The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is accelerating, with a swarm of new entrants challenging established players like Tesla. Among the most ambitious upstarts is VinFast, a little-known automaker from Vietnam with big plans to make a splash in the popular crossover SUV segment.
VinFast‘s forthcoming VF7 model will compete head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y, the current king of electric crossovers. But does this newcomer have what it takes to dethrone the champ? As a digital technology expert, I‘ve dug deep into the technical details to bring you this comprehensive comparison of the VinFast VF7 and Tesla Model Y.
Digital Technology Under the Hood
Let‘s start by examining the digital technology that powers these two high-tech crossovers. The VinFast VF7 will be available with a choice of one or two electric motors. The base single-motor configuration generates 201 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor version ups the ante to 348 hp and 368 lb-ft. VinFast says the dual-motor VF7 will accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds [1].
Those are respectable numbers for an affordable electric crossover. However, the Tesla Model Y‘s performance is on another level. The dual-motor Long Range model produces a whopping 384 hp and 376 lb-ft, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.8 seconds. And if that‘s not enough, the Performance variant bumps output to 456 hp and 497 lb-ft for a truly ludicrous 3.5-second 0-60 mph time [2].
A key enabler of Tesla‘s performance advantage is its industry-leading power electronics and electric motors. Tesla develops these components in-house and they are renowned for their efficiency and power density. The Model Y‘s front and rear motors use different technologies optimized for their specific roles. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the rear motor is a permanent magnet switched reluctance motor that balances efficiency and performance, while the front motor is an induction motor optimized for high power output [3].
VinFast has released limited details on the VF7‘s electric drivetrain technology. As a new entrant, it‘s likely that VinFast is relying more heavily on off-the-shelf components from suppliers rather than developing everything in-house like Tesla does. That‘s not necessarily a disadvantage, but it does make it harder for VinFast to differentiate its technology.
Where VinFast may have an edge is in battery tech. The company is sourcing its batteries from StoreDot, an Israeli startup known for its extremely fast-charging cell technology. StoreDot claims its batteries can add 100 miles of range in just 5 minutes of charging [4]. If that bears out in real-world use, it could be a game-changer for the VF7.
Tesla is no slouch when it comes to battery innovation, though. The Model Y uses Tesla‘s latest 2170 cell format which delivers industry-leading energy density. Tesla has also begun producing its own battery cells in-house, starting with the larger 4680 format. In the future, Tesla plans to use its proprietary "tabless" cell design and new dry battery electrode technology to further improve performance and reduce costs [5].
Software Smarts
Of course, the digital technology in a modern EV goes well beyond the electric powertrain. Software is increasingly the key differentiator, controlling everything from the user interface to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving features.
This is one area where Tesla has a massive lead over its competitors. Tesla‘s vehicles are essentially "computers on wheels," with a unified software stack that allows for continuous updates and improvements over time. The Model Y‘s 15-inch touchscreen interface is responsive and intuitive, with features like wireless phone mirroring, video streaming apps, and a web browser. Over-the-air software updates bring regular enhancements and new features [6].
VinFast‘s infotainment system is still largely under wraps, but the company has shared that the VF7 will have a 15.4-inch central touchscreen with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital instrument cluster and head-up display will be available on higher trims. Over-the-air updates are planned but not guaranteed at launch [7].
While the VF7‘s software setup sounds competitive on paper, it remains to be seen if VinFast can deliver the type of seamless, cutting-edge user experience that Tesla has made its calling card. As a young company, VinFast will likely face growing pains as it scales up its software development capabilities.
Autonomous Ambitions
Perhaps the most significant software battleground in the EV space is the race to develop self-driving cars. Tesla has been a clear leader here, with its Autopilot system enabling hands-free driving on highways since 2015. Tesla‘s Full Self-Driving (FSD) package takes things even further, allowing for autonomous driving on city streets under human supervision. While FSD is still in beta and far from perfect, it‘s the most advanced ADAS on the market today [8].
VinFast, like most other automakers, is taking a more cautious approach to autonomy. The VF7 will offer what VinFast calls "Highway Assist," which likely includes adaptive cruise control and lane centering but falls short of hands-free driving. VinFast has not announced plans for more advanced self-driving features to rival Tesla‘s FSD [9].
To be fair, even Tesla admits that achieving full autonomy is an extremely difficult challenge that will likely take many more years to solve. But there‘s no question that Tesla has built up a significant lead in this area through its massive fleet data collection, in-house AI chip development, and unorthodox approach to real-world testing [10].
