For many Filipino motorists, the real cost of owning a vehicle is no longer measured at the point of purchase, but in the long-term expenses that follow—fuel, maintenance, and daily operations that steadily accumulate over time.
This shift in perspective is where VinFast’s VF 5, an all-electric five-seater compact SUV, is gaining traction, particularly through the company’s Rentapasada program that combines mobility access with income opportunities for transport service drivers.
Unlike traditional ownership models, Rentapasada is structured to reduce upfront financial barriers. Participants can access vehicles through a daily rental arrangement starting at P1,000, allowing drivers to immediately join ride-hailing or transport services without the large capital outlay typically required to acquire a new car.
For many users, the appeal begins with operating costs. Metro Manila motorist Carlo Santos, who recently transitioned to the VF 5, said his decision was driven by long-term savings rather than purchase price comparisons.
“I looked at several gasoline-powered crossovers first,” Santos said. “But once I computed fuel and maintenance costs, the difference became very clear.”
A typical gasoline vehicle consuming about 6.8 liters per 100 kilometers can use roughly 68 liters of fuel per 1,000 kilometers of monthly driving. At prevailing Metro Manila fuel prices of around P87.25 per liter as of June 2026, that translates to nearly P6,000 in monthly fuel expenses alone.
By contrast, the VF 5’s electric drivetrain significantly reduces energy costs, with users reporting more than 50 percent savings under comparable driving conditions. Over time, that gap can translate into substantial cumulative savings, especially for high-mileage users.
But the program extends beyond vehicle efficiency. The Rentapasada scheme is also designed as a livelihood platform, particularly for drivers operating under Green GSM’s transport network. Those who meet specified ride targets may qualify for free charging at V-Green stations, effectively reducing operating costs even further.
In high-utilization scenarios—such as drivers covering up to 200 kilometers per day—fuel costs in conventional vehicles can reach over P35,000 monthly. Electric operation under the VF 5 model, especially with charging incentives, can significantly reduce or even eliminate this recurring expense, allowing drivers to retain a larger share of their earnings.
The VF 5 itself is positioned as a city-focused EV, equipped with a 100 kW motor, up to 326 kilometers of range, and compact dimensions suited for urban mobility. It also includes safety and driver-assist features such as six airbags, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple advanced driving assistance systems.
VinFast further strengthens the offering with a 7-year vehicle warranty and a 10-year battery warranty, addressing one of the key concerns in electric vehicle adoption.
Under the Rentapasada framework, the VF 5 is bundled with structured support, including fixed five-year contracts (extendable up to eight years), designed to provide income stability for drivers entering the transport service sector.
While positioned as a private-use vehicle, the VF 5’s integration into a livelihood program highlights a broader shift in EV adoption strategies—one that connects mobility not only to transport efficiency, but also to income generation and financial accessibility.
In this model, the VF 5 is no longer just a vehicle purchase decision. It becomes part of a larger ecosystem where mobility, savings, and livelihood intersect.