TessDrive gives you the latest breakthroughs in sustainable mass transit, smart fleet solutions, and alternative powertrain ecosystems, tracking the global and local market frameworks driving carbon-neutral transportation.
VinFast reshapes 7-seater segment with modular ecosystem
The introduction of the VF Limo Green and VF MPV 7 electric vehicles marks a structural shift away from traditional multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) compromises, where buyers historically traded styling or long-term operational efficiency for pure seating capacity. Driven by volatile fuel pricing and a demand for low-emission transport networks, the dual deployment addresses distinct market needs: Family-oriented urban commuting and high-utilization commercial transport services.
To resolve initial purchase anxieties regarding long-term high-voltage degradation, the brand implements its proprietary battery subscription model, separating battery valuation from the upfront vehicle invoice to drop initial costs by approximately 20%. This model shifts performance liability to the manufacturer via a monthly service fee. To shield consumer capital, the program integrates a Residual Value Guarantee framework that provides value protection up to 90% of the vehicle’s original net purchase price under predefined conditions.
The vehicle ecosystem is further supported by V-Green’s expanding charging network, providing free infrastructure access until March 2029. Additionally, VinFast launched its RentaPasada vehicle-rental initiative at the 2026 Philippine International Motor Show. Designed to enable independent operators to enter the ride-hailing industry via the Green GSM platform, the program grants direct, low-barrier rental paths for transit fleets like the Limo Green.
Rhomel Franco, CEO of VinFast Philippines, said: “When VinFast entered the Philippines, we did not want to focus only on selling cars. We wanted to find ways to make electric mobility work in the real world. With the VF MPV 7 and the VF Limo Green, supported by an expanding ecosystem, we are enabling a more practical and accessible transition to EVs in the Philippines.”
ACMobility, Basic Energy form electric bus transit alliance
ACMobility, the Ayala Group’s end-to-end mobility platform, formalized a strategic infrastructure partnership with energy and transport solutions provider Basic Energy Corp to develop localized EV charging hubs for public utility fleets. The partnership acts as the primary hardware foundation for Basic Energy’s Iwas Taas Pamasahe Transport Solutions Program, an initiative empowering local transport cooperatives to modernize fleets using zero-upfront-cost electric buses that transition into full operator ownership after 5 years.
The co-developed charging hubs are engineered to cater to both commercial public transport fleets and private commuter EVs, guaranteeing route uptime for newly deployed Love E-Bus fleets. The primary flagship charging installation will rise at the Total station on the northbound side of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), featuring a combination of high-capacity DC fast chargers for rapid vehicle turnarounds and standard AC points for extended stays.
Subsequent high-density commuter route installations are targeted across eastern Metro Manila and key capital corridors, including sites in Mandaluyong City, Cainta, Barangka in Marikina, Sumulong Highway, E. Rodriguez, Visayas Avenue, Newport City in Pasay, and along EDSA. These builds build upon the partners’ operational infrastructure projects at EcoOil Alabang and the Total station on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).
ACMobility mobility infrastructure head Carla Buencamino said: “Our transition to electric mobility can only be complete if we also electrify public transport. Through our partnership with Basic Energy, we are building an EV charging network that powers not just private vehicles but also public transportation fleets from North to South. This is at the core of ACMobility’s mission to build a comprehensive electric mobility system in the Philippines.”
Basic Energy president and CEO Oscar De Venecia Jr. added: “Our partnership with ACMobility is a vital component of Basic Energy’s mission to provide sustainable and accessible transport solutions for Filipinos. The rollout of EV charging infrastructure across our Total and EcoOil network strengthens the foundation needed to support the growing shift to electric public transport.”
For those interested in establishing an ACMobility charging station or exploring partnership opportunities, full technical parameters are available at https://www.acmobility.ph/.
ACMobility deploys 120kW mobile Power-on-Wheels fleet
ACMobility expanded its mobile charging service framework, Power-on-Wheels (POW), to eliminate fixed infrastructure limitations for commercial fleets and corporate real estate developments. As local enterprise operations shift toward logistics fleet electrification to fulfill structural sustainability targets, access to centralized charging terminals often limits day-to-day productivity. The POW model brings scalable DC fast-charging technology directly to corporate depots, offices, and commercial field activations on demand.
