Industry News/Updates
VinFast offers free charging until 2029 as fuel prices continue to rise
VinFast extends free EV charging in the Philippines until March 31, 2029, as fuel prices rise.
Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast said in a statement on March 21 it has extended its free charging program in the Philippines until March 31, 2029, covering charging at V-Green stations for new and existing customers, including individual drivers and those using VinFast vehicles for transportation services.
The extension comes as fuel prices in the country continue to climb. As of March 17, pump prices posted another round of increases, extending a week-long trend, according to industry data.
VinFast’s parent company, Vingroup, has also introduced a limited-time “Trade Gas for Electric” program running from March 11 to March 31, 2026. Customers switching from gasoline vehicles can receive an additional 3 percent discount on VinFast electric cars, on top of existing incentives.
The company provided cost comparisons based on a typical monthly driving distance of 1,200 kilometers.
For the VF 6 Plus, estimated energy use is around 155.5 kWh per month. At a home charging rate of 13.82 pesos per kWh, monthly charging costs would be approximately 2,150 pesos, or close to 77,000 pesos over three years. With free charging, that cost is eliminated.
A similarly-sized gasoline vehicle with fuel consumption of 6.5 liters per 100 km would use about 78 liters of fuel monthly. At a price of 65.25 pesos per liter, monthly fuel costs would be approximately 5,090 pesos.
For the VF 5, estimated monthly energy use is around 137 kWh, costing roughly 1,890 pesos in charging, or about 68,000 pesos over three years. A gasoline alternative in the same segment, with consumption of 6.8 liters per 100 km, would use about 81.6 liters monthly, costing approximately 5,300 pesos per month or about 191,000 pesos over three years.
For the VF 3, monthly energy use is estimated at around 104 kWh, equivalent to about 1,440 pesos, or roughly 52,000 pesos over three years. The most efficient gasoline options in this size range, consuming around 3.95 to 5 liters per 100 km, would use about 60 liters monthly. At 65.25 pesos per liter, that amounts to about 3,900 pesos monthly, or over 140,000 pesos across three years.
Paolo Reyes, a Quezon City-based driver who uses a VF 5 daily, said removing fuel costs has made household budgeting more predictable.
“Once you remove fuel cost from the equation, the rest becomes easier to plan,” Reyes said. “That extra 2,000 to 3,000 pesos a month goes straight to groceries, a new laptop for the kid, or even a small fund for a family trip.”
Industry News/Updates
CAMPI launches 10th Philippine International Motor Show
CAMPI launches 10th PIMS scheduled on June 4-7, 2026, at the World Trade Center in Manila.
(Photo) L-R: Victor Vinarao of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp.; Atty. Rhys Alexei Murillo of Nissan Philippines, Inc.; Jing Atienza of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI); Robert Carlos of Isuzu Philippines Corp.; and Atty. Louie Soriano of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.
The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) has officially launched the 10th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), scheduled for June 4-7, 2026, at the World Trade Center in Metro Manila.
The biennial event carries the theme “Forward in Every Drive.” During the launch on May 7, CAMPI President Jose Maria Atienza said the 10th edition underscores the industry’s aim to foster a competitive auto industry while addressing evolving mobility demands, including challenges related to the ongoing fuel crisis.
Seventeen automotive brands will participate: BAIC, Chery, Foton, Geely, Honda, Isuzu, Jetour, Kia, MG, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Omoda and Jaecoo, Subaru, Suzuki, Tesla, Toyota, and VinFast.
The show will feature over 150 vehicle models, including approximately 75 electrified models, or about 50 percent of the lineup. Activities include product launches, previews, driving experiences, and displays on energy efficiency and mobility technologies.
First staged in 2007, PIMS is a biennial event organized by CAMPI.
Industry News/Updates
Mazda CX-8: Quiet moment on the road matters for moms juggling it all
Mazda posted a video feautring Bianca King as CX-8 offers moms space, comfort, and ease.
Mazda Philippines, on May 6, posted a video of actress Bianca King as part of its Mother’s Day message. The video highlights the idea that for mothers who drive the Mazda CX-8, the vehicle offers space, comfort, and a ride that doesn’t demand constant attention.
The video captures how motherhood is rarely picture-perfect. There are beautiful days, there are overwhelming ones, and there are those moments when you’re folding laundry while helping with homework, planning dinner while stuck in traffic, and struggling to remember the last time you had five minutes to yourself.
In between daily routines, school runs, weekend errands, and the occasional quiet drive alone, finding balance isn’t just nice to have. It matters.
For some mothers, that’s enough. Less noise behind the wheel means more room to be present, not just for the kids in the backseat, but for themselves.
“To every mom showing up with love every single day, Happy Mother’s Day,” Mazda Philippines wrote.
No grand claims. Just an acknowledgment that the daily drive, much like motherhood itself, goes a little better when it’s not a struggle.
Industry News/Updates
VinFast launches VF MPV 7 electric vehicle in PH
VinFast launches the VF MPV 7 electric vehicle in the Philippines.
VinFast has officially launched the VF MPV 7 electric vehicle in the Philippines, marking the third international market to receive the model, the company announced on May 4.
The VF MPV 7 is priced at P1,518,000 for the battery-included version and P1,239,000 under the battery subscription model. The monthly subscription fee is P2,700 for distances up to 2,000 kilometers and P4,150 for distances exceeding 2,000 kilometers.
Starting May 5, customers can place orders through VinFast dealerships nationwide. Until May 31, the first 1,000 customers will receive one year of free battery subscription for usage up to 2,000 kilometers per month. Those who purchase the vehicle with the battery included will get a direct discount of P27,200.
The VF MPV 7 is a seven-seater electric MPV targeting families. According to VinFast, the MPV segment accounts for nearly 20 percent of total automotive sales in the Philippines.
The vehicle measures 4,740 mm in length, 1,872 mm in width, and 1,734 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,840 mm. Cargo capacity reaches up to 1,240 liters.
The electric motor delivers 150 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, paired with a 60.13 kWh battery. VinFast claims a driving range of up to 450 kilometers on a full charge under NEDC standards. Fast-charging from 10 to 70 percent takes approximately 30 minutes.
Owners receive free charging at V-Green stations in the Philippines through March 2029, along with a seven-year or 160,000-kilometer vehicle warranty and a 10-year or 200,000-kilometer battery warranty.
VinFast Southeast Asia CEO Antonio Zara said the VF MPV 7 is intended as an upgrade for Filipino families.
CAMPI launches 10th Philippine International Motor Show
Mazda CX-8: Quiet moment on the road matters for moms juggling it all
VinFast launches VF MPV 7 electric vehicle in PH
DENZA launches B5, B8 plug-in hybrid SUVs
Hyundai updates software on 123 Palisade Hybrid units in PH
VinFast forum: PH at ‘turning point’ as fuel prices drive BEV adoption
Ford brings mobile showroom to Antique as part of Visayas roadshow
VinFast EV rental model offers ride-hailing drivers alternative to rising fuel costs
Toyota adds two electrified crossovers to local lineup
Vinfast hands VF6 keys to motoring media for full-day test drive