The Digital Technology Verdict
Based on my analysis of the digital technology in the VinFast VF7 and Tesla Model Y, it‘s clear that Tesla remains the EV frontrunner. With industry-leading performance specs, a mature software platform, and the most advanced ADAS on the market, the Model Y is a technological tour de force that will be tough for any competitor to match.
That said, VinFast deserves credit for its ambitious plans to challenge Tesla right out of the gate. If the VF7 can deliver on its promises of ultra-fast charging, a modern infotainment system, and competent driver-assistance tech, it will be a compelling option for buyers who want a taste of Tesla-like innovation at a more affordable price.
Ultimately, the VF7‘s digital technology will likely be good enough for most mainstream consumers. But for early adopters and tech enthusiasts who demand the latest and greatest, the Tesla Model Y is still the king of the high-tech crossovers.
VinFast VF7 vs Tesla Model Y: Key Specs
| Specification | VinFast VF7 | Tesla Model Y Long Range | Tesla Model Y Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (estimated) | $37,000 | $53,490 | $58,490 |
| Motors | Single or dual | Dual | Dual |
| Horsepower | 201 hp (single motor), 348 hp (dual motor) | 384 hp | 456 hp |
| Torque | 228 lb-ft (single motor), 368 lb-ft (dual motor) | 376 lb-ft | 497 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph time | Under 6 seconds (dual motor) | 4.8 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
| Range | 280 miles (single motor), TBD (dual motor) | 330 miles | 303 miles |
| Battery capacity | TBD | 82 kWh | 82 kWh |
| DC fast charging | Up to 250 kW | Up to 250 kW | Up to 250 kW |
| Infotainment | 15.4-inch touchscreen | 15-inch touchscreen | 15-inch touchscreen |
| ADAS | Highway Assist | Autopilot | Autopilot, Full Self-Driving (optional) |
Competitor Comparison
The VinFast VF7 and Tesla Model Y won‘t be the only electric crossovers vying for customers‘ attention. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, and Kia EV6 are some of the other key players in this rapidly growing segment. Here‘s a quick rundown of how they stack up:
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Hyundai Ioniq 5: Stylish retro-futuristic design, ultra-fast 800V charging system, spacious interior, standard ADAS features. Priced from $44,000.
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Ford Mustang Mach-E: Sporty performance, up to 305 miles of range, quality interior materials, good infotainment system. Priced from $46,000.
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Volkswagen ID.4: Comfortable ride, roomy cabin, user-friendly tech, competent driver assists. Priced from $41,000.
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Kia EV6: 800V fast charging, engaging handling, well-equipped interior, standard active safety tech. Priced from $49,000.
All of these EVs offer compelling combinations of performance, technology, and value. The VinFast VF7 has the potential to undercut them on price, while the Tesla Model Y remains the range-topping option for those willing to pay a premium.
The Future of VinFast and Tesla
Looking ahead, both VinFast and Tesla have ambitious plans to expand their EV lineups and production capacity. VinFast has already opened reservations for its larger VF8 and VF9 electric SUVs, with deliveries set to begin in late 2023. The company is also building a $2 billion factory in North Carolina that will have an annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles when it comes online in 2024 [11].
Tesla, meanwhile, continues to ramp up production of the Model Y at its factories in Fremont, California, and Austin, Texas. The Model Y is now Tesla‘s best-selling vehicle, with nearly 760,000 units delivered globally in 2022 [12]. Tesla is also working on several new models, including the long-awaited Cybertruck pickup and a smaller, more affordable "Model 2" car.
In the long run, Tesla‘s biggest advantage may be its unrivaled brand recognition and loyal customer base. Tesla has cultivated a devoted following of tech-savvy early adopters who are willing to pay top dollar for the latest and greatest. That gives Tesla significant pricing power and helps it maintain high margins.
VinFast, on the other hand, will have to work hard to build brand awareness and trust with consumers who may be skeptical of a new, unproven automaker. The company‘s aggressive pricing strategy could help it gain market share quickly, but it will need to deliver on quality and customer service to keep buyers coming back.
Ultimately, the success of both VinFast and Tesla will depend on their ability to innovate and scale up production while maintaining profitability. As the EV market becomes increasingly crowded, differentiation through cutting-edge digital technology will be key. And that‘s an area where Tesla has a significant head start.
