VinFast Launches EV Rentals for Drivers in Southeast Asia

Thousands of ride-hailing drivers in Southeast Asia just got a more affordable path to electric vehicles, and it could transform their livelihoods while cleaning city air.

Vietnamese automaker VinFast launched a rental program across Indonesia and the Philippines that lets transport drivers operate electric vehicles without buying them outright. Starting rates hit just 312,500 rupiah in Indonesia and 1,000 pesos in the Philippines, roughly $1 per day, with low deposits and fixed daily fees that make the switch accessible to drivers working with tight budgets.

The timing matters because fuel prices keep swinging unpredictably across the region. Drivers who rent these EVs lock in their daily vehicle costs and avoid the gas station entirely.

VinFast is rolling out its Green lineup vehicles built specifically for commercial transport, including the Herio Green and Limo Green models. These cars prioritize durability and passenger comfort for the constant stop-and-go demands of city driving.

The program launches first in major urban centers like Greater Jakarta and Metro Manila, where ride-hailing services handle millions of trips monthly. Expansion to other cities will follow as the network grows.

Drivers won't just save on fuel. VinFast is offering free charging at its V-Green stations through March 2029, slashing operating costs even further and making the economics compelling for drivers calculating their daily earnings.

The Ripple Effect

This move reaches beyond individual drivers. Commercial transport vehicles log far more miles than personal cars, meaning each EV conversion removes substantially more tailpipe emissions from congested city streets where air quality affects millions of residents daily.

The program also stabilizes income for drivers who often work as independent contractors. Predictable vehicle costs let them plan budgets more confidently, and lower operating expenses mean more take-home pay from each fare.

Duong Thi Thu Trang, VinFast's Deputy CEO of Global Automotive Sales, emphasized the dual benefit: "This initiative not only provides drivers with a stable source of income, but also contributes to improved quality of life and lower emissions."

For drivers who prefer ownership, VinFast continues offering purchase financing tailored to commercial use, with payment schedules aligned to expected driver earnings. The rental option simply opens the door wider for those who can't access traditional vehicle loans or prefer lower financial commitment.

Parent company Vingroup is backing the rollout with additional incentives, including its Trade Gas for Electric program and promotional discounts for electric ride services throughout Indonesia.

Thousands of drivers now have a practical path to cleaner vehicles that also protect their wallets.