The mobile charging assets function under flexible monthly or annual service contracts and include a dedicated on-site coordinator and roadside emergency assistance. Each mobile unit features a maximum electrical capacity of up to 120 kWh, supporting battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and selected plug-in hybrids via dual configuration CCS2 and GB/T plug standards.
The service model is currently deployed to support 4 enterprise sectors: Residential condominium developments requiring immediate tenant EV charging access, commercial office complexes, fleet logistics operators demanding constant vehicle uptime via scheduled depot charging, and customer-facing retail spaces or vehicle activations. The current operating zone spans Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, and select Southern Luzon provinces including Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Rizal.
ACMobility mobility infrastructure head Carla Buencamino said: “With Power-on-Wheels, we are extending EV charging beyond fixed infrastructure to meet businesses where they operate. This enables a more flexible and resilient charging ecosystem that supports the operational realities of enterprise mobility today, and sets up businesses for success in the future.”
For technical specifications and partnership details, visit https://www.acmobility.ph/.
RentaPasada Drive-to-Earn Program lowers TNVS barriers
VinFast Philippines and Green GSM has introduced RentaPasada, a drive-to-earn rental framework engineered to give qualified Filipino transport operators a transparent path into the ride-hailing market using EVs. The program replaces traditional vehicle acquisition friction—such as massive down payments, strict banking history checks, and unpredictable daily boundary expenses—with an accessible, assessment-based rental format.
Qualified applicants can activate onboarding with a P5,000 security deposit, provided they clear basic screening metrics including a professional driver’s license, NBI clearance, a medical certificate, and a tax identification number (TIN). Approved driver-partners secure immediate operational access to purpose-built electric passenger vehicles like the Herio Green (rented at a daily structure of P1,050 with a total daily deduction of P1,300 including deposit components) and the Limo Green (P1,350 daily rent, P1,650 total daily deduction).
The operating model minimizes driver expenditure by embedding free charging support across V-Green’s public charging network from March 13, 2026, through March 31, 2029. To further insulate driver margins from overhead shocks, Green GSM absorbs the primary compliance costs, covering LTO registration, periodic mechanical maintenance, annual inspection fees, road maintenance taxes, PAMI, comprehensive vehicle insurance, CTPL, and hardware GPS tracking installations.
The platform supports driver retention by offering a revenue-sharing structure where drivers retain 90% of trip earnings during the initial year, transitioning to 85% during the second and third years, subject to statutory government taxes. To maintain enrollment, operators are expected to meet monthly performance targets, including a baseline of 250 completed trips alongside a steady 90% trip acceptance and completion rate.
Family mobility testing validates VinFast VF MPV 7 value
The VinFast VF MPV 7 seven-seater family carrier is gaining market traction among domestic buyers seeking to transition away from fuel-dependent multi-purpose vehicles. Local ownership data underscores the vehicle’s spatial utility, showing a 4,740mm length and a 2,840mm wheelbase that yields legroom configurations across all three rows for up to 7 adult occupants, alongside an expandable 1,240-liter rear cargo hold.
The vehicle interior integrates a sporty D-cut steering wheel, a column-mounted electronic shifter, a 10.1-inch central infotainment screen, and automatic climate control equipped with a PM2.5 cabin filtration system and individual row ventilation. Priced from P1,239,000 under the brand’s modular battery subscription model, the entry price sits competitive with traditional fossil-fueled family movers. Early-stage incentives include one year of free battery subscription services (capped at 2,000 km per month) for the first 1,000 retail buyers, while direct battery-inclusive purchases receive an immediate P27,200 discount.
Operational tracking from local owners highlights that the vehicle cuts daily expenditure during urban traffic gridlock because electric drivetrains eliminate traditional engine idling fuel consumption. Backed by V-Green’s zero-cost public charging campaign running through March 2029, a family averaging 1,500 km of monthly travel completely avoids volatile P80-per-liter retail fuel bills, yielding significant long-term energy savings. The mechanical drivetrain requires less frequent routine servicing compared to internal combustion alternatives, with long-term peace of mind secured through a 7-year or 160,000km vehicle warranty paired with a 10-year or 200,000km battery warranty.
