VinFast – Ewing VinFast of Plano

April 15, 2026March 31, 2026

What happen When Your EV Battery Loses its Range?

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.

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.

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.

April 1, 2026March 31, 2026

EVs and Rain, Myths vs. Truth

Car driving through deep water on the road

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.

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.

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.

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.

March 15, 2026February 26, 2026

Being Confident When Running an Electric Vehicle in Cold Weather

One of the challenges of living in the Metroplex is the occasional cold snap we experience every year. While we think we can handle anything throughout the year, we sometimes find ourselves in very interesting situations. As we transition to electric vehicles, we have to remind ourselves that the operational nuances they provide are especially important when the temperatures drop to near freezing and the roads become icy. Here are a few things to consider for your VinFast VF8 and VF9 when it gets cold outside.

When you are not driving your EV, simply park your vehicle in a garage. If you happen to have an at-home charging unit, go ahead and plug it in. That way, your vehicle will be fully charged the next time you have to venture out in the cold.

Before you venture out, you definitely want to remove all snow and ice from your vehicle. A handy snow brush and ice scraper are all you need for the body and glass. You also want to clear the wheel wells of accumulated snow and ice with an ice scraper or a rubber mallet. Just be careful when you do it to avoid fender and wheel-well damage.

Another thing to check is the tire pressure. Inside the driver’s door sill is a sticker showing the recommended pressures for your VF8 and VF9 tires. If your tire gauge shows the pressures are higher or lower, adjust them accordingly. It is probably best that you do so before driving away from home, so you do not get caught with a tire pressure warning indicator on the center touchscreen display. If that indicator comes on, drive a bit to warm up the tires. If it is still on, get air in those tires at your soonest opportunity.

While you’re out on the road, keep in mind that once you turn on the heater and heated seats, you may be sapping energy from the electrical system. This could reduce the overall range of your vehicle. Simply reduce the heat from your climate control system and heated seats to avoid needing to recharge sooner than anticipated.

You can automatically precondition your vehicle’s battery in the VinFast VF8 and VF9 when you use the built-in navigation system on the center touchscreen by directing it to the nearest DC fast charging station. That enables the VF8 and VF9’s thermal management system to begin heating the battery. It can also be preconditioned during your charging session; however, it is best to start the preconditioning process 20-30 minutes before your charging session.

Getting through the winter in your VinFast VF8 and VF9 will help extend your vehicle’s lifespan and enhance your ownership experience. It will also give you the confidence you need to get through any cold snap North Texas throws at you every year. If you have any questions, please contact Ewing VinFast of Plano, and we will be able to assist you.

March 1, 2026February 26, 2026

What To Do When You Are Using a Public DC Fast Charger

One of the things electric vehicle owners do regularly is charge their batteries, especially at public DC Fast Charging stations. While they are in high demand, charging stations provide quick energy delivery to your battery. Across the Metroplex, the number of stations continues to grow as demand for EVs increases. With growth comes some challenges, such as figuring out who gets to charge their vehicle first or how long to keep it on the charger.

Luckily for us, U.S. News and World Report shared some etiquette tips for using these public DC Fast Chargers. They will come in handy when you need to recharge your VinFast VF8 and VF9.

The first tip U.S. News and World Report gives us is to plan your charging session in advance. You do not need to reserve a spot at a charger; simply plan where you will be at the most convenient time for you to charge. Also, know the traffic patterns around the charging station. If you know when it’s less busy, that’s when you should consider going.

When you get to the charging station, don’t take a spot when you are waiting. If you are ready, park in the designated spot by the plug you are going to use and charge up. When you are done, just unplug and move your vehicle so the next EV can take your spot to charge. Also, chargers charge by the hour. The longer you’re there, the more your session will cost.

Take a look at the maximum charging rates for each plug. On the VinFast VF8, that rate is 150-kilowatts. Use that as a guide to choose which station to plug into. Then, make sure your VinFast is positioned so the charging port is closer to the intended plug, without stretching it further than it should.

There is a tendency for us to top off your battery to 100% state of charge. The truth is that recharging slows down after 80-85%. It is best to stop at 80% and wrap up your session at the station. You will have plenty of range at that state of charge. Just as a quick note, the VinFast VF8 can recharge from 10-70% in 31 minutes.

You have probably been waiting to use a charger at the given station. Then, some other person decides to swoop in just when you are about to pull in. That’s cutting in line, and it’s not a good thing. If you see this happen, be courteous and kind to the other person and explain that you’ve been waiting for that charger. Hopefully, they will move for you and wait for the next one. However, if you took someone else’s space before that person was going to that spot, apologize for doing so, let that other person charge up, and wait your turn.

Remember that DC Fast Charging stations are for EVs only. A plug-in hybrid with a J1772 CCS or CHAdeMO plug can be charged at those stations, if available. PHEVs with a J1772 plug can also charge up at a nearby Level 2 station. No one else should be parked at an EV station spot. In Texas, it is illegal for an internal combustion vehicle to park at an EV station spot.

There are a few more things to mention. If there is a time limit at a station, please respect the times posted for each charger. Also, please don’t unplug another EV from the charger for any reason. If a charger is broken, report it to the provider via the app or the phone number posted at the station. Make sure the area around your charger is clean of anything you may have left behind. There should be a garbage and/or recycling bin nearby.

Lastly, if you see someone who is struggling with their charger or has never used one before, be a good fellow EV owner and ask if they need help. If so, help them out.

Hopefully, these tips will help your public charging experience in your VinFast VF8 or VF9. If you have any further questions about your vehicle, contact us at Ewing VinFast of Plano. We’re always here to help you.

February 20, 2026February 2, 2026

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

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.

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.

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.

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.