First move

VinFast VF 5 gives first-time buyers a car that can also earn

For many Filipinos, buying a first car is no longer only about reaching a personal milestone. It can also become the starting point for a small transport business or an additional source of income.

The VinFast VF 5 makes a case for both roles by combining compact dimensions, an electric powertrain and enough space for everyday family use. Its size helps drivers navigate crowded streets and tight parking areas, while the raised SUV seating position provides a clearer view of surrounding traffic.

The cabin accommodates five passengers and can handle regular commutes, grocery trips and weekend drives. A digital cockpit and practical convenience features also give first-time owners the equipment expected from a modern vehicle.

Those same qualities allow the VF 5 to serve beyond personal transportation. Owners may use it for ride-hailing, shuttle services, tourism transport or other mobility-based work as more Filipinos turn to flexible income opportunities.

Around 9.9 million Filipinos participate in some form of gig work, according to data cited in the 2025 Ipsos “Gig Life PH” study. About 61 percent do it part-time to supplement earnings from a regular job or an existing business.

The VF 5’s electric powertrain can help operators reduce spending on fuel and routine maintenance compared with a conventional gasoline vehicle. It offers a driving range of up to 326 kilometers under the NEDC standard, while DC fast charging can bring the battery from 10 to 70 percent in about 33 minutes.

Its ability to handle commercial use is already being tested at scale in Vietnam, where the model serves as the primary vehicle of Green GSM, an all-electric ride-hailing service.

Electric vehicle adoption is also gaining ground in the Philippines. EV registrations reached 29,715 units during the first seven months of 2025, exceeding the 24,000 units recorded for the whole of 2024, based on Land Transportation Office figures cited by VinFast.

The Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act has helped support that growth. Zero-tariff rates on EVs and their components have been extended through 2028, giving individual buyers and fleet operators another reason to consider switching to electric mobility.

VinFast is also supporting VF 5 ownership through battery subscription options, a resale value guarantee and free charging on the V-Green network until March 31, 2029. Its local EV ecosystem includes vehicles, charging stations, dealerships and aftersales services.

For a first-time buyer, the decision often comes down to choosing between a vehicle for personal needs and one that can support future income. The VF 5 offers a way to cover both, serving as a daily car when needed and a working asset when an opportunity comes along.