Vietnam’s first EV manufacturer targets growing electric pickup truck with ‘Wild’ concept; launches DrgnFly e-motorcycle in the US market at $2,800 and is expected to debut it in other global markets in the near future. Is India, with its fast-growing EV market, on the cards?
12 Jan 2024 | 3360 Views | By Ajit Dalvi
At CES 2024, VinFast Auto, Vietnam's leading electric vehicle manufacturer which recently announced plans to invest $2 billion and set up an integrated EV and battery manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu, has unveiled its new electric vehicle concept – the VF Wild – at CES 2024 and launched an ...
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At CES 2024, VinFast Auto, Vietnam's leading electric vehicle manufacturer which recently announced plans to invest $2 billion and set up an integrated EV and battery manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu, has unveiled its new electric vehicle concept – the VF Wild – at CES 2024 and launched an electric motorcycle – the DrgnFly – in the US market.
The VF Wild concept is VinFast’s first attempt for a pickup truck, which is line with its strategy to broaden its product portfolio. The VF Wild concept is the EV OEM's effort to create a pickup truck with solid performance, catering to the new generation of consumers, particularly in the US, looking for innovation and eco-friendliness without compromising on performance and durability.
According to VinFast, the name ‘Wild’ represents ‘the force of nature’ and signifies its ongoing commitment toward a green future for everyone. The VF Wild concept was jointly developed by VinFast and Australian design studio GoMotiv.
The VF Wild pickup truck concept is VinFast's attempt to foray into the fast-paced and thriving electric pickup truck market.
With an overall length of 209 inches (5324mm) and a width of 79 inches (1997mm), VF Wild’s dimensions place it in the midsize pickup category. This midsize footprint is enhanced by the VF Wild’s flexible bed size. The vehicle combines the practicality of a power-folding mid-gate to provide a bed length designed to expand from 5 to 8 feet with the rear seats folded down automatically, equipping the VF Wild with the largest bed in its segment. The design also integrates a panoramic glass roof and digital side mirrors to improve aerodynamics.
Ms. Tran Mai Hoa, deputy CEO of Sales and Marketing, VinFast Global, said: “The VF Wild concept encapsulates our mission to make sustainable, high-quality electric vehicles accessible to a broader market. This is not just a new product in our offering – it showcases our aspiration to venture into the fast-paced and thriving electric pickup truck market.”
Global launch of VF 3 mini-eSUV
VinFast also had the global launch of its latest electric model, the VF 3 mini-eSUV, which debuted in Vietnam six months ago. Targeted as an eco-friendly urban runabout, the four-seater VF 3 has an overall dimension of L125.6 x W66.1 x H63.8 (inches) and a target estimate of driving range of over 125 miles / 200km per full charge. Key highlights include an advanced 10-inch-screen infotainment system fitted with Android Auto and Apple Carplay,and full-folding second-row seats that allow for the expansion of cargo space (total capacity of 550 litres).
VinFast has launched the DrgnFly first in the US. The electric bike is expected to debut in other global markets in the near future. Will India be among them?
DrgnFly electric bike launched in the US
At CES, VinFast officially announced the US launch and rollout of its DrgnFly electric motorcycle, with prices expected to begin at US$ 2,800, accompanied by a two-year and unlimited mileage warranty. The electric bike is expected to debut in other global markets in the near future.
It is likely that India, with a record 857,000-plus electric two-wheelers sold at 36% YoY growth in CY2023, could be on the global market chart for VinFast, in which India’s e-two-wheeler market leader Ola Electric was among the early investors.
Designed in collaboration with Eskild Hansen, an innovative Danish studio with multiple Red Dot Design awards, the DrgnFly seamlessly combines a vintage design inspired by the golden era of motorcycles and a commitment to a sustainable future. The DrgnFly design embodies a V-shaped, elongated frame reminiscent of the image of a flying dragon – ‘Thang Long’, symbolizing VinFast's efforts to venture beyond.
The DrgnFly, which has a riding range of up to 102km (63 miles) and a detachable lithium-ion battery, features a 750W engine integrated into the rear wheel and a torque sensor for smooth and instantaneous power delivery with a top speed of45kph (28mph). Underpinning the DrgnFly's performance is an advanced energy management system, designed for long travel distance, instant power, and multiple riding modes. As per VinFast, the torque sensor adapts to movements with remarkable smoothness, detecting force changes 16,000 times per second, far surpassing traditional cadence sensors used in typical e-bikes.
Key highlights of the DrgnFly are the wide handlebar, balloon tyres and an ergonomic riding position.
With an embedded 4G connection and a feature-rich companion app, riders are offered a range of smart features, including riding modes, remote locking/bike locator (GPS), ride statistics records, and remote diagnostics as also over-the-air (OTA) updates for a consistently optimized EV on two wheels.
All images: VinFast
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