Every day, our commute is getting worse. Public transport options are limited; congestion is unimaginable; and we have to deal with the elements in this tropical climate. Though better public transport is the long-term answer, this crazy situation is slowly eating us up.

According to the TomTom Traffic Index, Filipinos lose around 143 hours to Metro Manila traffic. And while a better public transport system and better infrastructure are the real answer, we can’t blame you if you want your own car.

You are not alone in this thinking. According to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA), there were 491,395 vehicles sold in 2025—an all-time high for the Philippine market. In fact, this is 5% higher than the previous record of 467,252 in 2024.

The Land Transportation Office also noted the uptick in EV sales, recording 29,715 new EV registrations in the first seven months of 2025. This surpassed the 24,000 new EV registrations in 2024. Beyond shielding drivers from drastic fuel price movements, the government also supports EV adoption by extending zero-tariff rates for EVs and their components until 2028 under RA11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA).

Imagine your everyday commute to work not being left to chance, depending on the availability of enough jeeps or buses along your route. And while you won’t get away from traffic, having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to veer away from the regular congested route to ‘shortcuts’ that will get you to your destination faster.

Moreover, a 2025 Ipsos study found that 9.9 million Filipinos do side gigs; some use their vehicles to boost their income. So, the prospect of freedom through your own mobility tool can also help you pay the bills.

However, some people tend to think twice about buying their own car, not only because of the high cost of acquiring one. Fluctuating fuel prices and high maintenance spending are scaring prospective vehicle buyers away. The good news is that more and more new energy vehicles are entering the market, paving the way for more affordable and cleaner mobility options.

Case in point, the VinFast VF 5. This electric crossover is one of the best vehicles for Metro Manila roads. With its compact dimensions and decent ground clearance, it can navigate over the usual potholes and through light flooding in the metropolis.

Its electric propulsion delivers 135hp and 135Nm of torque, perfect for stop-and-go driving in the metro. Its 37.23kWh LFP battery pack delivers 326km of driving. And topping it up is quick: A fast charger can juice the battery from 10% to 70% in just 33 minutes.

It looks good, it’s comfortable, and it’s loaded with tech. The VF 5 is a great family vehicle because it seats up to five passengers. Since it’s a battery electric vehicle, it is more affordable to run than one powered by a traditional internal-combustion engine. Maintenance is cost-effective, too, as there are fewer moving components to check.

These make the VF 5 a great business tool, too. With low running and maintenance costs, it is the perfect partner for those who want to start a ride-hailing or delivery service business.

In fact, in Vietnam, this is the primary vehicle used by Green GSM, VinFast’s all-electric ride-hailing service. This shows that the model can be much more than a personal mobility tool—a reliable business investment that endures the rigors of daily ride-hailing operations.

And with VinFast’s quick rollout of a complete EV ecosystem, you have better access to chargers, dealerships, and after-sales support. This also offers great ownership solutions like battery subscription, residual value guarantee program, and free charging on the V-Green network until March 31, 2029, making transitioning to an EV easier and worry-free.

Whether you want a stylish, feature-packed, easy-to-maintain, affordable personal vehicle, or one you can depend on for your side gig, the VinFast VF 5 is the perfect vehicle for you.

This branded article was produced in partnership with VinFast Philippines.