VinFast has expanded its growing electric vehicle lineup with the launch of the new VF 2, an entry-level city EV aimed at making four-wheel mobility more affordable for Vietnamese consumers. Positioned as a practical alternative to premium motorcycles, the compact electric hatchback starts at VND 188 million (around P438,896.70 in today’s exchange rate), with the battery already included in the purchase price.
The VF 2 is based on the company’s Minio Green platform but has been further refined for private buyers. It adopts a two-door, four-seat layout and compact dimensions measuring 3,090 mm long, 1,496 mm wide, and 1,663.2 mm tall, riding on a 2,065 mm wheelbase. According to VinFast, its small footprint is intended to make driving through Vietnam’s crowded city streets easier while still providing enough room for four occupants.
Despite its budget-friendly positioning, the VF 2 comes equipped with several modern features. Exterior highlights include LED headlights and 13-inch alloy wheels, while the cabin offers a 7-inch driver information display, manual air conditioning, a four-way adjustable driver’s seat, and a two-speaker FM audio system.
Power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor producing 30 kW and 65 Nm of torque. The city EV has a top speed of 80 km/h and offers Eco and Normal driving modes. Energy is supplied by an 18.3-kWh usable battery, which VinFast claims delivers up to 210 km of driving range under the NEDC testing standard. DC fast charging at up to 24 kW allows the battery to recharge from 10% to 70% in approximately 34 minutes.
Safety equipment includes a driver’s airbag, anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control system (TCS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and MacPherson suspension at both ends. Buyers will also receive up to 10 complimentary charging sessions per month at V-Green public charging stations until February 10, 2029.
Reservations in Vietnam open on July 15, with an introductory three-day promotion offering an VND 8 million (P18,675.24 in local money) discount for early buyers. Deliveries are expected to begin in September 2026.
Although the VinFast VF 2 is currently intended for the Vietnamese market, it demonstrates the brand’s continued push toward accessible urban electric mobility. Should it land in the Philippines, it could attract buyers seeking an inexpensive electric alternative for everyday city driving.
Autocar’s Take
The VinFast VF 2 shows that affordable electric mobility doesn’t always have to mean stripped-down transportation. While its modest performance and compact dimensions clearly target urban commuting, its combination of practical features, safety equipment, and accessible pricing makes it an interesting proposition. For markets like the Philippines, where compact cars remain popular but EV adoption is still limited by cost, a vehicle like the VinFast VF 2 could help bridge that gap if priced competitively. Whether it reaches our shores remains uncertain, but it highlights how manufacturers are now focusing on making entry-level EVs attainable for everyday motorists.
