EV – Page 3 – Ewing VinFast of Plano

October 15, 2024October 31, 2024

VinFast VF8 Versus Mercedes-Benz EQB

In our ongoing series that compares the VinFast VF8 to the electric crossover’s various competitors, it has become clear that while they are attractive and offer nice features, these competitors are more expensive. So far, we have seen the VF8 make the Volkswagen ID.4 and Rivian R1S appear lacking when it comes to price versus everyday tech features. This week, we are taking a look at the Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV.

Mercedes-Benz Trim Levels, Pricing, and Battery

The Mercedes-Benz comes in three different flavors for buyers: the EQB 250+, 300 4MATIC, and 350 4MATIC. All models feature a 70.5kWh battery that allows the 250 to have a driving range of 251 miles, while the 300 and 350 models can go 205 and 207 miles, respectively, between charges. The EQB starts at $54,200 for the 250+, the 300 4MATIC has a base price of $58,350, and the 350 4MATIC starts at $62,000. All three models exceed the prices of the two VF8 trim levels, but more on that later.

EQB Battery System, Power, and Performance

The front-wheel drive EQB 250+ has a front-mounted asynchronous motor (ASM) that gives the crossover 188 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel drive 300 and 350 4MATIC feature a front-mounted asynchronous motor (ASM) with a rear permanently excited synchronous motor. The 300 produces 225 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque, while the 350 puts out 288 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes-Benz says the EQB 250+ can get from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds, with the 300 and 350 needing only 7.6 and 5.8 seconds, respectively.

How Does the VF8 Do Against the Benz?

How does the VinFast VF8 stack up to the Mercedes-Benz? Well, you won’t be shocked to hear that it compares quite favorably. The VF8 Eco has a base price of $47,325, and the Plus trim starts at $51,800. Unlike the Mercedes-Benz, all models feature standard all-wheel drive and have a larger 87.7kWh battery, giving the Eco model 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque for the Plus trim. The EPA says the Eco can be driven up to 264 miles and the Plus 243 miles between charges. Even though the VF8 isn’t a speed demon by any means, the Vietnamese crossover is not slow. The VF8 will get to 60 mph in just 5.9 or 5.5 seconds for the Eco and Plus.

HUD Comes Standard

Believe it or not, the EQB is the first car in these comparison tests that has a Head-Up Display (HUD) system. However, whereas VinFast offers a HUD as standard equipment on all VF8 and VF9 models, the EQB 250+ can be optioned with the feature for an additional $2,800, which then forces you to add the AMG Night Package for an extra $3,250. One important safety feature will cost buyers an extra $6,050 to option, which takes the EQB 250+ from $54,200 to $60,250.

The Best Lease Offers and Warranty Anywhere Around

Buyers can further get ahead of the Mercedes-Benz by leasing the VF8 Eco for just $199 per month for 36 months with $0 down and 10,000 miles per year. For only $249 per month, you can get the top of the line Plus trim. Oh, and VinFast offers a 10-year, 125,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with a 10-year, unlimited-mile battery warranty. Mercedes-Benz only offers a 4-year, 50,000-mile standard warranty with an extra 8-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty.

Go Test Drive Both at Ewing Dealerships

However, don’t just read what has been written here. Make your own decision by going to Ewing Mercedes-Benz of Plano and Ewing VinFast of Plano to test drive both vehicles back-to-back and pick the vehicle that best suits your wants and needs.

At Ewing VinFast of Plano, we have the best prices on dozens of new VinFast EVs and used cars. Our well-educated sales staff and finance department will happily assist you with your EV questions and needs. Our fantastic service department will ensure your vehicle stays in the best condition.

We look forward to serving you.

October 5, 2024October 31, 2024

VinFast VF8 vs Tesla Model Y

It’s that time again when we take you through the ins and outs of the VinFast VF8 and compare it to another luxury electric vehicle that has a popular name. We have gone through the Volkswagen ID.4, BMW iX, Rivian R1S, Cadillac Lyriq, and Mercedes-Benz EQB, among others. It has become evident that the VF8 punches well above its weight and is easily comparable to legacy automotive brands in the EV space. This time, we’re taking a look at how well the VinFast stacks up against the Tesla Model Y.

The Tesla Model Y has been a very successful electric crossover. It’s based on the extremely popular Model 3 and can seat up to seven people when optioned with the cramped, $2,000 third row. However, Tesla is in somewhat of a sales slump, especially the Model 3 and Y. Some of that is due to the expansion of the EV market, where pretty much every automaker has their own electric vehicles to compete against Tesla. Another part is that the company’s main owner and CEO, Elon Musk, is somewhat divisive.

