VinFast E-Motorcycles Put Range, Charging in Focus

VinFast has outlined the range, charging times and water protection of its electric motorcycles in the Philippines as it seeks riders who are used to gasoline-powered bikes.

The Evo, Feliz II and Viper arrived in the country nearly three months ago. In a September 21 release, VinFast addressed questions about whether the motorcycles can cover a daily commute, charge at home and cope with wet roads.

The company says the Evo can travel up to 150 kilometers on a charge with two batteries. Its motor delivers a maximum of 5,200 watts in that configuration, while its top speed is 80 km/h.

A single battery takes about 4.5 hours to charge from empty using a standard household outlet, according to VinFast. Charging two batteries takes about nine hours. The company also offers a 1,000-watt fast charger as an accessory.

The figures give riders a starting point, although the distance covered between charges will depend on how the motorcycle is used. The release also cites a range of up to 85 kilometers on a single charge without specifying a model or battery configuration for that figure.

VinFast says the motors and motor control units of the Evo, Feliz II and Viper have an IP67 protection rating. It says the motorcycles can withstand water 0.5 meter deep for 30 minutes and travel through water at that depth for the same period. Those specifications do not make floodwater safe to ride through.

The three models use lithium iron phosphate batteries. VinFast says its electric motorcycles have undergone 650,000 durability-test cycles, though the release does not give a breakdown by model.

VinFast lists 21 Philippine locations where prospective buyers can see the motorcycles and arrange a test ride. The company did not provide local owner survey results or comparative running-cost figures in the release.