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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.

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Photo: Vinfast

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

Fuel price hikes drive VinFast’s EV expansion

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Fuel price hikes drive VinFast's EV expansion

With fuel prices continuing to climb, Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast is positioning its electric motorcycles as a more affordable alternative for Filipino commuters, announcing price cuts across three of its e-motorcycle models.

The company said the VinFast Evo now starts at ₱62,900, down from ₱70,000, while the Feliz II has been reduced from ₱72,400 to ₱64,900. Meanwhile, the Viper is now priced at ₱73,900, down from ₱81,900, under the company’s battery subscription program.

The latest price reductions come as motorists brace for another round of fuel price hikes, making electric mobility an increasingly attractive option for those looking to lower their transportation costs.

Unlike gasoline-powered motorcycles, electric motorcycles eliminate the need for regular fuel purchases and engine oil changes, potentially reducing day-to-day operating and maintenance expenses. They also produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a cleaner transportation option that can help reduce urban air pollution and carbon emissions.

Beyond lower running costs, VinFast said its electric motorcycles are equipped with features designed to improve rider safety and everyday convenience.

The motorcycles are powered by a 5,200-watt BLDC in-wheel motor, which delivers smooth, responsive acceleration while requiring fewer moving mechanical parts than a conventional internal combustion engine. The simplified drivetrain may also reduce long-term maintenance requirements.

Each model offers a claimed driving range of up to 150 kilometers on a full charge, allowing riders to complete most daily commutes without frequent recharging.

One of the lineup’s standout features is VinFast’s battery-swapping technology, designed to address one of the biggest concerns among prospective EV owners: charging time. Instead of waiting for a battery to recharge, riders can exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one in about a minute, making electric motorcycles more practical for everyday use.

To support the rollout, VinFast has opened 21 authorized motorcycle dealerships across the Philippines, where customers can view the motorcycles, take test rides, watch live battery-swapping demonstrations, and access after-sales support. The company plans to expand its dealership network to 100 locations by the end of 2026 as it strengthens its nationwide presence.

VinFast is also working with infrastructure partners to deploy 30,000 battery-swapping cabinets across the country, forming the backbone of its electric motorcycle ecosystem. Together with home-charging options, the network is intended to give riders greater flexibility depending on how and where they use their motorcycles.

To encourage adoption, VinFast is offering a promotional incentive for early subscribers to its battery subscription program.

Customers who subscribe on or before September 30, 2026, are entitled to up to 20 free battery swaps per month for one year. The benefit is provided on a per-battery basis rather than per motorcycle, meaning customers who subscribe to two batteries may receive up to 40 free battery swaps per month, with each swap counted individually toward the monthly allocation.

The battery subscription program also gives buyers greater flexibility. Customers can purchase their motorcycles with batteries included or opt for the subscription model, depending on their budget and riding habits.

VinFast said the motorcycles are backed by a 4+2-year or 60,000+12,000-kilometer warranty, whichever comes first. The warranty includes an initial four-year or 60,000-kilometer coverage, followed by an additional two years or 12,000 kilometers, giving owners added peace of mind while helping reduce long-term ownership costs.

The company added that customers only need a ₱3,000 reservation deposit to secure a unit through its pre-order program. Reservations can be made through VinFast’s online platform, customer hotline, or any authorized dealership.

VinFast’s Philippine expansion follows the opening of 20 electric motorcycle dealerships in Indonesia earlier this year, reflecting the company’s broader strategy to build a green mobility ecosystem across Southeast Asia.

For Filipino commuters, the appeal of electric motorcycles extends beyond lower emissions. Reduced running costs, fewer maintenance requirements, quieter operation, modern engineering, and the convenience of a growing battery-swapping network are becoming increasingly compelling as more riders look for alternatives to gasoline-powered motorcycles.

By pairing more affordable prices with an expanding dealership network and battery-swapping infrastructure, VinFast is betting that electric motorcycles can become a practical everyday mobility solution for Filipinos.

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Industry News/Updates

Ford launches July promo, mobile showroom in Cebu

Ford Philippines launched a July promo with discounts and financing across its lineup, while its mobile showroom visits Cebu.

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Photo: Ford Philippines

Ford Philippines has launched a month-long promotional campaign for July, offering discounts and financing options across its vehicle lineup, while its mobile showroom makes stops in Cebu, the company said on July 10.

The “Ford Freedom Fest” program features cash savings, 0% interest financing, and all-in down payment plans across Ford’s lineup of trucks, SUVs, hybrid and electric models, and performance vehicles.

The Ford Territory Hybrid is available with a P79,000 all-in down payment or cash savings of up to P40,000. The Ranger pickup can be had for as low as a P59,000 all-in down payment or 0% interest for 60 months at a 25% down payment.

The Everest SUV is offered with up to 0% interest for 36 months at a 50% down payment or cash savings of up to P180,000. The Mustang comes with cash savings of up to P170,000 or 0% interest for up to 36 months, while the all-electric Mustang Mach-E is available with savings of up to P600,000.

Mobile showroom in Cebu

The Ford Mobile Showroom, a showroom-on-wheels, is currently in Oslob, Cebu, until July 12, located at Eternidad Street corner Aragones Street. It will then move to Moalboal, Cebu, from July 15 to 19 at the San Juan Nepomuceno Parish along Dr. JP Rizal Street.

Both stops will operate daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Visitors can view the Territory Hybrid on display and test drive the Ranger, Everest, and Territory Hybrid.

“July marks an exciting milestone with Ford Freedom Fest as we extend exciting deals across our entire portfolio—including our electrified lineup like the Territory Hybrid and the Mustang Mach-E,” said Byron Daquil, director of Retail Product Marketing and Business Growth at Ford Philippines.

Admission to the mobile showroom is free, and customers can receive on-site promotional offers and Ford giveaways with a test drive or vehicle reservation.

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Events

Kia Sonet owners join 2nd anniversary convoy in Rizal

80 Kia Sonets marked their 2nd Philippine anniversary with a club convoy from Pasig to Tanay, Kia Philippines posted on July 2.

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Photo: Kia Philippines

Eighty Kia Sonet units participated in a club-organized convoy over the weekend to mark the vehicle’s second anniversary in the Philippine market, with the drive taking owners from Pasig City to the mountainous roads of Tanay, Kia Philippines posted on social media on July 2.

The caravan, organized in coordination with Kia Philippines and the Kia Sonet Pilipinas Club, assembled at Kia Ortigas before proceeding east along the Manila East Road. The route included paved highways, winding mountain sections, and light off-road stretches typical of the Rizal province terrain.

The event was primarily a community gathering rather than a product launch or promotional activity. Club members used the opportunity to exchange ownership experiences, discuss vehicle maintenance, and test the Sonet’s performance across varying road conditions.

The Kia Sonet, a 5-seater subcompact crossover utility vehicle, was introduced in the Philippines in July 2024. It competes in a segment that includes the Toyota Raize, Suzuki S-Presso, and Honda BR-V.

The Kia Sonet is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and is positioned as an entry-level SUV option for urban and occasional weekend use.

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