Posted on

​​What Are the Differences Between Charging ”Levels”?​

Chargepoint EV Charging

You may have heard that there are three levels of charging for your VinFast VF8 and VF9. Even though they are different, the principle of their use is the same – to return energy into the battery pack of your vehicle. What are these three levels? Which is best for your VinFast electric vehicle, and which will fit your needs? 

 

For starters, there is Level 1. While it plugs into your VF8 and VF9 via a J1772 connector, it also plugs into a 110-120-volt three-prong wall socket. Charging is slow, but you can charge from any electrical outlet with a charger available. 

 

Chargepoint EV Charging

 

If you need more energy sooner, step up to Level 2. This is now the most common method for recharging your vehicle. Level 2 chargers are available in two ways. One is a hard-wired home charging station that runs off your home’s 220-240-volt electrical circuit. Using one of these chargers – including VinFast’s own Home Charger – can deliver 25 miles of range per hour of charging. In fact, it would take 9-1/2 hours to recharge from 6% to 100% state of charge. All you have to do is plug in your VF8 or VF9 when you get home, and it will be fully charged by the time you head out the next day.  

 

The other type of Level 2 charger is found at various public locations. You can find them at city parking lots, grocery stores, and other retail locations. Recharge rates vary by location. You may find that they are offered for free at several locations, as a courtesy of the store or location. 

 

Charge Point

 

A growing number of public charging stations run at Level 3. Also known as DC Fast Charging, these high-voltage stations are designed for quick recharges on the go. For the VF8 and VF9, they use a combined plug with a J1772 and CCS connection. The CCS part – the lower two-prong outlet in your VinFast, is where transfer of energy accelerates to add more back to your battery.  

 

In fact, it takes about 25-35 minutes to recharge your VinFast from 10% state of charge to 70% using a public DC Fast Charging station. These stations may charge for their charging services. However, your VinFast App can help manage these charging sessions by loading a payment method, simulating the charging session, and monitoring its progress.  

 

Tap to Charge with Mobile

 

Another type of DC Fast Charging plug is the NACS (North American Charging Standard). This plug type is not on your VinFast, but you can get a third-party adapter for the times when you find yourself at a station that uses the slimmer NACS port.  

 

At Ewing VinFast of Plano, we are here to assist you with your ownership experience – including tips for charging your VF8 or VF9. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us. 

Posted on

Home Charging vs. Public Charging Costs

VinFast VF8 Home Charging

VinFast VF8 Home ChargingImagine 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.

VinFast VF8 Charging PortCost 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.

Vinfast VF8 ChargerCost 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.

Charging a Vinfast VF8 with a public chargerThe 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.

VinFast Mobile AppCheck 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.

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.