VinFast Feliz II cuts charging stops to about a minute

VinFast E-Motorcycle Philippines is preparing to launch the Feliz II with a battery-swapping system designed to get riders moving again in about one minute.

The One-Minute Swap allows a rider to remove a depleted battery and replace it with a fully charged unit at a V-Green station. The system will also support the VinFast Evo and Viper electric motorcycles.

VinFast and V-Green plan to establish around 30,000 battery-swap stations nationwide. Proposed locations include VinFast dealerships, partner motorcycle shops, malls and fuel stations, giving riders more places to replace batteries during daily trips or work shifts.

The service gives owners another option aside from home charging. A single battery takes about three to four hours to charge, while two batteries require around six to eight hours. Riders who need additional range during the day can instead visit a swap station and continue their trip without waiting through a full charging cycle.

VinFast will offer access to the network through a battery subscription starting at P439 per month. The first 12 months will be free, covering up to 20 swaps each month. The company said choosing the subscription setup could also lower the motorcycle’s initial cost by around 20 percent compared with buying the unit with batteries included.

VinFast estimates that total ownership costs could be at least 25 percent lower than those of a comparable gasoline motorcycle over five years. Riders who cover long distances and refuel frequently, including ride-hailing drivers, could see the largest savings.

The subscription also places battery maintenance under VinFast. A battery will be replaced without charge once its health falls below the company’s specified performance threshold, reducing concerns over long-term battery degradation.

The Feliz II can travel up to 145 kilometers using two batteries and has a top speed of 90 kilometers per hour. VinFast also describes the scooter as spacious enough to accommodate a family of three. Its IP67 waterproof rating provides added protection during sudden rain and travel through wet conditions.

The Feliz II will officially arrive in the Philippines on July 31 alongside the Evo and Viper, introducing VinFast’s battery-swapping approach to the local electric motorcycle market.

BYD Cars Philippines has launched the all-new Atto 2, giving Filipino buyers a choice between a full battery-electric vehicle and two plug-in hybrid variants.

The compact SUV made its Philippine debut at the Trinoma Activity Center as the latest addition to BYD’s new energy vehicle lineup. It is offered as the Atto 2 EV, Atto 2 DM-i Premium and Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic.

The fully electric model delivers a claimed driving range of up to 380 kilometers. It also carries vehicle-to-load capability, allowing the battery to power external devices, appliances and equipment.

Both DM-i variants combine electric driving with a gasoline engine. They can travel up to 45 kilometers on electric power alone and have a claimed combined range of 1,340 kilometers based on an efficiency run conducted by BYD Cars Philippines with the Automobile Association of the Philippines. Actual range may vary depending on driving conditions, vehicle load and other factors.

All three versions use BYD’s Blade Battery. The DM-i Premium is the only variant equipped with the DiPilot advanced driver-assistance system. The EV receives a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the plug-in hybrid models use a 10.1-inch display. Smartphone connectivity is standard across the range.

Official prices take effect on 1 September 2026. The Atto 2 DM-i Dynamic starts at P1.048 million, followed by the DM-i Premium at P1.258 million. The Atto 2 EV is priced at P1.338 million. Special launch offers and BPI financing packages are available until 31 August.

Each unit comes with an eight-year drive-unit warranty, a six-year or 160,000-kilometer bumper-to-bumper warranty and an eight-year or 160,000-kilometer Blade Battery warranty.

Available colors include Harbour Grey, Midnight Blue and Ski White. Breeze Green is exclusive to the EV, while Cosmos Black is reserved for the DM-i models.

The launch also opens the BYD Tech Tour at Trinoma, which runs until 2 August. The event gives visitors a closer look at the new SUV and BYD’s growing electrified lineup.

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.