The electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast delivered the first VF e34 SUVs to customers in their home country of Vietnam on December 25th.

VinFast previously announced their plans to become a player in the global EV marketplace, with sales of their e35 and e36 SUVs to begin in the United States during the first half of 2022. The e34 is a milestone for the company that helps solidify that timeline as production of the e34 continues to ramp up.

The VF e34 is a mid-size electric SUV produced at the VinFast manufacturing complex in Hai Phong, Vietnam. The vehicle’s unique styling and list of smart features, such as a virtual assistant, mobile data capabilities and driver safety technologies. 

One such technology is their 360-degree Panoramic View Monitoring, utilizing SVM technology developed by VinAI-- another part of the Vingroup conglomerate. Through a combination of cameras and AI technology, the VF e34 is able to scan the surrounding environment and traffic. SVM is then able to present the driver with information on the center display, accurately depicting obstructions with 3D imaging.

Customers in Vietnam will also be able to take advantage of VinFast’s battery rental package. For approximately $30 USD per month, the minimum package sets a “max” driving range of 500 kilometers (311 miles) a month. If the vehicle exceeds that limit, consumers will pay an additional battery rental fee of approximately $0.05 USD per kilometer for that month; however, customers will be able to have their battery replaced without any additional cost if charging capacity drops below 70 percent. It is unclear whether this model will follow the VF e35 and e36 to the states.

In addition, VinFast has pledged to rent batteries for the complete lifecycle of the vehicle. To that avail, every year on December 1st, battery rental prices will be adjusted based upon the fluctuation of electricity and gasoline prices.

The manufacturer will also be present at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 5th-8th. There, they will expand upon their lineup of electric vehicles by showcasing five different models across various segments.