Vinfast VF7 Real-World Efficiency and Range Tested in India

The Vinfast VF7 is the brand's flagship crossover SUV in India, competing with the Mahindra XEV 9e and Tata Harrier EV. It offers two battery options: a 59.8kWh pack and a 70.8kWh pack. The smaller battery comes with a single front-wheel-drive motor, while the larger battery powers a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system in higher variants.

Key Highlights

• Vinfast VF7 tested with dual-motor all-wheel-drive and 70.8kWh battery
• Real-world range measured at 391km versus claimed 510km
• City efficiency 5.10km per kWh and highway efficiency 5.92km per kWh
• Fast charging from 20 to 80 percent took 38 minutes at peak 95.4kW

Battery and Powertrain Details

The top-spec dual-motor all-wheel-drive VF7 produces a combined 354hp and 500Nm of torque. The vehicle weighs 2,218kg. It features three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. There are also three levels of regenerative braking, but it does not offer a single-pedal driving mode.

For efficiency testing, the VF7 was driven in Eco mode. Regenerative braking was set to the highest level in city driving and the lowest on the highway. The climate control was maintained at 22°C in full-auto mode, and other electrical features like the audio system and ventilated seats were used as needed.

Efficiency and Charging Performance

In city conditions, the VF7 achieved an efficiency of 5.10km/kWh. On the highway, it delivered 5.92km/kWh. Based on these figures, the combined real-world range is calculated at 391km. This is lower than Vinfast's claimed range of 510km.

The VF7 supports fast charging with a 180kW DC charger. During testing, it charged from 20 percent to 80 percent in about 38 minutes. The peak charging speed recorded was 95.4kW. Before the range test, the battery was fully charged and tyre pressures were set to manufacturer specifications.

Testing Methodology

The test route included Mumbai city roads and a nearby state highway, driven in a fixed loop. Average speeds were maintained as per the test plan. Range was calculated after each cycle based on the percentage of charge used. The test aimed to replicate real-world usage, including the use of standard electrical features.

The data from these tests provides an accurate picture of what users can expect from the Vinfast VF7 in everyday driving conditions.