As fuel prices continue to climb in the Philippines, daily commuting is becoming increasingly expensive and unpredictable—pushing more workers to rethink how they get to work. For some, electric vehicles (EVs) like those from VinFast are starting to look less like a luxury and more like a practical alternative.
The growing cost of getting to work
For Joshua, an IT professional working in Metro Manila, the day begins before sunrise. By 4:00 a.m., he’s already awake. An hour later, he’s out the door—beginning a long, multi-leg commute that includes a tricycle, a bus, a jeepney, and a final walk to the office.
On a good day, the journey is exhausting. On a bad one, it can stretch to six hours.
But recently, it’s not just the time that’s taking a toll—it’s the cost.
As fuel prices rise nationwide, public transport has become less reliable. Routes are shortened, operating hours become inconsistent, and waiting times grow longer. For commuters like Joshua, that means paying more just to get to work on time.
He now spends close to ₱10,000 a month on transportation—nearly half of his ₱23,000 salary.
Small comforts have been cut. Coffee runs and weekend outings are gone. Some days, he considers walking longer distances just to save a few pesos.
Owning a car still feels out of reach. The upfront cost is daunting, and the thought of spending even more on fuel doesn’t help.
But with transport costs continuing to rise, the idea of a more predictable alternative is becoming harder to ignore.
Why EVs are entering the conversation
Electric vehicles have long been seen as expensive, largely due to concerns over battery costs. But newer ownership models are starting to change that perception.
According to automotive journalist James Deakin, some manufacturers are rethinking how EVs are sold.
“Brands like VinFast are addressing one of the biggest concerns, which is the battery cost, through subscription programs,” he noted in a recent discussion.
Instead of paying for the battery upfront, buyers can opt for a monthly subscription—reducing the initial purchase price significantly.
Take the VinFast VF 6 as an example. The model is priced at around ₱1,499,000 with the battery included. Under the subscription model, that drops to roughly ₱1,249,000, with a monthly battery fee of about ₱2,350—cutting upfront costs by around ₱250,000.
Lower running costs, more predictable expenses
Beyond the purchase price, the bigger shift comes in day-to-day expenses.
Joshua currently spends about ₱10,000 monthly on a fragmented commute. Switching to a gasoline-powered car might simplify the journey, but fuel alone could still cost over ₱5,000 per month for a typical subcompact vehicle.
An EV like the VF 6, however, runs on electricity. Estimated monthly consumption sits at around 155 kWh—equivalent to roughly ₱2,150 when charging at home.
The savings become even more noticeable with VinFast’s free charging program at partner stations, which runs until March 2029. During that period, energy costs can effectively drop to zero.
Over three years, that could mean savings of up to ₱77,000—an amount that can significantly ease household budgets. Even when factoring in the battery subscription fee, total monthly costs remain competitive with, or lower than, gasoline expenses.
Designed for urban life
Beyond cost, the VF 6 is built with city driving in mind.
The compact SUV delivers around 210 horsepower—comparable to a 2.7-liter gasoline engine—but with the smoother, quieter performance typical of EVs. Inside, a 12.9-inch central display integrates navigation, media, and vehicle controls into a single interface, simplifying the driving experience.
Practicality hasn’t been overlooked either. With up to 1,275 liters of cargo space, the vehicle can handle daily errands as well as occasional out-of-town trips.
VinFast also offers a 7-year or 160,000-kilometer vehicle warranty, along with a battery warranty that can extend up to 10 years depending on the market. Its Residual Value Guarantee program further adds reassurance, with buyback options of up to 90% of the vehicle’s original price.
A shift driven by necessity
Joshua isn’t planning to buy an EV just yet.
But as fuel prices rise and commuting becomes more difficult, the idea is starting to make practical sense—not as a lifestyle upgrade, but as a way to regain control over time and expenses.
“If I can spend less time worrying about the ride and more time actually living,” he said, “that’s already a big change.”
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VinFast opens 30th Philippine dealership in Caloocan, strengthening EV push in Northern Metro Manila
VinFast Cuts EV Ownership Costs in the Philippines With Revised Battery Subscription Program
