It was reported by Reuters last year that Vietnamese carmaker VinFast is aiming to expand its presence in Asia, including in Indonesia where sales has already started and there are plans to establish a plant in 2026. At this year’s Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), the brand made its launch debut in Thailand, with the VF e34 set to be the first model to be offered there sometime in June.
The VF e34 is the automaker’s first electric vehicle (EV) that was revealed back in 2021, and it appears we could be getting the C-segment crossover as well. Recently, Daniel Izham posted a photo of the model without camouflage and wearing trade plates in the paultan.org Automotive/Car Discussion Group, which suggests Malaysia is also part of VinFast’s expansion plans.
In terms of specifications, the VF e34 (sold in Indonesia) is equipped with a front electric motor rated at 150 PS (148 hp or 110 kW) and 242 Nm of torque. This is powered by a lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 42 kWh, which is good for a range of up to 318 km following the NEDC standard. Through DC fast charging (250 kW), the battery can get from a 10-70% state of charge in just 27 minutes, and there’s also support for AC charging at 7.5 kW.
The VinFast crossover measures 4,300 mm long, 1,793 mm wide, 1,613 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,611 mm. For context, the BYD Atto 3 is larger at 4,455 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, 1,615 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,720 mm.
In its home country of Vietnam, the VF e34 is priced at 830 million dong (about RM156k) or 710 million dong (RM133k). The latter is with a battery subscription, which reduces the price by separating the cost of the battery from the vehicle to make the EV more affordable for customers. This also helps quell customer concerns about battery degradation and maintenance, although owners will have to pay if they exceed a set amount of mileage monthly.
At a price of about RM156k, the VF e34 would compete against comparable models such as the BYD Atto 3, Chery Omoda E5 and MG ZS EV. Would you pick the VinFast over those EVs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
GALLERY: Vinfast VF e34
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This just goes to show that how backward Proton is.
We were ahead, we were somebody in the 90s.
Look how far we have fallen behind now. Sad.
After rebadging Beemers, they even stole its iconic 5 Series E34 name? LOL
P1 P2 EV mana?
For Rm150k, Omoda EV5 or BYD Atto 3 is way better buy than Vietnamese ploton.
Got a look only the mother could love.
Having working with the Vietnamese in the tech sector, they are a bunch of hardworking, very determined people. Despite of their poor English speaking ability, but they can read, analyze and memorize all the technical documents.
Now Vietnam’s annual GDP is on par with Malaysia. They are slowly moving up to higher value chain.
It is sad that we are still relying on Geely and Daihatsu while Vietnam already have their home grown EV. Whether their EV is good or not, but it is an achievement.
You really think Vinfast cars are fully developed in Vietnam? Even Vietnamese view the brand as a joke plaything of the rich. Alas you forgot, Vietnam is still a communist country.
You mistaken Chinese engineers to those ’Vietnamese that can read, analyse and memorize all the technical documents” bcos Vinfast cars use a lot of Chinese parts. All that hype about Vinfast entering US has been proven to be just a stock scam, with poor sales and even poorer public perception of the brand.
You better put your hand where your mouth is and be the first Vinfast owner in Malaysia.
So all the ex-Lotus and ex-Proton staffs in Vinfast R&D are home for the Raya eh??
Having been in Vietnam for the last 4 years, they are very fast absorbing the new tech that’s coming their way. This EV may not be the best, but within the next few years it will compete well.
We are too complacent and will soon lose out to them.
1. 300km plus range is not good in nowadays ev std
2. Battery type is important. If now supplied with LFP nanti susah ooo
When choose car, apart from reliability, after sales service is very important for the next 10 to 20 years. Will they be around, is spare parts available, who can repair the cars, how many service centers around the country and only lastly the resale value.