VinFast’s EV Rental Model Could Reshape Daily Earnings for Ride-Hailing Drivers

Ride-hailing drivers in the Philippines explore a new electric vehicle (EV) rental model introduced by VinFast, offering lower daily operating costs and free charging incentives as fuel prices continue to fluctuate.

Manila, Philippines — For many ride-hailing drivers in Metro Manila, daily earnings are no longer just about the number of trips completed. Increasingly, they are dictated by one unpredictable factor: fuel costs.

With global price volatility pushing pump prices higher, drivers are finding their margins squeezed—sometimes to the point where a full day’s work barely translates into meaningful take-home pay.

Arnel Dizon, who has been driving for nearly eight years, knows this all too well.

“Some days, you start with a full tank and by the end of the shift, a big part of what you earned is already gone,” he said. “Lately, it feels like I’m just working to keep up with fuel.”

Like many drivers, Dizon has considered switching to an electric vehicle (EV). The promise of lower operating costs is appealing, but the upfront investment has always been a barrier. Buying a new car would mean a hefty down payment and months—if not years—of recovery.

That’s where a new model enters the picture.

A Shift From Ownership to Access

Vietnamese automaker VinFast is introducing an EV rental program in the Philippines aimed specifically at service drivers. Instead of purchasing a vehicle outright, drivers can rent one for commercial use, with fees starting at around ₱1,000 per day.

The concept is simple: lower the barrier to entry, and allow drivers to start earning immediately—without the long-term financial burden of ownership.

“You don’t have to buy the car outright,” Dizon said. “You can rent it, start earning right away, and your costs are easier to manage.”

The program is expected to roll out first in Metro Manila, with expansion planned for other urban areas.

Lower Costs, More Predictable Income

Another driver, Pasig-based Alvarado, has already begun seriously considering the switch. What caught his attention wasn’t just the rental model—but the operating costs.

Under VinFast’s current policy, EV users can charge for free at its V-Green charging stations until March 2029. For drivers used to spending tens of thousands of pesos monthly on fuel, that changes the equation dramatically.

“I actually visited a dealership over the weekend,” Alvarado said. “The free charging was what sold me.”

He is eyeing the Herio Green, a five-seater EV variant designed for ride-hailing and service use, alongside the larger Limo Green.

Based on his calculations, a driver covering 200 to 300 kilometers daily could spend anywhere from ₱24,000 to ₱36,000 per month on gasoline, depending on traffic conditions. With an EV—and free charging—that cost effectively drops to zero.

Over a year, the savings could reach ₱300,000 to ₱400,000.

“That’s already a significant part of my household expenses,” he said.

Built for the Daily Grind

Beyond cost savings, the practicality of EVs for ride-hailing is becoming harder to ignore.

The Herio Green offers a driving range of over 300 kilometers per charge—enough to cover a full day’s work in Metro Manila traffic. Fast charging from 10% to 70% takes around 30 minutes, roughly the length of a typical break between bookings.

“I usually stop anyway,” Alvarado said. “If the car charges while I rest, it doesn’t feel like I’m losing time.”

A Growing EV Presence in the Philippines

VinFast has been steadily expanding its footprint in the country, ending 2025 as the second-largest battery electric vehicle brand, according to industry data. Alongside its vehicle lineup, the company has been investing heavily in charging infrastructure—seen as critical to wider EV adoption.

For drivers like Dizon, the shift is no longer a distant idea. It’s becoming a practical consideration.

“I’m not there yet,” he said. “But every time I run the numbers, it makes more sense. It feels like something I’ll do sooner rather than later.”