Thanh Phong, who works in the solar power industry in Ho Chi Minh City, always prioritizes environmentally friendly products. He decided to switch from a pickup truck to VinFast electric vehicles and now owns both a VF 5 Plus and a VF 3. Was this a reasonable decision? What inconveniences did he experience with his pickup truck that led to this change? Let’s explore his experience with the VinFast VF 3 after two weeks of use and nearly 1,000km of driving.
Thanh Phong standing next to his Urban Mint VinFast VF 3.
Why VinFast VF 3: From Pickup to Urban Electric Car
Four main reasons led Thanh Phong to choose the VinFast VF 3: his love for technology, his trust in VinFast after using the VF 5 Plus, his desire to protect the environment, and his need for urban transportation and short trips. His daily commute in the city is about 30km, which is well-suited to the VF 3’s capabilities.
Performance: More Powerful Than Expected
Many people worry that mini cars like the VF 3 will be weak. However, Thanh Phong asserts that the quick acceleration of electric cars is undeniable. He regularly travels on Nguyen Van Linh Avenue at a maximum speed of 80 km/h, and the VF 3 handles it perfectly. Overtaking larger vehicles is also very comfortable. Good sound insulation and a light steering wheel make city driving easy and nimble.
Thanh Phong switched from a pickup truck to using VinFast electric vehicles.
Design and Comfort: Stylish and Meets Needs
The VF 3 has a beautiful and stylish design with a variety of colors to choose from. Thanh Phong especially loves the Urban Mint color of his car. The front seats are spacious for two adults, and the rear seats can be folded down to carry cargo. The VF 3 is suitable for 1-2 people, and if traveling with a larger group or on longer trips, Thanh Phong will use his VF 5 Plus. The most notable convenience feature is the 10-inch central screen, which creates a luxurious and modern interior space.
Range and Charging Time: Reality vs. Claimed
According to Thanh Phong’s real-world experience, when traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Long An at a speed of 60-80km/h, about 15% of the battery is consumed every 30km. This result is consistent with the manufacturer’s claim. He believes that if driving economically, it is possible to travel further than the maximum 215km. The time to fully charge the VF 3 is about an hour.
Inconveniences of Using Electric Vehicles: Still Takes Getting Used To
Thanh Phong says that using the VF 3 and VF 5 Plus is basically the same. He charges his VF 5 Plus once a week, which takes about 45 minutes to fully charge. The VF 3 is similar. Having to schedule weekly charging times can be seen as a minor inconvenience compared to the quick refueling of a pickup truck.
Cost Savings: Clear Benefits of Electric Cars
Thanks to VinFast’s one-year free charging package, Thanh Phong’s current fuel costs are zero. Previously, fuel costs for his pickup truck were 4-5 million VND per month. Maintenance costs are also much lower. Neither of his cars is due for their first service yet, but according to other owners, each service only costs a few hundred thousand VND.
Price: Affordable
Thanh Phong chose the battery subscription package for the VF 3 to save nearly 100 million VND on the initial purchase price of the car. The battery subscription fee of 900,000 VND per month is also affordable for many people.
Conclusion: VinFast VF 3 – The Optimal Urban Transportation Solution
The VinFast VF 3 is a suitable choice for urban transportation needs, especially for those who care about the environment and love technology. Although there are a few minor inconveniences regarding charging time, the benefits in terms of cost, performance, and design make the VF 3 a worthwhile consideration. Switching from a pickup truck to the VF 3 has helped Thanh Phong save significantly on fuel and maintenance costs, while also contributing to environmental protection.