For 2024, the Model Y is available in three flavors: Long Range AWD, Standard Range RWD, and Performance. Long Range all-wheel drive models cost $49,630 and feature an 80.5 kWh battery pack with a dual-motor setup that produces 384 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque and allows for up to 308 miles of driving range. According to Car and Driver, rear-wheel drive Model Ys have only 260 miles of range and run $44,630. The range-topping Performance model also has all-wheel drive and can get from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, but that’s all Tesla really tells anyone. No horsepower or torque figures are given, and Tesla does not have a PR department. They do say it has a driving range of 279 miles, though, and costs $54,130.

According to Tesla’s website, with no money down, a Model Y SR RWD will run you $534 per month for 36 months, $542 a month for the LR AWD, and then $695 for the Performance model. The Model Y, in all configurations, is able to tow up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped.

The biggest claim to Tesla’s fame is its Supercharger network, a Level 3 fast charging system that is pretty flawless for Tesla owners. However, the Supercharger network is now open to all other automakers, and there have been reports of VinFast VF8 owners using Superchargers without issue.

The VinFast VF8 Eco has a base price of $47,325, and the Plus trim starts from $51,800. Unlike the Tesla, VinFast is happy to publish that their VF8 trims have an 87.7 kWh battery park that gives Eco models 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque in the Plus trim. The EPA estimates that owners can expect 264 miles of driving range in Eco models and 243 miles in Plus models between charges. There is currently no performance VF8 model, but VinFast also doesn’t need a speedy model just to convince people they need an EV. The VF8 can also tow 4,000 lbs when properly equipped, which is more than the Tesla.

With no money down, buyers can drive away with a brand new VF8 Eco for just $199 per month for 36 months or $249 per month for the Plus model. All VF8 models come standard with a Head-Up Display, which the Tesla does not even have as an option. It also includes Sony’s revolutionary RideVu feature that allows anyone in a VinFast to watch 2,000 different Sony TV shows and movies either on the large 15.6-inch infotainment screen (when stationary, of course) or on their smartphone, tablet, or laptop when it is connected to the vehicle’s in-car WiFi. Every model also has premium vegan leather.

One of the features Tesla owners have always howled about, FSD, or Full Self Driving, turned out to be not so natural, with the U.S. government stepping in and telling Tesla they could no longer advertise their hands-free driving mode as hands-free or that it is fully self-driving. VinFast is completely honest and transparent with its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and safety features that include Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Centering Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, Intelligent Speed Recognition, Traffic Sign Recognition, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Detection, Door Opening Warning, Front Automatic Emergency Braking, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Front Parking Assist, Rear Parking Assist, backup camera, Automatic High Beam, and a 360-degree Surround View Camera system. All models also come with 11 airbags as standard safety equipment.

In the end, if you are bored of the same old cars with the same old names, then why not give VinFast a try? The VF8 also has the industry’s best warranty, with a 10-year, unlimited-mile battery warranty that no other automaker can match, not even Tesla, with its 8-year, 120,000-mile warranty.

We look forward to serving you.

October 1, 2024October 31, 2024

Top 5 tips for road-tripping in your VinFast EV

Some people may think that taking a road trip in an electric vehicle is a very risky or scary task. However, just like with a gas-powered car, if you plan accordingly and understand where and how long you will have to stop to charge along the way, it really isn’t much different than driving a non-EV.

1: Plan Your Trip Using the Car’s Navigation System

Luckily, the VinFast VF8 also makes it easy to plan a road trip by simply inputting your destination into the in-car navigation system that will take into account charging stations and intervals to ensure you don’t have to get range anxiety along the way. And don’t worry, charging from 10% battery up to 70% takes just 31 minutes. Timing your charging stops with bathroom and eating breaks will help pass the time more quickly.

2: Make Sure Your Maintenance Is Taken Care of

While an EV doesn’t need most traditional services, such as an oil change, it is still crucial to check that your tires are in good shape, or if they need to be rotated, you should do that before your trip. Tires are not only important for ride quality or traction in poor weather conditions, but also to braking and driving range. Tires that are over or underinflated can have quite an impact on driving range and stopping distances, as well as overall ride quality.

3: Have The VinFast Mobile App Downloaded with Payment Attached

The VinFast mobile app allows users to basically go up to any EV charging station and get started without having to first download that charging company’s app. However, you should make sure that the app is updated and that you have a good form of payment attached to the app so that you can easily pay for your charging. Most other car companies don’t have any of the charging stations’ apps featured in their app. However, the VinFast app does. This way, you only need one app to charge your car versus having half a dozen with your credit card information attached to all of them.

4: Use Your Cruise Control as Much as Possible

One of the best ways to maximize your range and driving efficiency is to utilize your cruise control system. Thanks to the cruise control, it can handle acceleration and braking for you as well as steering to keep you in your respective lane. Using these systems helps the vehicle maintain one speed that won’t fluctuate as often. The more you are on and off of the accelerator, the more energy you are using. If you are in traffic, the regenerative braking system will help to return some of the energy lost and convert it to range.

