Battery not included, risk covered: VinFast subscription model lowers upfront EV costs in Phl

VinFast details its battery subscription program for the Philippine market. The program gives buyers a lower entry price for electric vehicles.

Battery performance and replacement remain under the company’s responsibility.

Under the program, customers can purchase a VinFast electric vehicle without the battery. Owners then pay a monthly subscription based on driving distance.

VinFast said the option can reduce the initial purchase price by as much as 20 percent, depending on the model.

For entry-level models such as the VF 3, the listed price drops from P754,000 with the battery to P590,000 under the subscription setup.

Monthly subscription fees start at P1,600 and increase based on mileage tiers.

The VF 5 Plus is listed at P1.099 million with the battery, while the subscription option brings the vehicle price down to P949,000.

The VF 6 Eco drops from P1.499 million to P1.249 million without the battery, based on VinFast’s published figures.

With the high-voltage battery excluded from the vehicle price, the insured value is lower.

VinFast said insurance premiums for electric vehicles typically range from about 2.5 to 4 percent of the suggested retail price when the battery is bundled with the vehicle.

A lower insured value usually results in lower premiums.

Battery condition remains a concern for many electric vehicle buyers, particularly those who plan to keep their vehicles long term. VinFast said customers under the subscription program do not carry responsibility for normal battery degradation.

The company replaces the battery at no cost once the capacity drops below 70 percent state of health during the active subscription period.

Buyers who prefer traditional ownership can still purchase a VinFast electric vehicle with the battery included. VinFast said this option comes with a battery warranty of up to 10 years or 200,000 kilometers, depending on the model.

The company said both ownership paths remain available across its local lineup.

During the media briefing, a question was raised by Enrique Garcia, chief infrastructure officer and motoring editor of DAILY TRIBUNE, on how owners can monitor battery condition on their own, especially those based in provinces with limited access to service centers.

Toti Zara, ceo of VinFast South East Asia and Rox Lacerna, deputy ceo of VinFast Philippines, said customers will be able to view battery state of health (SOH) and related data through the VinFast mobile app.

The executives said the feature allows users to check battery condition without visiting a dealership.

VinFast said the subscription also covers battery maintenance and repairs under the program’s terms. Coverage applies in cases linked to accidents as well.

Subscription fees remain fixed unless customers receive prior notice of changes, according to the company.

The battery subscription sits alongside other offers available in the Philippine market.

These include free charging at selected partner stations, financing packages with low initial payments, and a residual value program tied to vehicle buyback terms.

According to VinFast, these options are available through its authorized dealer network nationwide.

Battery cost and long-term reliability continue to shape electric vehicle buying decisions in the country. Under the subscription setup, responsibility for battery condition stays with the manufacturer.

VinFast said the approach gives customers clearer ownership costs while easing concerns tied to battery replacement over time.