Vietnamese electric car producer VinFast and Electrify America, the largest open DC ultra-fast charging network in the US, have announced a partnership. The collaboration will provide owners of VinFast electric vehicles (EVs) with two complimentary charging sessions, along with access to Electrify America’s coast-to-coast network in the VinFast mobile app.
VinFast’s Plug & Charge enabled VF 8 and VF 9 electric models will allow owners to use the feature on Electrify America’s network of ultra-fast charging stations across the US.
Plug & Charge helps to deliver a convenient and seamless charging experience, which allows drivers of capable vehicles to pay for the charging session by simply plugging in their electric car once billing information is set up on the VinFast app.
This news comes after VinFast recently announced it would invest $2 billion in an electric vehicle factory in North Carolina, USA, and builds upon its electric future in North America. Production at the North American facility is expected to start in 2024 with an expected annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year
Electrify America has 800 charging stations and about 3,500 individual chargers open or with construction completed. Combined with Electrify America’s ultra-fast charging technology, including both 150kW and 350kW chargers, this will help to provide confidence for VinFast drivers whether they’re on long road trips or for their daily driving needs.
Rob Barrosa, Electrify Americ Senior Director of Sales, Business development & Marketing, said: “As more electric vehicle options become available to consumers, it’s important to have easy access to fast and convenient charging while on the road.
“Our collaboration with VinFast is offering a seamless integration within the VinFast app making ultra-fast charging with Electrify America even easier.”
Having recently unveiled its design vision for the charging station of the future, Electrify America is looking to improve the charging experience with a next-generation charger and customer-focused features. These include solar canopies and awnings, customer waiting areas and other services at select locations.
Craig Westbrook, VinFast US Chief Service Officer, said: “Through our premium, smart, and environmentally-friendly vehicles, our goal is to reduce range and charging anxiety and help the world switch to cleaner, more sustainable transportation. We’re excited to work with Electrify America on this shared goal of future electric mobility.”
