VinFast VF 5: A compelling start-up to your EV era

Owning an EV is now easier than ever, with numerous manufacturers offering solid options at varying price points. However, price, more often than not, continues to be a barrier for entry for the everyday Filipino. Ponying up upwards of PHP1.5M for an electric vehicle is no easy feat.

Thankfully, VinFast has a compelling entry-level option in the VF 5. It offers all the basic necessities you look for in an everyday vehicle, but in a fully electric platform and at a more than attainable price.

Exterior

The VF5’s design is simple yet modern. The front end of the vehicle is highlighted by the v-shaped fascia, which, in terms of design language, is quite consistent with the brand, especially across the VF models. Rounding off the front are a pair of halogen headlights – wish we got LEDs, but they get the job done.

The VF 5 sports 17-inch alloy wheels, giving the vehicle a ground clearance of 168 mm. In terms of its size, the VF5 is quite modest as you can tell, with a wheelbase of 2,514 mm.

The rear design follows the same clean style as the front. It features a roof-mounted spoiler and a shark fin antenna. It is then rounded off with the clean VinFast logo and some LED taillights. The overall aesthetic, from front to back, is simple yet stylish, with a few eye-catching elements here and there.

Interior

Moving to the interior, the VinFast VF 5 allows for 260 liters of cargo space. There’s enough room for small duffel bags or carry-on luggage. You might find it difficult, however, to go on long trips with a few other passengers. Fortunately, the second-row seats are foldable to give you more leeway in terms of cargo space.

Speaking of the second row, there’s not much to say. Headroom and legroom are decent for someone my height (I’m only 5’4 — short kings represent). But good luck to your six-foot-tall friends, though.

The seats are made of synthetic leather, but they’re surprisingly quite soft and comfortable. If you absolutely must, you can squeeze three people in the back like sardines in a can. But for maximum comfort, I would definitely recommend two second-row passengers. Each will get their own small cup holder on the door. They will also need to share the single USB-A port found in the back.

Up front, let’s start with the steering wheel. It is not telescopic so you can only really adjust your seat to get into your ideal driving position. The said steering wheel also has buttons to control the audio as well as various drive functions, including cruise control.

You will find a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, which has a similar shape to the 8-inch infotainment screen. You get a rearview camera to help with reverse parking, and the screen quality is actually quite clear and decent.

However, my heart goes out to all the Apple users out there as Apple CarPlay is nowhere to be found. It does come with Android Auto though, so maybe Apple CarPlay integration might not be so far away.

Completing the central area of the front row are the handbrake, cup holders and the gear shifter. It is important to note that the gear shift doesn’t have a park mode, which might take some time getting used to. I know somewhere out there, London Tipton is going mad over the fact that you only get RND instead of the whole PRNDL.

Performance and handling

The VinFast VF 5 is equipped with a 100 kW electric motor, which is powered by a 37.23 kWh battery. The electric motor produces 134 hp and 135 Nm of torque. The vehicle also has a full charge range of 326 km which is more than enough to get you through an entire work week.

Being a full EV, the VF 5 produces a good kick when accelerating, giving you enough confidence to overtake should you need to. According to VinFast, the top speed is capped at 130 kph. 

With regard to the suspension, I would recommend taking it easy when approaching bumps.  The suspension is quite firm, so attacking said bumps could jolt your passengers wide awake if they were in deep slumber.

Being an EV, the VF 5 is definitely a more economic option as compared to an ICE. Charging shouldn’t be a problem as it is compatible with both AC and DC charging. When making use of the DC fast charging, you can expect to charge from 10% to 70% in just half an hour.

Battery subscription plan

Should you decide to purchase the VF 5, you can opt for the battery subscription plan. Essentially, the way this works is that VinFast leases the battery to you for an additional monthly fee of Php 5,800.

There are several upsides to availing of this plan. Firstly, there is a lower upfront cost which significantly reduces the car’s purchase price. VinFast also takes care of the battery maintenance which is convenient. And should your battery capacity fall under 70%, VinFast provides a replacement without incurring any additional cost.

Of course, the battery subscription plan might not be for everyone. Limitations do include mileage limits wherein the monthly fee covers 1,500 km per month. While your daily commute may not always reach 50 km, you’ll never know when you might actually need that extra travel distance. Over time, the cost of leasing the battery could pile up as well, along with the additional expense of possibly going over the 1,500 km.

Essentially, availing of the battery subscription plan might be suitable for drivers who intend to use the car for their daily trips for work and errands around the city. Regular excursions around the metro and a long trip out of town every now and then could work too.

Verdict

The VinFast VF 5 can be had for just PHP 880,000 with the battery subscription plan and PHP 1,050,000 without the plan. Regardless of which option you choose, the VF 5 is definitely one of the most affordable full EVs on the market.

If this is your first foray into EV ownership, then the VF 5 might be an excellent starting point for you. You get all the necessities of owning an EV with its solid acceleration, practical driving range, and even exemption from number coding.

Granted, the overall vibe of the VinFast VF 5 is one of simplicity and minimalism, but that might not be such a terrible thing. Perhaps the VF 5 is meant to make owning your very first EV feel simple, easy and straightforward.

Photos by Mica de los Reyes