Armored Electric SUV Sets New Standard

The Lạc Hồng 900 LX, a VinFast-INKAS® collaboration, is a fully electric armored SUV with VPAM VR7 certification, withstanding 400+ rounds and grenade blasts for unmatched safety and sustainability.

VinFast, Vietnam’s trailblazing electric automaker, and INKAS®, a global leader in armored vehicle manufacturing, have unveiled the Lạc Hồng 900 LX, a fully electric armored SUV. This groundbreaking collaboration, born from an ambitious Research and Development (R&D) project, delivers a vehicle that meets stringent international standards for ballistic and blast protection while advancing sustainable mobility.

Key Highlights

  • VPAM VR7 Certification: The Lạc Hồng 900 LX achieves one of the highest ballistic protection standards, ensuring safety against rifle fire and armor-piercing threats.
  • Rigorous Testing: The SUV withstood over 400 laser-guided rounds and simultaneous detonation of two DM51 hand grenades under critical areas, safeguarding its high-voltage battery.
  • Vietnam Homologation: Fully certified for operation in Vietnam’s strict regulatory environment, a rare achievement for armored EVs.
  • Accelerated Timeline: INKAS® completed the project under challenging conditions, showcasing advanced engineering and rapid innovation.
  • Target Audience: Designed for heads of state, corporate leaders, diplomatic fleets, and high-security clients.

A Technological Breakthrough

The Lạc Hồng 900 LX represents a monumental achievement in the armored electric vehicle sector. By integrating VinFast’s cutting-edge electric mobility platform with INKAS®’s decades of armoring expertise, the partnership has created a vehicle that balances sustainability with uncompromising security. The SUV’s ability to meet VPAM VR7 certification underscores its structural integrity under extreme conditions, including live-fire and blast scenarios. This certification is a testament to the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants from high-level threats, such as rifle fire and armor-piercing rounds.

Unprecedented Testing Standards

The Lạc Hồng 900 LX underwent extensive third-party testing to ensure occupant safety. It successfully endured over 400 laser-guided rounds during live ballistic testing, demonstrating its resilience against advanced threats. Additionally, the vehicle withstood the simultaneous detonation of two DM51 hand grenades beneath critical floor areas, a rare feat in EV engineering. This testing also ensured the protection of the vehicle’s high-voltage battery system, a critical component in electric vehicles, making the Lạc Hồng 900 LX a pioneer in secure EV design.

Overcoming Challenges

The project’s accelerated timeline posed significant challenges, yet INKAS®’s advanced engineering capabilities and rapid innovation made completion possible. According to David Khazanski, CEO of INKAS®, the collaboration with VinFast as an OEM partner enabled seamless integration of protective technologies. “Achieving full VPAM certification within such a compressed timeline highlights our team’s ability to execute complex R&D projects with speed and precision,” Khazanski stated. The vehicle’s full homologation for operation in Vietnam further highlights its compliance with the country’s stringent regulatory standards, a rare accomplishment in the armored vehicle industry.

Redefining Armored EV Possibilities

The Lạc Hồng 900 LX sets a new benchmark for armored electric vehicles, combining sustainability, innovation, and certified protection. Tailored for high-security clients, including heads of state, corporate leaders, and diplomatic fleets, this SUV offers a unique blend of eco-friendly performance and robust safety. By achieving such high standards, VinFast and INKAS® have demonstrated that electric vehicles can meet the rigorous demands of the security industry without compromising on environmental responsibility.

A Vision for the Future

The successful collaboration between VinFast and INKAS® signals a new era for armored electric vehicles. The Lạc Hồng 900 LX not only pushes the boundaries of engineering but also showcases the potential for sustainable solutions in high-security applications. As demand for secure and eco-conscious transportation grows, this vehicle stands as a testament to what’s possible when innovation and expertise converge.

The EV Report
The EV Report Staff

The EV Report is the trade publication of record for vehicle electrification. Published by Hagman Media and edited by founder Brian Hagman, it covers battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, charging infrastructure, and battery technology for an audience of automotive engineers, fleet managers, and clean-mobility investors.