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.

The Suzuki Skydrive Sport continues to attract Filipino riders looking for an affordable scooter that is easy to operate, economical to maintain, and practical for everyday travel.

At the center of the scooter is a 113cc fuel-injected engine designed to provide smooth power delivery and efficient fuel use. The system offers more consistent performance than a conventional carbureted setup while requiring fewer adjustments over time.

Its fuel economy makes the Skydrive Sport suitable for riders who depend on motorcycles for work, school, errands, and daily commuting. Fewer fuel stops can help reduce operating expenses, especially for owners who cover long distances each week.

Suzuki also kept the scooter light and compact. Its manageable size allows riders to handle crowded streets, narrow roads, and tight parking spaces more easily. The low weight also makes it approachable for beginners who are still building their riding experience.

Comfort remains part of the package. The seating position is designed for regular urban trips, while the scooter’s responsive handling helps reduce the effort needed when changing lanes or moving through slow traffic.

The Skydrive Sport also carries a sharp body design that gives it a more youthful appearance. Available colors listed in the supplied material include Titan Black, Metallic Matte Stellar Blue, and Candy Jackal Green.

These options allow owners to choose between a restrained finish and brighter shades that stand out on the road.

Price is another reason the scooter appeals to budget-conscious buyers. The supplied product information lists the 2024 Skydrive Sport at P72,900, placing it within reach of first-time motorcycle owners and commuters searching for an alternative to public transportation.

Ownership costs extend beyond the purchase price. The scooter’s fuel-injected engine, simple construction, and access to Suzuki’s dealership and service network can help make scheduled maintenance and parts replacement easier to manage.

That network also gives owners access to trained technicians and genuine components through authorized outlets across the country.

The Skydrive Sport is suited to several types of riders. New owners can benefit from its light handling and straightforward controls. Daily commuters can take advantage of its fuel efficiency and compact footprint, while style-conscious buyers get a sporty design without moving into a more expensive category.

It does not rely on excessive technology or complicated features. Instead, the Skydrive Sport focuses on the qualities that matter during everyday use: low running costs, manageable performance, easy handling, and accessible pricing.

That practical balance helps explain why the Suzuki Skydrive Sport remains a familiar choice among Filipino scooter riders.

Around 25,000 Vespa scooters from 67 countries filled the streets of Rome in what organizers described as the largest rally ever held for the Italian two-wheeler brand.

The parade was part of VESPA ROMA 2026, the 80th anniversary celebration of Vespa, which began two days earlier and continues at the Vespa Village in the Stadio dei Marmi at Foro Italico.

Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri flagged off the ride, which was led by presidents of Vespa Clubs from the 67 countries represented in the event.

The cavalcade started from the Terme di Caracalla before passing the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, the Altare della Patria and the Fori Imperiali. Thousands of spectators lined the route to watch, cheer and record the convoy as Vespa models from different eras rode through the city.

The parade featured more than 160 Vespa models produced across eight decades. Among the rarest units were examples of the Vespa 98, the first series produced in 1946. Vintage scooters from the 1950s and 1960s also joined the ride, including “low-light” models and classic VBBs.

Other crowd favorites included the ET3, GTR, Rally models and the long-running Vespa PX. Newer models such as the Primavera and GTS were also strongly represented, including units ridden by owners who traveled long distances to join the Rome celebration.

The event continues at Vespa Village with public activities, parties, music from Radio Deejay, a photo exhibition, historic Vespa units from the Piaggio Museum, a display of the current Vespa lineup and a special Vespa Store.

The Rome gathering marks one of the biggest public celebrations for Vespa since the brand’s first scooter rolled out in 1946, turning the Italian capital into a moving tribute to one of the world’s most recognizable scooter names.