniEV was alone in the playground, but now, this model will face many challenges from VF 3.

Configuration

VF 3 and MiniEV have not been announced detailed configuration.

VinFast says the VF 3 has an overall length of about 3,114 mm. The car has a 2-door design with a square and strong design like a miniature SUV. The wheels are up to 16 inches in size, larger than the wheels of many A-class cars. According to the photo, the car lights are reflected, it is not clear whether it is LED or halogen.

MiniEV has a shorter length, only 2,921 mm. The car also has a 2-door design, a van-like design with small wheels. Although it is the cheapest car on the market, MiniEV still has a projector LED lighting system, LED taillights.

The interior of the VF 3 is quite simple with an electronic screen behind the steering wheel, the steering wheel has integrated buttons, leather seats, no central screen. Leaked information shows that the VF 3 Plus version has an 8-inch touch screen. VinFast said that the VF 3 is fully integrated, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience, and the space is suitable for 5 people, but has not announced specific equipment.

MiniEV interior looks even simpler with a screen behind the steering wheel, steering wheel without buttons, felt seats, designed for 4 people.

The operating range of the VF 3 has not been announced. The company said the battery meets the daily travel needs of the majority of Vietnamese people. There is leaked information that the VF 3 has traveled up to 285 km.

MiniEV in China uses a 9.2 kWh battery, for a range of up to 120 km, or a 13.8 kWh battery, for up to 170 km. It is not clear what type of battery the car in Vietnam uses.

Charging system

VF 3 will take advantage of VinFast’s charging station infrastructure, so even if it’s a small car, it’s still easy to go far. This model can also be charged at home.

Meanwhile, MiniEV only has a way of charging at home, which will only be suitable for short travel needs. In the future, if EVN universalizes the charging station system, the Mini EV can be charged outside.

Trademark

Currently, there are not many electric cars on the market, especially in the popular car segment, there is almost only VinFast. Wuling is an emerging Chinese car brand. MiniEV is the first model of this company sold in Vietnam. Therefore, to compare brands, VinFast still has more weight in the Vietnamese market.

However, in its home country of China, MiniEV is a famous car. According to JATO Dynamics, in the three years from 2020 to the end of 2022, about 1 million MiniEVs have been sold in the market, making this model the best-selling small electric vehicle globally.

Price

Both models do not have an official selling price.

The model ranked above VF 3 is VF 5 (Plus) priced at 458 million with a battery rental policy. It is not clear whether the VF 5 has an Eco version, but if it does, the price will be lower. The VF 3 will also be sold with a Plus version and with a standard Eco version. The price of the VF 3 will certainly be significantly lower than the VF 5 in terms of segmentation and equipment.

MiniEV has a conversion price in Indonesia from about 340 million VND. Car prices in Vietnam are likely to be lower than A-class cars. The lowest priced A-class car currently on the market is Kia Morning with a listed price of VND 356 million.

Most likely the MiniEV will be marketed first. This is an opportunity and at the same time a challenge for the Chinese car model when it comes to the forefront, but it gives VinFast more time to explore the market and calculate more competitive moves in terms of price and equipment.