5: Chill With the AC Usage

Too much use of the air conditioning system can have negative impacts on range. For instance, a 2019 study by AAA said that running the air conditioning at the highest speed for long periods has as much as a 17% impact on your range. Before driving off, you should properly cool your interior while charging for about 5-10 minutes before driving off. From there, you can leave the system in eco or auto modes to help maintain a proper temperature and fan speed that won’t reduce your driving range.

We look forward to serving you.

September 15, 2024September 27, 2024

Dollars and Sense – VF9 vs. Grand Highlander Hybrid vs. XC90 PHEV

The VinFast VF9 will be arriving at dealers soon, and like the VF8, there are plenty of reasons why you should lease or buy one. Starting with a base MSRP of $69,800 for the Eco trim and $73,800 for the Plus, up to 330 miles of range, a 10-year, unlimited-mile battery warranty that is the best in the industry, standard Head-Up Display, standard all-wheel drive, and a lease special of $529 per month for 24 months with just $2,000 down.

Standard Features on the VF9

While there is still some information to come, the VinFast VF9 has two trim levels, Eco and Plus, and three rows with the capacity to handle up to seven passengers. The second-row passengers can adjust their seats up to four different ways, and there are up to 8 USB-A ports with a single 90-watt USB-C charging port for rear passengers.

Safety Is Most Important

Both VF9 trim levels come standard with Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Centering Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, Intelligent Speed Recognition, Traffic Sign Recognition, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Detection, Door Opening Warning, Front Automatic Emergency Braking, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Front Parking Assist, Rear Parking Assist, backup camera, Automatic High Beam, and a 360-degree Surround View Camera system. All VinFast VF9 models feature 11 airbags as standard safety equipment.

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

Toyota’s Grand Highlander Hybrid is the company’s largest SUV to date and starts from $46,415 for the base XLE front-wheel drive model. However, the Hybrid Max Platinum is more suited to compare against the VF9 with its loaded price of $64,264. While you may be thinking, “Why are you comparing a hybrid Toyota SUV to an electric VinFast?” There is an easy answer. You see, Toyota currently doesn’t have any purchase or lease specials for the Grand Highlander Hybrid, which means that people are paying full price. For a vehicle that is nearly $65,000, putting $5,000 down, whether in cash or as a trade, equals out to be about $1,200 per month for five years.

Volvo XC90 Recharge

The Volvo XC90 Recharge PHEV starts at $73,195 for the Core T8 AWD plug-in, which can drive up to 32 miles at a full charge. The Recharge has a 14.7 kWh battery pack that offers 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. Sadly, like the Grand Highlander, Volvo does not have great specials when it comes to buying or leasing the XC90. Buyers can lease the Core T8 AWD from $799 per month for 36 months, with $5,245 due at signing.

Why The VinFast VF9 Reigns Supreme

While the Toyota and Volvo are both nice options as three-row SUVs, the VinFast VF9 is the vehicle that brings more standard equipment for its base price and gives potential customers an easy entry into owning their first electric vehicle, especially one that is so well-suited for families with multiple children and even pets.

We look forward to serving you.

September 10, 2024September 27, 2024

Home Charging vs. Public Charging Costs

Imagine being able to fill your car’s gas tank up at home. Think about just pulling into your driveway after a long day and not having to worry about waking up earlier the next day to stop for gas because you can top up in your garage or driveway for next to nothing. That’s basically what it’s like to be able to charge your VinFast at home.

Cost To Charge at Home

According to MarketWatch, Plano, Texas, has some decently low electricity costs per kWh, with an average cost of 13.9 cents per kWh. That means charging the 87.7 kWh battery in the VF8 from 0 miles of range to full would cost around $12. However, if you only need to charge about 50% of your battery every day when you get home, you will likely spend about $5-$6 per charge. If you do that 30 times per month, you will see less than $200 added to your monthly electric bill. Don’t forget, the grid is smart enough to charge some EVs off-peak hours when electricity is cheapest.

Cost To Fill Up a Car with Gasoline

Comparing that to a gas-powered car, where the average gas price is about $3 per gallon in Plano, car owners would spend about $225 at the pump if they filled up a 15-gallon fuel tank five times in a month. However, most of the best-selling vehicles in Texas are pickup trucks, meaning that just three fill-ups of a 26-gallon fuel tank puts you over $230.

The Cost to Use A Paid Public Charger

If you must charge your EV on the go, the average cost per kWh at a public charger is about 50 cents in Texas. According to Axios, it costs about $26 to charge a VinFast from 10-70%. If you had to charge from 0-100%, which is not likely, you would spend about $45.

Check To Find Free Local Chargers

Charging at home can save you lots of time and money compared to charging on the go. Obviously, if you are taking long road trips, you will have to charge at Level 2 and 3 public stations. It should be noted that some grocery stores, movie theaters, malls, colleges, etc., have free public charging stations. In total, there are 139 free public charging stations in Plano, which accounts for 52% of all chargers in the area, according to ChargeHub.com.

We look forward to serving you.