Buying a first car has long been a milestone for many Filipinos. Today, however, it has become something more practical—and potentially more profitable.
With Metro Manila motorists spending an average of 143 hours stuck in traffic in 2025, according to the TomTom Traffic Index, reliable private transportation has become less of a luxury and more of a necessity. Despite higher vehicle prices and worsening congestion, Filipinos continue to buy cars in record numbers. The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) reported 491,395 vehicles sold in 2025, the highest annual sales ever recorded by the local automotive industry.
But ownership is no longer just about getting from point A to point B.
The growth of the gig economy has transformed vehicles into income-generating assets. Ride-hailing, shuttle services, delivery operations, and tourism transport have created new opportunities for Filipinos to earn from their cars. According to Ipsos’ 2025 Gig Life PH study, 9.9 million Filipinos now participate in gig work, with many using their own vehicles to supplement their primary income.
This changing landscape is where electric vehicles like the VinFast VF 5 are beginning to stand out—not only as practical daily transportation but also as a potential business tool.
A First Car That Fits Everyday Life
For first-time buyers, practicality often outweighs luxury.
The VinFast VF 5 was designed with urban driving in mind. Its compact footprint makes it easier to navigate congested city streets and fit into tight parking spaces, while its SUV-inspired ride height provides better visibility in traffic.
Inside, the cabin seats up to five passengers comfortably, making it suitable for everything from weekday commutes to family outings, grocery trips, and weekend drives. A digital cockpit and modern connectivity features add convenience without overwhelming drivers who may be purchasing their first vehicle.
Rather than chasing premium features for their own sake, the VF 5 focuses on usability—something many first-time owners value most.
Built to Work as Hard as Its Owner
The same characteristics that make the VF 5 practical for personal use also make it a compelling option for commercial applications.
Unlike conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, the all-electric VF 5 helps reduce operating costs by eliminating fuel expenses and lowering routine maintenance requirements. For drivers planning to enter ride-hailing or transport services, lower day-to-day expenses can translate into better long-term profitability.
The vehicle delivers a driving range of up to 326 kilometers (NEDC), while DC fast charging can replenish the battery from 10 percent to 70 percent in approximately 33 minutes, allowing drivers to spend less time charging and more time on the road.
Its commercial potential has already been demonstrated in Vietnam, where the VF 5 serves as the primary vehicle for Green GSM, the country’s all-electric ride-hailing service. Operating at scale, the fleet showcases how the model is capable of handling demanding daily transport operations—not just private use.
The Philippines Is Becoming More EV-Friendly
The timing may also be working in favor of aspiring EV owners.
Electric vehicle adoption continues to accelerate across the Philippines. Data from the Land Transportation Office showed 29,715 EV registrations during the first seven months of 2025, already surpassing the country’s total registrations for all of 2024.
Government policies are helping sustain that momentum. The Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), together with the extension of zero tariffs on imported electric vehicles and key components through 2028, has lowered the barriers to EV ownership for both individual buyers and businesses considering fleet expansion.
For entrepreneurs planning to enter ride-hailing or mobility services, these developments could make electric vehicles an increasingly attractive investment.
One Vehicle That Can Grow With You
One of the biggest dilemmas facing first-time buyers is deciding whether to purchase a car for personal convenience or invest in something that can generate income.
The VinFast VF 5 aims to eliminate that compromise.
It functions as an everyday family vehicle while remaining efficient enough for commercial use when opportunities arise. Whether it’s being used for weekday commutes, weekend errands, or ride-hailing services after office hours, the vehicle offers owners the flexibility to adapt as their needs evolve.
That flexibility reflects how many Filipinos are approaching work today. Ipsos’ Gig Life PH study, citing Philippine Statistics Authority data, found that 22 percent of employed Filipinos engage in gig work, with 61 percent doing so on a part-time basis to supplement income from regular employment or an existing business.
For buyers looking to maximize the value of a major purchase, versatility has become just as important as performance.
Supporting the Shift to Electric Mobility
Now in its second year in the Philippine market, VinFast continues expanding its local electric mobility ecosystem through a growing dealership network, charging infrastructure, and aftersales support.
The company has also introduced ownership programs designed to make EV adoption more accessible, including battery subscription options, a resale value guarantee, and complimentary charging on the V-Green network until March 31, 2029.
For Filipinos considering their first vehicle, the decision is no longer simply about buying a car.
Increasingly, it’s about choosing one that can support both everyday life and future earning opportunities. In that respect, the VinFast VF 5 presents itself as more than just an electric vehicle—it offers a platform that can evolve alongside its owner, whether the next milestone is a first family road trip or a first business venture.
About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer focused on making EVs more accessible worldwide. Its portfolio includes electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses, supported by a rapidly expanding global manufacturing, dealership, and charging network across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
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