VinFast drops battery rental in Canada for now
The electrification of transport brings its share of changes as well as the arrival of new players in the automotive landscape. The Vietnamese manufacturer VinFast is also part of the group. Although this manufacturer is still little known to everyone, it is trying to break into the North American market with the integration of a range of electric SUVs.
The manufacturer, however, had a marketing objective that was quite distinct from the competition and offered a controversial battery rental service separate from the vehicle. However, despite the deliveries that will begin shortly, the program is still not offered.
A program officially not currently offered
A recent interview with the Communications Director of VinFast Canada confirmed that the program would not be offered on the Canadian market for the time being. Moreover, this exchange did not make it possible to know whether this would apply only during the initial marketing of the vehicles or in a definitive manner.
Same story on the website and a rising price
In May 2022, we devoted a text revealing the costs linked to the subscription service, according to a fixed or variable rental for each of the models. At that time, VinFast claimed that 50% of its vehicles would be sold with the battery rental service, while the other 50% would be sold under the traditional business model which includes the battery in the price of the vehicle. A few months later, these prices had also been revised upwards.
A year has passed since this text, and here is what the Canadian site of the manufacturer VinFast displays as a message in a section to this effect: “VinFast battery subscription program – For future availability”. So this confirms again that this program is still not available. In addition, the prices currently displayed on the manufacturer’s website are for vehicles including the battery only.
The first copies on their way to Canada
In mid-April, a cargo ship from Vietnam left the port of Haiphong with a destination for North America. After stopping in California, the latter will continue on its way to Vancouver where it must unload some 781 VF 8 models. The first deliveries should begin in May in the United States and in June in Canada. The VinFast VF 8 currently has a starting price of $57,500, including the battery.
