VinFast Philippines has officially opened pre-orders for the all-new VF 8, marking the first international market to offer the second-generation electric SUV. The Vietnamese automaker is targeting a November 2026 launch, with the first 1,000 customers who place deposits through November 5 receiving a complimentary one-year battery subscription.
The VF 8 nameplate is no stranger to VinFast fans, but this is a completely different animal from the first-gen model that debuted in 2022. The second-gen VF 8 wears the brand’s new “Tech Fluid” design language — sharper lines, a more aggressive front fascia with segmented LED lightbar, and a gloss black grille that gives it a more cohesive stance than the curvy VF 6 and VF 7.
What makes this launch notable for the Philippine market is that the VF 8 was never sold here before. VinFast PH launched with the VF 3, VF 5, VF 6, VF 7, VF 9, and VF MPV 7 — but the VF 8 was conspicuously absent. That changes now.
What’s Under the Hood
The Philippine-spec VF 8 Comfort is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 231 PS (170 kW) and 330 Nm of torque, sending drive to the front wheels. That’s enough for a sub-8-second 0-100 km/h time — respectable for a midsize SUV, though not segment-leading.
The battery is a 60.13 kWh usable lithium-ion pack (61.36 kWh total per DOE filings), which VinFast says delivers up to 500 km of range on the NEDC cycle. That’s a significant drop from the first-gen model’s 87.7 kWh pack, but the smaller battery keeps weight and cost down — a trade-off that makes sense for the Philippine market.
Charging is via Type 2 AC at 7.4 kW or CCS2 DC at up to 100 kW. A 10-70% DC fast charge takes under 30 minutes, which is adequate but not class-leading. For context, the Porsche Cayenne Electric charges at up to 400 kW, and even the BYD Ti 7 offers faster DC rates. The VF 8’s 100 kW ceiling is more comparable to the GAC E8 HEV than to premium EVs.
Specs at a Glance
| Motor | Single front electric motor, FWD |
| Power | 231 PS (170 kW) |
| Torque | 330 Nm |
| Battery | 60.13 kWh usable (61.36 kWh total) |
| Range | 500 km NEDC |
| AC Charging | 7.4 kW (Type 2) |
| DC Charging | 100 kW max (CCS2), 10-70% under 30 min |
| 0-100 km/h | Under 8 seconds |
| Dimensions | 4,701 x 1,872 x 1,670 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,840 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm |
| Wheels | 19-inch alloys, 235/50R19 |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Warranty | 7-year/160,000 km vehicle, 10-year/200,000 km battery |
Pricing and Value Proposition
VinFast has not yet announced Philippine pricing for the VF 8. In Vietnam, the second-gen model is priced at VND 999 million, which converts to roughly P2.34 million at current exchange rates. For the Philippine market, I’d estimate a price range of P2.3-2.6 million, anchored on the VF 7 Plus (P2.38M) and the VF 9 (P3.845M with battery subscription).
Here’s how that stacks up against the competition:
| Model | Price (PHP) | Range | Power |
| VinFast VF 8 (est.) | P2.3-2.6M | 500 km NEDC | 231 PS |
| VinFast VF 7 Plus | P2.38M | ~450 km | 201 PS |
| BYD Sealion 6 DM-i | P1.548M | 1,095 km combined | 160 PS |
| GAC E8 HEV | P1.86M | ~1,000 km combined | 268 PS |
| Porsche Cayenne Electric | TBA | 642 km WLTP | 442 PS |
At the estimated price point, the VF 8 undercuts the VF 9 by over a million pesos while offering more range than the VF 7. It also undercuts the Nissan Navara Pro PHEV in the SUV space, though that’s a different body style. The VF 8’s value proposition hinges on whether VinFast can deliver a compelling package at that price — and whether the brand’s service network has matured enough to back it up.
What Others Are Saying
The first-gen VF 8 was panned by reviewers when it launched globally, with criticism directed at its build quality, software glitches, and inconsistent performance. Top Gear Philippines noted that the negative reputation “has stuck ever since.” The second-gen model is VinFast’s attempt to shrug off those shortcomings.
Early impressions of the new model are more positive. The “Tech Fluid” design language is a clear improvement, and the integrated thermal management system — which manages battery, motor, electrical, and cabin temperatures simultaneously — addresses one of the biggest concerns for EV buyers in tropical climates. The 10-year/200,000 km battery warranty is also one of the most comprehensive in the segment, which should give buyers confidence in long-term ownership.
That said, the VF 8 faces an uphill battle in a market that’s rapidly filling with alternatives. The VinFast VF 2 may be the brand’s smallest and cheapest EV, but the VF 8 needs to prove it can compete with established players like BYD, GAC, and now Porsche in the premium EV space.
Philippine Driving Conditions: A Practical Look
City Driving
The VF 8’s 500 km NEDC range is overkill for daily EDSA commutes. Even with heavy traffic and AC running in 36-38°C heat, you’re looking at realistic consumption of around 18-20 kWh/100km, which translates to 300-350 km of real-world range. That’s a full week of city driving for most Filipinos. The single-motor FWD setup is efficient and the instant torque makes merging into traffic effortless. At 4,701 mm long, it’s not a small car — parking in tight Makati or BGC spots will require some care.
Long-Distance Travel
Manila to Baguio is roughly 250 km via NLEX/SCTEX. The VF 8 can do this on a single charge with range to spare, even accounting for the climb to Baguio’s elevation. A 30-minute DC top-up along the way adds 150-200 km, making the round trip feasible without overnight charging. For longer trips — say, Manila to Legazpi (500+ km) — you’ll need to plan charging stops, but the 100 kW DC rate means you’re not stuck at a charger for hours.
Flooded Situations
At 170 mm ground clearance, the VF 8 sits higher than many sedans and hatchbacks but lower than body-on-frame SUVs. The battery pack is sealed to IP67 standards, and EVs have a natural advantage in flood conditions — no engine to hydrolock. That said, 170 mm is not enough for deep floodwaters. If you’re in a area that regularly floods to wheel-arch depth, proceed with caution. The VF 8 is better than a low-slung sedan, but it’s not a Fortuner.
High Temperature
The Philippines’ heat is a real factor for EV batteries. The VF 8’s integrated thermal management system is a genuine advantage here — it actively cools the battery during charging and driving, which helps maintain performance and longevity. The 60.13 kWh pack is also small enough that AC load doesn’t devastate range the way it does in larger EVs. Expect 10-15% range reduction in peak heat with AC on, which is manageable.
The Bottom Line
The VinFast VF 8 is the most interesting EV to hit the Philippine pre-order market in months. It’s not the cheapest, not the most powerful, and not the fastest-charging — but it’s a genuine second-generation product from a brand that’s been listening to feedback. The 500 km range, 10-year battery warranty, and estimated P2.3-2.6M price point make it a compelling option for families looking to go electric without breaking the bank.
The pre-order program runs through November 5, with a P5,000-P10,000 non-refundable deposit. The first 1,000 customers get a free year of battery subscription — a P27,200-P49,800 value depending on usage. If you’re in the market for a midsize electric SUV and you’ve been waiting for VinFast to fill the gap between the VF 7 and VF 9, this is it.
Whether the VF 8 can succeed where its predecessor failed remains to be seen. But at least this time, VinFast is bringing a better fight to the ring.