VinFast VF8


VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker, has just announced a long-term, strategic partnership with ProLogium, a solid-state battery manufacturer. Beginning in 2024, ProLogium will provide VinFast with solid-state battery cells as it ramps up EV development and enters markets in North America and Europe.

VinFast first debuted its initial EV lineup at the LA Auto Show last fall,and recently announced the VF8, expected to arrive in Canada at the end of this year, would be $51,250, while the larger seven-seat VF9 would arrive a few months later starting at $69,750. The automaker is also the first to offer ‘battery leasing’ programs: the Flexible version offers 500 km per month for $39 for the VF8 and $58 for the VF9, where customers will be charged 11¢ per kilometre above that. The Fixed option gives unlimited kilometres for $139 and $199 respectively.

VinFast

VinFast VF8

VinFast has since announced plans for fifty retail locations in Europe, in addition to a wide range of compelling perks for new customers in the EU, US, and Canada. These perks may include years of complimentary charging, and/or free home chargers — which is obviously great news for prospective customers. With this latest partnership, we learn that future models may include solid-state batteries from ProLogium.

According to the official press release, VinFast’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ProLogium includes an investment of tens of millions of dollars, although the exact amount has not been disclosed. “Along with the investment in ProLogium, VinFast and ProLogium will become long-term strategic partners in the future,” reads the statement. “The two companies will enter into commercial agreements to develop battery pack designs using Prologium’s proprietary solid-state battery technology, adhering to strict specifications on the parameters, quality, and safety for VinFast.”

Speaking to the new agreement, Vingroup Vice-Chair and VinFast Global CEO Madam Le Thi Thu Thuy identified ProLogium as a key partner in VinFast’s plans for future growth and innovation. “ProLogium is one of our key partners, helping VinFast quickly master the supply of solid-state batteries while continuing to deliver EV products with advanced battery technology for a more enjoyable and safer driving experience.”

ProLogium was founded in 2006 and, perhaps most notably, its solid electrolyte is 100 per cent recyclable and can be reused for creating new battery cells. ProLogium has also earned development agreements with other EV automakers, including Mercedes-Benz. However, according to the press release, ProLogium will devote a significant portion of the production capacity at its first major solid-state battery plant (which is set to launch in Asia in 2023) to VinFast.

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