First Look: VinFast Reveals Compact Electric Pickup Based on Ranger-Style Design

VinFast’s Success Hinges on Overcoming Quality Control Struggles with VF 8 Model

The electric pickup category is currently one of the most in-demand areas in the automotive industry, with highly-anticipated models such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, and Rivian R1T continuously making waves. VinFast is also joining the race by showcasing its VF Wild EV truck concept at CES 2024, giving a sneak peek of its upcoming release as a production vehicle.

According to VinFast, the VF Wild’s design is based on “the graceful movement of a superhero’s cape caught in the wind.” However, unlike the iconic image of Batman surveying Gotham City from atop a building, the overall shape of the vehicle does not evoke this particular image. The body of the VF Wild features side-mounted cameras, which serve to enhance the aerodynamics of the exterior.

The pickup truck boasts a spacious five-foot cargo bed, equipped with a revolutionary power-folding mid-gate that allows for additional cargo space to extend into the cabin, similar to that found in the Silverado EV. In addition to this, the VF Wild is capable of carrying objects up to eight feet in length when the rear seats are folded down. Additionally, the interior boasts a stunning panoramic glass roof, providing a picturesque view from within.

Vinfast has not released any specifics regarding the load capacity or maximum tow weight. Additionally, there is a lack of information about the electric engine and battery specifications. However, we have been informed that the VF Wild concept measures 209 inches in length and 79 inches in width, placing it within the medium-sized truck classification. For comparison, the Ford Ranger measures 210.6 inches long and 75.5 inches wide, while the Toyota Tacoma has dimensions of 213 inches by 76.9 inches.

According to Tran Mai Hoa, Deputy CEO of Sales and Marketing at VinFast, “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.” However, the company has not disclosed any information about the potential release date for the production version of the VF Wild.

There is uncertainty surrounding VinFast’s intentions to introduce the VF Wild to the American market at this time. If the truck were approved for sale in the US, it is expected that it would be manufactured at the company’s new $4 billion facility in Chatham County, North Carolina. This strategic move would enable the Vietnamese automaker to bypass the “chicken tax,” a 25 percent duty imposed on imported light trucks, and offer the production version of the VF Wild at a competitive price point compared to other midsize trucks.