If you’re on the fence about buying an electric vehicle, free juice for the next few years might just tip the scales. Vietnamese automaker VinFast has announced it is extending its free EV charging program for drivers in the Philippines, India, and Indonesia through March 31, 2029.
The perk isn’t just a carrot dangled in front of new buyers. The extended policy covers both existing EV owners and future customers. It also notably includes drivers using their vehicles for ride-hailing services, such as those operating on the Green GSM platform.
There is a caveat: The free power is tied specifically to the V-Green charging network. V-Green, a spin-off company developed by VinFast’s parent conglomerate Vingroup, is currently building out its charging infrastructure across the markets where the automaker operates.
Why give away the electricity? It’s a classic customer acquisition play. Duong Thi Thu Trang, VinFast’s deputy CEO of global sales, said the initial free charging push was a hit and that dropping operating costs to “nearly zero” gives people the confidence to finally switch from gas to electric.
It’s part of a broader, aggressive strategy by the company to crack into these emerging, key Asian markets. Alongside the charging freebie, VinFast is throwing a lot at the wall to lower the barrier to entry, including battery subscription models to slash the initial sticker price, flexible payments, and resale value guarantees.
Learn About This Author
