VinFast has rolled out a revised version of its battery subscription program in the Philippines, positioning it as a longer-term ownership option rather than a short-term promotional scheme. Company executives said the adjustments were informed by lessons from the program’s first launch last year, as well as feedback from customers and financial institutions.

Under the updated structure, buyers may purchase a VinFast electric vehicle without paying for the battery in full, and instead, pay a monthly subscription fee. This reduces the vehicle’s upfront price, with VinFast estimating savings of up to around 20-percent depending on the model. Monthly subscription fees now start at ₱1,600, a level the company intentionally aligned with common household expenses to help consumers better understand the cost structure.

VinFast Southeast Asia Chief Executive Officer, Antonio Zara, said the decision to relaunch the program followed several key changes. Subscription fees were reduced, the pricing gap between vehicles sold with and without batteries was widened, and partnerships with banks were finalized. According to the company, lender participation was necessary to support financing, as banks needed clarity on how battery-related risks would be handled when the battery is separated from the vehicle purchase.

The revised pricing also introduces usage-based tiers for selected models, particularly those expected to see heavier utilization. VinFast explained that vehicles covering more than 2,000-kilometers per month fall under a higher subscription tier, reflecting increased battery use and faster degradation associated with high daily mileage. The company said this structure is intended to distinguish private use from commercial or fleet applications, without removing the cost advantage of electric operation for high-mileage users.

A central element of the subscription program is VinFast’s commitment to battery performance throughout the contract period. The company guarantees that subscribed batteries will be replaced once their state of health drops below 70-percent, at no additional cost to the customer. Battery condition can be monitored through the vehicle’s connected systems, which allow both owners and VinFast to track battery performance over time.

Executives said the model is meant to address one of the most common concerns surrounding EV ownership: long-term battery degradation and replacement expense. By separating the battery from the vehicle purchase, VinFast said it aims to provide more predictable monthly costs and reduce uncertainty around resale value. The company noted that vehicles sold under the subscription program may retain stronger residual values, as subsequent owners would continue to benefit from the same battery coverage.

For customers who prefer a conventional ownership route, VinFast continues to offer vehicles with the battery included. These models come with a battery warranty of up to 10-years or 200,000-kilometers, depending on the vehicle. Company representatives emphasized that the subscription model remains optional, allowing buyers to choose based on their usage patterns and financial considerations.

VinFast also clarified that customers who enter the battery subscription program may later choose to buy out the contract. Subscription agreements are renewable every two years, with pricing reviewed at each renewal period. While the company reserves the right to adjust subscription rates, executives said there is no present intention to increase fees, subject to contractual terms and market conditions.

The revised battery subscription program forms part of VinFast’s broader effort to encourage electric vehicle adoption in the Philippines. The company cited earlier initiatives such as its residual value guarantee program, free charging at V-Green-operated stations until May 2027, and continued expansion of its dealership and service network nationwide. According to VinFast, these measures are intended to reduce ownership risk while improving the practicality of EV use.

Drawing on its experience in Vietnam and Indonesia, VinFast described battery subscription as a transitional approach suited to markets where EV adoption is still developing. Company executives said the program will be reviewed on a year-on-year basis and adjusted depending on adoption rates, infrastructure growth, and consumer readiness.

VinFast reiterated that its priority in the Philippine market is expanding charging infrastructure and aftersales support rather than establishing local manufacturing. The company said investments are being directed toward additional dealerships and charging facilities nationwide, which it considers critical to supporting wider EV adoption.