Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast urged motoring journalists to set aside spec sheets and marketing claims, handing them the keys to its VF6 Plus and Eco for a full-day real-world test drive to answer one question: Can a battery electric vehicle (BEV) go the distance outside the city?

At the “Powering The Journey: Enabling Everyday Electric Mobility” Performance Drive on April 16, VinFast Philippines Deputy CEO Regional Automotive Sales and Recruitment Victor Jose Vela acknowledged that while interest in EVs is growing amid rising fuel prices, many Filipino motorists remain skeptical.

Victor Jose Vela, VinFast Philippines Deputy CEO

“We recognize that many Filipinos still have questions,” Vela said. “Questions around real-world performance. Questions around practicality. And ultimately, questions around whether battery electric vehicles can truly fit into their everyday lives.”

As part of Vinfast’s ongoing push to position the VF6 as a practical option for Filipino drivers considering a switch to electric, the event was structured as an unofficial test drive, with participants taking the VF6 on a route that covered city roads, highway stretches, and provincial roads. The goal, according to Vela, was to demonstrate how far a BEV can drive, specifically outside the metro.

“We believe that the best way to build confidence is not just by talking about the product, but by putting it to the test,” he said.

VinFast positioned the drive as an opportunity for media to evaluate the VF6 across areas of efficiency, comfort, intelligent technology, and everyday usability. The company did not present the event as a formal launch or a controlled demonstration, but rather as an experience meant to simulate actual driving conditions.

Vela noted that rising fuel costs have made mobility more costly and uncertain for many Filipinos, from daily commuters to business operators. He added that VinFast’s goal is to make electric mobility “more accessible, more reliable, more understandable, and ultimately, more relevant to the lives of Filipino drivers.”

No official fuel savings or range claims were presented during the remarks. Instead, VinFast left the evaluation to the journalists behind the wheel.

“You truly evaluate how the VinFast VF6 performs across actual driving conditions, from city roads to extended routes, and everything in between,” Vela said.

Feedback was gathered from participants as part of its ongoing push to position the VF6 as a practical option for Filipino drivers considering a switch to electric.

Actual test drive experience

We took the VF6 Plus from the Caloocan showroom with an 81% battery showing an estimated 348 kilometers of range. The planned trip was 53 kilometers to Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The route included slow city traffic and faster driving on the Skyway. Upon arrival in Sta. Rosa, the battery read 51%.

For the return trip to Caloocan, we drove the VF6 Eco, which started at 97%. After the same 53-kilometer drive, the battery registered 75%.

No range anxiety. No unexpected drops. Both units delivered more than enough juice.

Ride and handling: Firm, stable, European

The VF6’s suspension is tuned for control and stability rather than plush comfort. The trade-off is a firm ride. On the Skyway, the vehicle felt planted and confident at higher speeds. Body roll was minimal. Drivers looking for a soft, pillowy ride may find it stiff, but those who prefer a more controlled, European-style handling will likely appreciate the setup.

Cabin and tech: Minimalist with useful features

The VF6 cabin follows a minimalist layout centered around a 12.9-inch touchscreen. The standout feature is the Head-Up Display (HUD), which projects key driving information onto the windshield. The flat floor also enhances the feeling of space inside. These features keep the driver’s eyes on the road without unnecessary clutter.

Front seat comfort: Quiet and supportive

The front cabin is where the VF6 performs best. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on longer drives. The electric drivetrain delivers a smooth and nearly silent ride, which is a clear advantage in stop-and-go city traffic. On the Skyway, the vehicle felt solid and composed. However, the ride remains firm, and rear seat passengers may find legroom and thigh support lacking on extended trips.

Final take: Quiet, capable, practical

After a full day of city driving and highway cruising, the VF6 makes a reasonable case for itself, not as a luxury EV, but as a practical option for commuters and weekend drivers tired of rising fuel prices. The range held up as advertised. No breakdowns. No drama. Just a quiet, tech-equipped drive that started with a charge and ended with plenty left in the battery. For Filipino drivers watching every peso, that may be good enough.

For detailed specs and pricing, you can visit Vinfast VF6 official website at https://vinfastauto.ph/en/vf6