​​What happen When Your EV Battery Loses its Range?​

Ev Charging stations

VinFast VF7 Red parked in a showroom

 

The battery that fuels your electric vehicle is essential to its operation. It enables the motors and other key components to run. It requires charging to keep the energy flowing in your vehicle. Over time, your EV battery might degrade. It may lose range and the ability to charge up robustly. The question becomes: how can you manage battery degradation, and what can you do to prepare for when it happens?

 

How the battery degrades depends on the age of the pack and its components. Chemical reactions within cells reduce the amount of energy they can store. That will reduce the range, which in turn will require more frequent charges. As a battery’s health declines, its reliability decreases. After 10 years, you may not be able to achieve the same range as when you first bought your EV.

 

Ev Charging stations

 

There are other factors to consider. The climate is a big one. The Metroplex can reach the 100-degree Fahrenheit range during the summer. It can also get below freezing in some winters. Add the humidity we often get. These can affect battery health, leading to degradation. High mileage, vehicle age, and usage can also affect the health of the battery pack.

 

Considering all of this, you should monitor your battery health as you continue your EV ownership experience. You might want to watch for a 5-10 percent degradation in the first few years. That would translate into a range of up to ten percent less than when you first took delivery of your new EV.

 

Can you check the battery health of your EV? Yes, there are tools available that can monitor any degradation. Apps and scanners can read data from the battery to detect performance instability patterns through the management system. This is also a good tool for shopping for a used EV, helping you assess the battery’s health before you purchase.

 

Ev Chargers

 

What can you do to keep your EV’s battery pack healthy? The iSeeCars.com website suggests that you can “avoid keeping the battery at 100% or letting it sit near empty for extended periods. Limiting the use of DC fast chargers. Using a level 2 home charger as your primary charging system, while saving fast charging for long trips or occasional needs, reduces that stress.” Plus, keeping your EV out of the heat and humidity, and making sure your battery management software is up to date.

 

By the way, VinFast backs its battery packs with a 10-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. It is that extra peace of mind for our customers.

 

If you have any questions about the battery inside your vehicle, contact us at Ewing VinFast of Plano. We are here to assist you throughout your ownership experience.

EVs and Rain, Myths vs. Truth

Car driving through deep water on the road

Cars in inches of water on the street

 

We have been conditioned from a young age that electricity and water don’t mix, whether through scary stories about a hair dryer, a radio, or some other plugged-in appliance dropping into an occupied bathtub. Or when lifeguards would quickly evacuate pools at the first sign of lightning in the distance. So, perhaps it isn’t surprising that, even with electric cars on the streets for over a decade, myths persist that EVs won’t work or are dangerous in the rain. Ewing VinFast of Plano is here to explain that those myths are just that, with no real truth behind them.

 

First, it is worth noting that cars have had electrical components since Cadillac replaced gas-powered headlights with electric units in 1912 (technically, they weren’t the first, but they had the first reliable units). Since then, cars have added more and more electric features with few issues. Of course, those components operate at much lower voltages than those involved in vehicle propulsion systems, but automakers have more than a century’s experience in keeping electricity and water separate.

 

Is There Danger in Driving an EV in the Rain?

 

Driving in the rain is always more dangerous because of slick roads and poorer visibility, but EVs don’t add any additional issues. The battery packs and wiring have all been securely insulated from the outside, and EVs have been tested with strong jets of water coming from all directions. Electric vehicles are no more likely to be struck by lightning than any other vehicle, and, like them, the outer mechanical frame is designed to divert current to the ground and away from the interior.

 

Car driving through deep water on the road

 

Are EVs More Likely to Hydroplane?

 

Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water forms between the tires and the road surface, significantly reducing friction and causing a vehicle to slide or spin. It is primarily a function of road surface, tire traction, weight, and speed. EVs are 54.4% less likely to hydroplane due to their heavier weight, which presses them harder into the road, but the same caution should be applied as with other vehicles. Reduce speed, reduce it even more in turns, brake more gently, and avoid standing water whenever possible.

 

road washed away by a flood

 

Can You Drive an EV through Flooded Streets?

 

It is never a good idea to drive any vehicle through high water, and it is the leading cause of deaths in severe weather. However, in general, EVs have a significantly reduced risk of stalling in high water because their drivetrains are completely sealed, with no intakes or exhaust pipes for water to enter the system.

 

One potential exception is saltwater flooding. In 2022, Florida experienced multiple EV fires after Hurricane Ian, caused by thermal runaway when saltwater created conductive “bridges” inside the batteries. It was rare, with 36 occurrences among some 3000 – 5000 EVs caught in the saltwater floods, but no vehicle should be operated in high water unless it was specifically built for it.

 

Can you Charge an EV in the Rain?

 

Yes. Unlike household plugs, EV plugs are thoroughly waterproofed. They are rigorously tested by OSHA-certified laboratories, where they are subjected to high-pressure water sprays, as from a fire hose, and must meet the safety standards set by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Indoor charging at home is preferable because charge times are more consistent when temperature extremes are avoided, but rain and snow are not issues for charging.

