Under its battery subscription program, owners essentially lease the battery from VinFast instead of making a large upfront payment.

For the VF 5, for example, it amounts to a 16 percent reduction in its SRP—from P 1,191,000 to just P 992,000.

After that, the battery subscription tacks on a monthly payment based on monthly driving distance with the first tier priced at P 5,800 for up to 1,500 kilometers per month. And based on their other markets, they may offer two additional tiers: up to 3,000 kilometers, or for over 3,000 kilometers (or unlimited).

VinFast says the subscription model offers several benefits.

First, it eliminates the concern of battery degradation since the company takes full responsibility for the battery’s life cycle. Second, they will offer a battery replacement guarantee if capacity drops below 70 percent. It’s particularly significant since battery replacements can cost up to 30 percent of a vehicle’s value—a cost that the company will cover for its subscription customers.

For those who prefer the traditional sense of car ownership, the VF 5 can be purchased with the battery outright. While the initial cost is higher, this model eliminates recurring monthly fees. Combined with home charging, this option can reduce daily operating costs.

Now, the price difference between the buying battery and opting for the subscription is roughly P 200,000—nearly the same as a three-year battery subscription, if you travel 1,500 kilometers per month. This means that after three years, the cost of ownership for both options could even out. Of course, the exact breakeven point varies depending on individual driving habits.

VinFast says that compared to a gas-powered car in the same segment, the VF 5 offers significant savings.

Assuming a fuel efficiency of 15 km/L, 1,500 kilometers of monthly travel, and gas price of P 66.26 per liter, this results in a monthly fuel expense of P 6,460. In comparison, the VF 5, with its 37.23-kWh battery capacity, a consumption of 8.8 km/kWh, and an electricity rate of P 11.6 kWh, the monthly energy cost comes out to P 1,973. Go for the battery subscription plan (P 5,800), it brings the total to P 7,773. It may be higher than a gas-powered vehicle, there is a substantial upfront savings of P 200,000.

So, who is the battery subscription model best suited for? Based on VinFast’s home market in Vietnam, it’s ideal for new EV adopters concerned about battery degradation or who prefer a smaller upfront payment. High-mileage drivers covering over 3,000 kilometers per month—taxis or transport services—can take advantage of the subscription highest tier as it becomes more cost-effective the more they drive.

Conversely, some drivers may be better off purchasing the car with the battery included. If you rarely drive, the monthly subscription fee can outweigh the potential savings from leasing the battery. Also, buying the VF 5 with the battery eliminates the hassle of monthly fees.