VinFast, a Vietnamese automaker, is reportedly planning to tap into the hybrid vehicle market by next year. The company will reportedly add gasoline-powered generators to its existing electric vehicle models, easing the transition for consumers into the electric vehicle market.
VinFast’s Hybrid Vehicle Plans
Informed sources have revealed that VinFast is gearing up to roll out hybrid versions of its VF 8 and VF 9 models. However, the automaker has yet to officially confirm these plans. The recent buzz surrounding VinFast’s entry into the hybrid market was stoked when Sailun, a Chinese tire manufacturer with operations in Vietnam, used images of a car resembling a VinFast model in their promotional materials for an upcoming line of hybrid vehicle tires.
According to insiders, the VinFast hybrid vehicles will likely fall under the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) category. These vehicles are fully powered by an electric engine, but feature a gasoline-fueled generator to recharge the battery. This specific type of hybrid vehicle could broaden the customer base for electric vehicles by addressing common concerns about long-distance travel and the availability of charging stations.
Global Shift Towards Hybrid Vehicles
VinFast’s move towards hybrid vehicles mirrors a broader global trend among automakers. Several leading companies, including Honda, Mercedes, and Volvo, initially committed to exclusively manufacturing electric vehicles. However, they later modified or abandoned these plans, incorporating hybrid vehicles into their lineups. BYD, currently the top-selling new-energy vehicle brand worldwide, also heavily relies on hybrid vehicle sales.
In recent years, hybrid vehicle sales in Vietnam have seen consistent growth, with a variety of options available from manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, and Subaru. Chinese brands like BYD, Jaecoo, and Lynk & Co are further expanding the hybrid vehicle segment. Depending on the design, the interaction between the gasoline engine and the electric motor produces diverse hybrid formats.
Extended-range electric vehicles are relatively rare in the Vietnamese market. The Nissan Kicks was the only model in this category, but it is no longer available for sale.
Questions & Answers
What are VinFast’s plans for entering the hybrid vehicle market?
VinFast is reportedly planning to introduce hybrid versions of its VF 8 and VF 9 models by next year.
What is an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV)?
An EREV is a vehicle that is entirely powered by an electric engine but also has a gasoline-fueled generator to recharge the battery.
How does VinFast’s shift towards hybrid vehicles fit into global automotive trends?
VinFast’s move aligns with a broader international trend, with many automakers initially committing to electric vehicles but later incorporating hybrid vehicles into their lineups.