 

Charging an EV in the rain

 

If you have other questions regarding EVs and water or other climate issues, ask the service professionals at Ewing VinFast of Plano, who are very familiar with any issues impacting EVs.

Do You Need to Replace Tires on an EV With EV-Specific Tires

VinFast VF8 front wheel

VinFast V8 driving on a city street

 

One of the main advantages of an EV over an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle is lower maintenance. Tasks like oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, and replacing hoses and belts are generally not needed. However, one type of maintenance that may happen more often than with ICE vehicles is tire replacement. Ewing VinFast of Plano explains why this is and what you should watch for when it’s time to replace your EV’s tires.

 

There are two reasons why tires may wear out faster on an EV than on a similarly sized internal combustion (IC) vehicle. The primary reason is the heavier weight. The large battery pack under the cabin increases an EV’s weight, often by 1,000 to 2,000 pounds, depending on the model. For example, comparing the Vinfast VF8 to a similarly sized gas-powered crossover, such as the Chevrolet Blazer, the Blazer weighs approximately 4,144 pounds, while the VF8 weighs around 5,771 pounds.

 

The second reason is the quick, accessible torque of an EV. Again, using the Blazer as an example, a mid-level model offers 228 lb-ft of torque, while the VF8 delivers a powerful 457 lb-ft, ready to be unleashed with each tap of the accelerator. That can make the VF8 quite fun to drive, but putting that torque to use does cause wear on the tires. And we are not referring to spinning tires. Just handling the torque while the tires maintain traction can create wear.

 

When it’s time to replace the tires on an EV, the first question often is, “Do I need EV-specific tires?” And the answer is, “Maybe, maybe not.” While that answer may be disappointing, it gives you the freedom to choose based on your priorities.

 

Learn how to read what your tire is telling you

 

EV-specific tires are designed to have lower rolling resistance, partly due to a harder rubber compound, which helps your EV travel farther between charges. Remember, the 82 kWh battery in a VF8 has the energy equivalent of 2.4 gallons of gas. That would only power the mentioned Blazer for around 65 miles, but it’s the efficiency of electric power that allows a VF8 to achieve a range of 235 to 256 miles. EVs are much more efficient, but this also means their range can be more affected by factors that reduce efficiency, like tires with higher rolling resistance. The tradeoff for higher rolling resistance can be improved traction.

 

The efficiency differences between standard and EV-specific tires can vary significantly, often resulting in a 5-14% difference in range. Whether this should be a consideration largely depends on how you drive your car. If you charge at home and your range is significantly greater than your typical driving distance between charges, a 5-14% range difference may be negligible for you. In that case, you might overlook EV-specific tires in favor of tires with attributes you value directly, such as dry or wet traction or snow performance. Plano’s average of two inches of snow per year is well below the US average of 28 inches, but if you frequently travel north to snowier regions, snow performance might be more important. Of course, if you often take your EV cross-country and charge at roadside stations, lower-rolling-resistance tires could be beneficial.

 

Sailun Erange Tire

 

Another EV trait is quiet operation; however, the absence of engine noise can make tire noise more noticeable. Consequently, many EV-specific tires may feature noise-reduction technologies, such as foam liners, to absorb or reduce tire and road noise before it reaches the cabin. These technologies can also be found on non-EV-specific tires.

 

Because EVs are heavier, one thing you will want to ensure is that your replacement tires have a sufficient load index. On the tire sidewall, this is the last number on the tire size, and it will show “103” on the VF8. This indicates a weight capacity of 1,929 pounds per tire. Thus, four of these tires can handle a load of 7,716 pounds, which is designed to be enough to include the VF8 and 1,945 pounds of passengers and cargo. You will want a load index of at least 103 for your replacement tires. Simply Google “Load tire index chart” to see what weight level each load index translates to pounds.

 

VinFast VF8 front wheel

 

Therefore, your replacement tires should be selected based on how you use your EV and your priorities for ride quality, dry and wet traction, snow handling, noise levels, and expected longevity. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Ewing Vinfast of Plano Service Department. By now, they’ve likely spoken with many Vinfast owners about their experiences with replacement tires and satisfaction levels.

​​How To Get Your VinFast Through The Snow and Ice​

Cars parked on a a neighborhood street by a snow-covered sidewalk

Snow covered neighborhood street  

 

The Metroplex typically experiences a surprise winter snap almost every year. If it is not snow, then it’s a freezing mix of rain and ice. While this isn’t necessarily an issue when trying to drive every day on our freeways and tollways, it could be more of a challenge when you have an electric vehicle, such as our VinFast VF8 and VF9.

 

What can you do to make sure your VinFast handles these weather conditions? Here are a few tips to consider when owning your VF8 or VF9 for year-round use.

