In a recent press release, VinFast Canada announced that "the microcar segment is quietly making a comeback". The company cited the success of the Citroën Ami and Fiat Topolino as evidence that electric vehicles priced over 7,200 USD still maintain market share in these regions.
VinFast Canada then introduced the VF 2, the company's smallest model. This two-door, four-seat vehicle measures 3,090 mm long, 1,496 mm wide, and 1,663 mm high, with a 2,065 mm wheelbase.
VinFast Canada suggested that bringing the VF 2 to North America or Europe "is not entirely impossible". The reasoning behind this suggestion is specific enough to warrant attention from industry observers. The Vietnamese automaker pointed to the rising prices of new cars, which are expected to exceed an average of 50,000 USD by the end of 2025, as a market gap the VF 2 could fill.
Compact and adequately equipped
To illustrate its size, the VF 2 is over 540 mm shorter than the Fiat 500e, yet still offers four seats within its two-door design. The VF 2 is only longer when compared to the two-seat Citroën Ami and Fiat Topolino.
An article headline on Carscoops (US) highlighted the VF 2's key attributes: "Compact, slow, and ultra-cheap: The VinFast VF 2 could be sold in the US and Europe". The author suggested that while the VF 2 is shorter than the 500e, "it could be the affordable car America needs".
The vehicle features an 18,3 kWh battery pack and a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 40 horsepower and 65 Nm of torque. Its range is rated at 210 km under the NEDC standard – a figure typically higher than real-world conditions, so the US EPA range might be lower. A 24 kW DC fast charging port allows for a 10-70% charge in about 34 minutes, which Auto Plus (France) considers a rather modest charging capacity.
 |
VinFast VF 2 sold in Vietnam. Photo: VinFast
Auto Plus also acknowledged that VinFast's reference to the Citroën Ami and Fiat Topolino as evidence for a microcar market seems reasonable. However, it remains to be seen whether Western buyers would be willing to trade a license-free microcar for a model requiring a more comprehensive inspection process, and therefore priced higher than its Vietnamese counterpart.
The current list of optional equipment for the VF 2 includes LED headlights, air conditioning, a 7-inch screen, 13-inch alloy wheels, a driver's airbag, an anti-lock braking system, and traction control. These features are superior to Fiat's microcar, despite being half the price.
Speed advantage over US competitors
A key factor distinguishing the VF 2 from the Topolino in the US is its top speed: 80 km/h compared to the Topolino's 30 km/h, according to Autoblog (US).
This difference holds significant legal implications in the US. The Topolino is not currently street-legal for regular roads and is restricted to internal compounds or low-speed residential areas until an LSV (low-speed vehicle) upgrade package becomes available later in the year. In contrast, the VF 2's 80 km/h speed allows it to qualify for roads with speed limits up to 72 km/h, rather than being confined to golf cart lanes.
VinFast is leveraging the Topolino's appeal as proof of feasibility. This timing aligns with the belief that ultra-compact, ultra-affordable vehicles could find a niche in the US – not as primary transportation, but as an alternative to golf carts, which are common in high-density residential areas.
VinFast has not yet announced plans to bring the VF 2 to the US or Europe. This press release is seen more as a market probe than a definitive product announcement.
The mini electric vehicle launched in the Vietnamese market in early July, priced at 188 million VND including the battery. It also includes an offer of 10 free battery charges per month at V-Green public charging stations nationwide until 10/2/2029. The first VF 2 units are expected to be delivered to customers in September.
My Anh
