VinFast likely to make hybrid vehicles from next year

A source familiar with the matter told VnExpress on Thursday that VinFast plans to introduce hybrid options for two of its models, VF 8 and VF 9. VinFast has not commented on the matter.

Speculation about VinFast entering the hybrid segment has surfaced in recent days after Chinese tire manufacturer Sailun, which has a factory in Vietnam’s Tay Ninh Province, used pictures of a car resembling a VinFast to promote its new tires for hybrid cars to be launched next year.

The source said that the VinFast hybrid cars are likely to be in the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) category, referring to cars powered entirely by an electric engine, but with a gasoline-fueled power generator added to charge the battery.

This hybrid category is believed to expand the EV customer base by alleviating concerns about long-distance travel and difficulties in finding charging stations.

A VinFast VF 8 car in its factory in Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Son Pham

VinFast’s shift to hybrids from focusing exclusively on EVs aligns with a broader trend among global automakers.

Companies like Honda, Mercedes and Volvo, were once committed fully to all-electric lineups, but later tweaked or abandoned plans to sell only EVs after a certain date.

Even BYD, the world’s best-selling new-energy vehicle brand, relies heavily on hybrids as a pillar of its sales.

Hybrid sales in Vietnam have grown steadily in recent years thanks to a range of offerings from Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, and Subaru.

Chinese brands such as BYD, Jaecoo and Lynk & Co are further expanding the segment. The way the gasoline engine and electric motor interact results in different hybrid formats, depending on design.

EREVs are rare in the Vietnamese market. There was only the Nissan Kicks in this segment, but it is no longer sold.