 

Parking your VinFast in a garage is the best thing you can do for it. It is protected inside from the elements, so you won’t have to deal with scraping the ice off it or brushing the snow. When it is time to go, know that you can start your VinFast without having any tailpipe emissions, making your garage a safe place to keep your vehicle.

 

Snow covered neighborhood street before the plow

 

If you do park outside, make sure to remove all snow and ice from your VinFast before starting it up. Snow adds weight to your vehicle when it is moving. Along with ice, snow can affect the sensors that work with your VinFast’s driver assistance systems. A good brush off will do the trick.

 

Make sure your VinFast is plugged in when parked. This will help with the health of the battery pack. It works best when you have your home charger inside your garage. Sometimes, cords from a charger could freeze up when exposed.

 

We tend to have our heater and defroster on when we drive in winter conditions. You can turn on the heated seats and steering wheel, as they consume minimal energy from the vehicle. Lowering the climate control temperature also helps. When at a public charging station, you can minimize the heat inside your cabin to maintain energy flow back into the vehicle.

 

Cars parked on a a neighborhood street by a snow-covered sidewalk

 

The one key component that will get you through the winter is your tires. Maintaining proper air pressure will not only maximize range but also ensure the right amount of contact with the surface. If your tires are either underinflated or overinflated, it will affect your range, overall safety, and on-road performance under various conditions over time with your VinFast. Tire pressure information is found on the driver’s side door frame or in your owner’s manual.

 

We know that winters in the Metroplex are a part of our lives here. Your VinFast will get you through them like a champ. Contact us at Ewing VinFast of Plano for additional tips on navigating the colder months in your VF8 or VF9.

​​The VF 9 Soars in a “Real Mom” Review​

Real Mom Review shot of the VinFast VF9

Real Mom Review shot of the VinFast VF9

 

For the many people wondering if a vehicle can work for their family, Jana Askeland offers what she calls Real Mom Reviews, which examine a car from the perspective of a mom of, in her case, two young boys. She recently reviewed the VinFast VF 9, a vehicle definitely designed for families, and Ewing VinFast of Plano gives you this summary of what she found.

 

Having a mom review a three-row SUV is entirely appropriate, as it is often moms who use these cars daily for school and after-school runs, as well as for the daily tasks that keep the household running. In this test, she looked at the VF 9 Plus, which, as she states, trades some range for additional amenities compared to the Eco model. Some of those amenities include a premium vegan leather interior, a 12-way power driver’s seat with memory, a panoramic glass roof, roof rails, second-row captain’s chairs, second-row vents and touchscreen control, and a premium 13-speaker audio system.

 

VinFast VF9 interior view looking towards the back

 

Perhaps because of her mom’s perspective, Jana devoted considerable attention to the second row, which offers several amenities, including the second-row captain’s chairs. These features include an eight-way power configuration for the seats and a center console equipped with four USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a rear touchscreen for climate control adjustments. She notes other luxury car features, such as ambient lighting in essentially any color and soft-closing doors that cannot be slammed or left insufficiently closed, as the vehicle completes the closing itself.

 

Real Mom Review shot of the VinFast VF9 interior

 

Jana demonstrated generous access to the third-row seats, enabled by the fold-and-tumble second-row seats. She did have a mishap, pinching her thumb while closing the door with the second-row seat still tumbled forward. However, this is an unlikely scenario in everyday use, as it is unlikely that the third row would be occupied while the second row would not, so the seats would indeed be returned to their normal position for occupancy before the door was closed.

 

When driving, she certainly took note of the 420 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, figures that are unlikely to be found in a gas-powered drivetrain, which enables a 0-60 acceleration time of 6.7 seconds. On the flip side, three levels of brake regeneration allow for a range of operation, from one-pedal driving to the smoothness of a lower regeneration setting. She also noted the “Creep” function, which enables the vehicle to slowly crawl forward when the brake is lifted, if desired, or can be turned off to keep the car stationary when the foot is lifted from the brake pedal.

 

All EVs perform best when they can be charged at home overnight and can meet daily driving needs, which are likely far short of the VF 9 Plus’s 290-mile range. When longer trips are required, the VF 9 can transition from a 10% to a 70% state of charge in approximately 35 minutes with a Level 3 charger.

 

VinFast VF9 Interior front row looking forward to the infotainment center

 

While the VF 9 does not have a conventional driver’s display, she notes that the head-up display, standard on both the Eco and Plus models, more than compensates by being in the line of sight and providing a driver’s choice of information. The 15.6-inch touchscreen is powered by the Google Built-in operating system and features intuitive, easy-to-understand graphics across a variety of systems.

 

Overall, she presents a strong case for the VF 9 as not just a three-row EV SUV but a true luxury vehicle.

 

Vinfast VF9 trunk cargo space

 

As of this writing, the VF 9 is not yet in Ewing VinFast of Plano’s inventory, but it will be arriving soon. If it is still not available by the time you read this, you can ask one of the Ewing VinFast sales professionals to notify you when the first models arrive. Amid the limited number of 3-row EV SUVs available, the VF 9 is a must for your consideration.