The first production VinFast VF 8 units reached the San Francisco Bay Area, marking a notable milestone for the Vietnamese automaker in North America. A cargo of 999 electric crossovers was transported by sea from Vietnam during the previous month, signaling VinFast’s push to expand its footprint in the United States and Canada.
In the base Eco configuration, the VF 8 is powered by a battery pack rated at 87.7 kWh, driving two motors located on the front and rear axles. This setup delivers up to 353 horsepower, enabling the crossover to accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in about 5.8 seconds. The drivetrain emphasizes efficient performance across daily commuting and highway cruising, with a balance between energy use and dynamic response.
Moving up to the Plus configuration raises output to 408 horsepower and 619 Nm of torque, shaving the acceleration time to roughly 5.3 seconds. The higher-performance variant suits buyers seeking brisker launches while preserving the VF 8’s practical range and comfort oriented ride quality.
Despite the strong power figures, the battery pack offers an estimated driving range of around 470 kilometers on a full charge, reflecting VinFast’s emphasis on real-world usability and longer trips between charges under typical conditions.
VinFast vehicles come equipped with a voice assistant, a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a cadre of contemporary driver assistance features. These include adaptive cruise control, highway and traffic jam assist, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, creating a composed driving experience that helps reduce fatigue on long trips and in congested traffic.
VinFast ships with crossovers entering the San Francisco Bay area
Pricing for VinFast models in the United States has continued to evolve. The initial plan anticipated a starting price around 57 thousand dollars, but current listings place the Eco configuration closer to 59 thousand dollars. Buyers who previously could opt into a battery subscription—priced at about 169 dollars per month—appeared to lose that option, with the base price reflecting the shift toward a simpler ownership model for many customers.
In the broader market narrative, VinFast is working to balance performance, technology, and total cost of ownership as it expands its dealer and service network across North America. The VF 8’s blend of power, range, and modern features positions it as a compelling option for early adopters and practical EV buyers alike, especially as perception of electric crossovers shifts toward everyday usability and long-term value.
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