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VinFast weighs petrol-assisted range extenders for EVs to lift sales: Report
ETAuto.comยท 2025-12-01 09:03
Core Viewpoint - VinFast is considering a shift from its all-electric strategy to include range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) to improve sales and reduce losses, while still adhering to its commitment to zero-emission vehicles by 2035 in leading markets and globally by 2040 [2][5][7]. Company Developments - VinFast has posted job openings for REEV specialists, indicating active exploration of this technology [1][7]. - The company produced around 104,000 electric vehicle units in Vietnam in the first nine months of the year, accounting for nearly 95% of its global sales, but its premium VF9 SUV only represents about 1% of domestic volumes [3][7]. Market Context - The Vietnamese government plans to restrict petrol-powered vehicles, including a ban on petrol motorbikes in central Hanoi from mid-2026, which aligns with VinFast's strategic shift [4][5][7]. - Competitors such as Chinese EV makers Li Auto and Leapmotor already offer REEVs, and legacy manufacturers are exploring petrol-assisted EV options [4][7]. Technological Position - VinFast's technological capabilities are noted to lag behind major rivals, holding fewer than 80 patents compared to Tesla's 347 patent families [3][7].