Electric Cars

VinFast's latest offering, the VF Wild EREV pickup, is set to make waves in the rapidly evolving electrified truck market. This vehicle distinguishes itself with a substantial all-electric driving range and an innovative range-extending engine, offering drivers the best of both worlds. The VF Wild's design and performance specifications indicate a strong challenge to established players, especially considering VinFast's growing global presence and financial stability.

VinFast's Groundbreaking VF Wild EREV Pickup Hits the Market

On September 23, 2026, VinFast officially introduced its much-anticipated VF Wild EREV pickup, a commercial production model following its all-electric concept debut in 2024. This new vehicle combines the power of an electric motor with a range-extending internal combustion engine, offering a unique proposition in the pickup truck segment. The VF Wild features a 160 kW (~215 hp) electric motor and 280 Nm (~205 lb-ft) of torque, powered by a 46.4 kWh LFP battery pack. This configuration provides an initial all-electric range of approximately 250 km (NEDC), with a 1.5L petrol engine acting purely as a generator to extend the total range beyond 1,000 km (~620 miles). This design ensures a driving experience that closely mimics a pure electric vehicle, unlike traditional hybrids.

The VF Wild boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 5,376 mm long, 2,069 mm wide, and 1,873 mm tall, with a 3,258-mm wheelbase, positioning it to compete with popular models such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux. Its interior is designed for comfort and practicality, featuring a flat floor, reclining rear seats, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Notably, like some other innovative vehicles, it eschews a traditional instrument cluster in front of the driver. With a starting price of around 860 million Vietnamese Dong, which converts to approximately $33,000 USD, the VF Wild offers a highly competitive option. While there are currently no confirmed plans for its introduction to the North American market, VinFast's parent company, VinGroup, reported a record-breaking 2025 with $12.8 billion in revenue and nearly $430 million in net profits, highlighting its robust financial health and ongoing global expansion efforts.

The introduction of the VinFast VF Wild EREV pickup represents a significant stride in the automotive industry's electrification journey. This vehicle offers a compelling blend of electric range, extended utility, and a competitive price, challenging consumers to reconsider their options in the pickup market. Its innovative approach to combining electric and conventional power sources for maximum efficiency and range could inspire other manufacturers to explore similar architectures. Furthermore, VinFast's success and continuous expansion demonstrate the increasing viability and global appeal of new entrants in the electric vehicle space, pushing established brands to innovate faster and offer more diverse electrified solutions.

General Motors and Pacific Gas and Electric have embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration to incentivize electric vehicle adoption and promote grid resilience in California. This "Smart Charge Bundle" program not only offers financial benefits to new EV owners but also leverages the inherent flexibility of electric vehicles to support a more stable and efficient energy infrastructure.

Details of the GM and PG&E Smart Charge Bundle Program

In a pioneering initiative designed to transform the electric vehicle charging landscape and enhance grid stability, General Motors (GM) and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) have unveiled the “Smart Charge Bundle” program. This strategic alliance offers an enticing proposition to new electric vehicle buyers in Northern and Central California, providing a free GM home charger and financial incentives for participation in managed charging schemes.

The core of this program addresses a critical concern: the potential strain on the electrical grid as EV adoption accelerates. Rather than viewing EVs as a burden, GM and PG&E recognize their potential as dynamic assets capable of mitigating demand peaks and valleys. By facilitating controlled charging sessions, the program aims to shift electricity consumption to off-peak hours, thereby optimizing grid utilization and reducing the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.

Specifically, customers purchasing a new Chevrolet, Cadillac, or GMC EV from a participating dealer within PG&E's service area are eligible to receive a complimentary GM PowerShift or PowerUp2 home charger. While the installation costs remain the responsibility of the vehicle owner, the program mandates the use of GM's approved installation partner, Qmerit, ensuring professional and compliant setup. Post-installation, participants who maintain an OnStar subscription become eligible for ongoing benefits. This includes a guaranteed $15 monthly bill credit for enrolling in PG&E’s Charge Manager program, with the potential for an additional credit of up to $50 per month, contingent on how effectively their charging activities are shifted to optimal grid times.

This initiative represents a significant step beyond traditional "time of use" rates. Managed charging, enabled by constant internet connectivity between the charger or the EV and the utility, allows PG&E to remotely orchestrate charging sessions. This means vehicles are charged when an abundance of electricity is available, often during periods of lower demand or high renewable energy generation. The program emphasizes waiting to charge during specific windows, rather than the more complex and infrastructure-intensive bidirectional charging (V2G/V2H) that involves sending energy back to the grid.

The Smart Charge Bundle is available until February 2027 or until its predefined capacity is reached, encompassing a broad range of GM's electric vehicle lineup. This includes popular models like the 2027 Chevy Bolt EV, Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Silverado EV, as well as GMC Sierra EV, and Cadillac's Optiq, Lyriq, Vistiq, and Escalade IQ. This comprehensive offering underscores GM's commitment to accelerating the transition to electric mobility while actively contributing to a more sustainable energy future.

This program marks a progressive approach to managing energy demands in an increasingly electrified world. By aligning the interests of EV owners with those of the utility, GM and PG&E are fostering a symbiotic relationship that benefits consumers, the environment, and the stability of the electrical grid. It demonstrates a forward-thinking model where electric vehicles are not just a mode of transport but an integral part of a resilient and efficient energy ecosystem.