Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast made a powerful debut at the 2025 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), unveiling its new VF 6 subcompact SUV while rolling out a bold, three-pronged strategy aimed at accelerating EV adoption in the Philippines through improved charging infrastructure, stronger resale value, and accessible financing.
Electric mobility is gaining momentum in the Philippines, a trend that was on full display at MIAS 2025, which drew a record-breaking 170,900 attendees. Among the key highlights was VinFast, making its first appearance at the country’s largest automotive event since entering the Philippine market last year.
Visitors to the VinFast booth were treated to the much-anticipated reveal of the VF 6, which now joins the brand’s growing local lineup alongside the VF 3, VF 5, VF 7, and VF 9. Priced competitively at PHP 1.419 million for the Eco variant and PHP 1.610 million for the Plus, the VF 6 also comes with a standout warranty: seven years or 160,000 kilometers, whichever comes first—one of the most comprehensive in its class.
The VF 6 drew attention from both curious onlookers and potential buyers. Among those was basketball player Prince Rivero, who, despite his 6’3” frame, fit comfortably inside the subcompact SUV. After a test drive with his wife, he shared, “The acceleration is really on point. Here in the Philippines, it’s hot and gas is expensive, so having EV features is really convenient. As a starter family car, the VF 6 is perfect.”
Nearby, flight attendant Aila Panganiban expressed her admiration for the VF 6 and VF 7, both offering nearly 500 km of range per charge (NEDC). “I love the fresh style of VinFast cars—they look different from others in the market,” she said. “And the prices are very competitive.”
For many visitors, VinFast’s presence wasn’t a surprise. “I knew they were huge in Vietnam,” said Leica, an office worker who had traveled there and noted the brand’s recent milestone as Vietnam’s top-selling automaker of 2024. “I drive an ICE car now, but I’m thinking about switching to an EV. For city driving in Manila, the VF 3, VF 5, or this new VF 6 would be perfect.”
But VinFast wasn’t just showing off new models—it came prepared with answers to the biggest barriers to EV adoption.
1. Free Charging Until 2027
To make the switch more accessible, VinFast is offering free public charging at its stations through 2027. The initiative is backed by global charging network operator V-GREEN, which plans to deploy 15,000 charging ports across the Philippines this year alone—an ambitious leap from the country’s current total of just over 900 public stations as of March 2025.
2. Guaranteed Resale Value
Addressing concerns about depreciation, VinFast introduced a buyback program guaranteeing up to 90% of a vehicle’s original price, depending on how long it’s been owned. This offer extends across all models, not just premium ones—making long-term ownership more reassuring for everyday drivers.
3. Flexible Financing
To ease the upfront financial burden, VinFast has teamed up with major local banks like BDO and EastWest, offering flexible financing packages aimed at making EVs accessible to more Filipinos.
The company is also aggressively expanding its presence nationwide. With six distributor partnerships already in place, VinFast plans to open over 60 new showrooms across the country this year.
VinFast’s message was unmistakable: its EVs aren’t just stylish and sustainable—they’re part of a larger, thoughtfully designed system to make EV ownership more viable. By tackling the core concerns of cost, charging, and resale, VinFast is positioning itself as a serious contender in the Philippine market.
With gas prices high, traditional car prices climbing, and infrastructure rapidly catching up, VinFast’s all-in approach might just convince more Filipino drivers that the EV future is already here.