Two months after its official Philippine launch, VinFast Philippines has said that its electric motorcycles are gaining traction in the local two-wheel industry. The company backed this claim with what it refers to as three key factors it seems are helping convince Filipino riders to consider switching to e-scooters.
The company entered the local market in July, opening 21 dealerships in a single day. Two months on, VinFast says the initial attention surrounding its arrival is translating into serious consideration among Filipino motorists looking at electric two-wheelers.
According to VinFast, three selling propositions are doing much of the convincing: its battery subscription model, battery-swapping system, and the IP67-rated powertrains of its electric motorcycle lineup.
The first is intended to address the upfront cost of electric motorcycle ownership. VinFast says its battery subscription option allows customers to purchase the motorcycle body at a lower price while paying for battery use separately. The subscription starts at PHP439 per month, according to the company, and includes battery warranty coverage throughout the subscription period.
VinFast positions the arrangement as a way to make electric motorcycle ownership more accessible to riders who may otherwise be deterred by the initial purchase price.
The second proposition is battery swapping. Instead of waiting for a depleted battery to recharge, riders can exchange it for a fully charged unit at designated swap stations. VinFast says this is designed to make the experience more convenient for Filipino motorists who rely on their motorcycles for daily transportation.
The company also says its swapping system addresses battery maintenance concerns, with VinFast taking responsibility for maintaining the batteries used through the network.
The third factor highlighted by VinFast is the ability of its motorcycles to deal with challenging weather and road conditions. The Evo, Feliz II, and Viper are equipped with IP67-rated powertrains, which the company says protect core electrical components against dust and water submersion.
VinFast specifically points to heavy rain and flooding in Metro Manila and surrounding areas as practical considerations for local riders. The company says the IP67 rating provides added assurance when motorcycles encounter wet or waterlogged roads.
Taken together, the company says its approach addresses three concerns it believes are important to Filipino riders considering an electric motorcycle: the initial cost, charging convenience, and durability in local conditions.
The Evo, Feliz II, and Viper are currently available through VinFast E-Motorcycle Philippines’ growing network of showrooms and authorized dealers nationwide.
Autocar’s Take
VinFast’s pitch for its electric motorcycles is built around three practical concerns: purchase cost, charging convenience, and weather resistance. The company’s battery subscription and swapping system are interesting approaches to two of the biggest questions surrounding e-motorcycle ownership. Its emphasis on the IP67-rated powertrains of the Evo, Feliz II, and Viper also shows that VinFast is addressing local riding conditions in its messaging.
Whether these propositions will translate into sustained demand remains to be seen, particularly as the Vietnamese electric mobility company continues expanding its dealership and battery-swapping network. For now, VinFast is making a clear case for how it believes electric motorcycles can fit Filipino riding habits.
