VinFast VF7: A Look at the 2023 Electric Crossover and Its Global Prospects
A Vietnamese automaker called VinFast has reportedly secured a patent in Russia for a new 2023 VF7 electric crossover. The filing, tied to an industrial design, suggests the existence of a compact electric crossover known as the VF7 2023 model year, rather than a current market launch. The FIPS database imagery supports this interpretation, showing design cues consistent with a compact, all-electric crossover slated for potential future deployment.
The VF7 was first showcased at the CES technology and consumer electronics expo in January 2022. Visuals show exterior lines crafted by Lee Zhe Hoon, a designer associated with General Motors, hinting at a collaboration-style influence on the vehicle’s aesthetic. Rumors point to a high-performance electric powertrain around 300 kW (about 407 horsepower) and a range approaching 500 kilometers on a single charge, though official specifications remain unconfirmed by VinFast.
As for Russia, there is no confirmed entry date or on-sale plan for the VF7. The patent for an industrial design does not guarantee a market introduction; it may represent a strategic reserve for future opportunities. In essence, the appearance in Russia is not an indicator of imminent availability.
VinFast originally outlined ambitions to expand into new markets, including North America, but public strides into those markets have been limited to date. The current landscape, with relatively few direct competitors in some segments, could create favorable conditions for an eventual push by VinFast into the United States and Canada. The brand operates under the Vingroup conglomerate, founded by Pham Nhat Vuong, a Vietnamese entrepreneur who built his initial fortune in consumer goods before steering substantial investments into the automotive sector. Vuong’s broader plan envisions production levels reaching up to half a million vehicles annually by 2025, signaling a persistent interest in broad market penetration and global growth.
Images: Rospatent