A Laguna-based owner, Mark Santos, shared his experience: “It looks substantial on the road and has a distinctive design that doesn’t feel like a typical family vehicle. We travel with all 7 seats occupied quite often, and everyone remains comfortable. The high seating position gives a good view of the road, and even passengers in the third row don’t complain during longer trips. The Philippine heat can be intense, but all three rows cool down quickly. My parents especially appreciate that.”
Another owner added: “When I was driving a gasoline vehicle, fuel was a regular expense every month, especially when gas was over P80 per liter. The VF MPV 7 and free charging really help.”
Mini Electric SUV VinFast VF 3 Deployed for Public Safety
The VinFast VF 3 mini electric SUV is expanding its operational application beyond private daily commutes, transitioning into specialized public service and law enforcement roles across Southeast Asia. The vehicle’s utility stems from its highly compact dimensions—measuring 3,190 mm long, 1,679 mm wide, and 1,652 mm high—enabling municipal officers to maneuver through narrow corridors, crowded public markets, and dense gridlock that restrict standard full-sized patrol trucks.
In the Philippines, the Municipality of Noveleta in Cavite deployed a fleet of custom VF 3 electric patrol units through VinFast Marikina and Xentro, becoming the first local government unit in the Calabarzon (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon) region to integrate pure electric mobility goals into sustainable public safety governance. In Indonesia, the National Traffic Police Corps selected and modified the VF 3 platform to serve as the core mobile transport asset for its tech-driven Precision Drone Patrol ETLE program. The vehicle’s rear passenger row was systematically engineered into an enclosed equipment storage bay, allowing highway enforcement teams to transport and launch traffic-monitoring drones from tight roadside margins.
The public service utility is supported by 16-inch wheels and a high 175-mm ground clearance that helps the mini-SUV handle uneven terrain and broken city roads. The vehicle delivers a single-charge range of up to 215 km, which is sufficient for multi-day municipal patrol shifts. When energy replenishment is required, its battery handles 10% to 70% DC fast charging in approximately 36 minutes, reducing station downtime. In its domestic Vietnamese market, the model remains a major retail anchor, logging 4,770 unit deliveries in May 2026 alone and building cumulative 5-month regional deliveries to 20,231 units. The fleet deployment is backed by a 7-year or 160,000-km vehicle warranty, a 10-year battery warranty, and V-Green’s complimentary charging framework.
Toyota Land Cruiser debuts hybrid engine for luxury segment
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) formally introduced the Land Cruiser HEV, adding an electrified hybrid option to its premier luxury off-road sport utility vehicle line. Previewed at the 10th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), the introduction brings the historic 70-year legacy of the nameplate—originally launched globally in 1951 as the Jeep BJ and established locally in 1990 via the Land Cruiser 80 series—into the modern electrified era under Toyota’s global Move Your World multi-pathway carbon reduction framework.
The hybrid mechanical configuration shifts the full-size SUV away from the traditional Land Cruiser 300 series’ 3.3-liter V6 Twin-Turbo diesel engine. The new HEV architecture pairs an advanced 3.5-liter Twin-Turbo V6 gasoline engine producing 415 PS with a high-torque electric motor adding 49 PS. The powertrain utilizes electric power steering to deliver a lighter, more agile urban handling profile while maintaining heavy-duty all-terrain durability. Visually, the hybrid variant is distinguished by subtle body modifications, including an aerodynamic exterior kit finished with a Jet-Black premium garnish.
TMP first vice president for vehicle sales operations Elijah Marcial said: “The Land Cruiser HEV is part of Toyota’s efforts in offering different powertrains that address our customers’ needs and lifestyles. Customers who want to experience the legendary heritage and proven performance of the Land Cruiser while having access to Toyota’s hybrid technology will find this car to be the perfect choice as their partner on the road. We hope the addition of the Land Cruiser HEV to Toyota’s wide lineup of cars gives our customers the power of choice when it comes to their mobility needs.”
For pricing options, dealership allocations, and standard luxury trim variations, check out toyota.com.ph/land-cruiser.
Green SM rideshare fleet officially enters Kazakhstan market
remarks at the launch of Green SM Kazakhstan
Green SM officially expanded its international green mobility footprint into Central Asia, launching its all-electric ride-hailing service in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The deployment marks the company’s 6th international market entry since its establishment in Vietnam in 2023, joining active green rideshare networks operating across Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India. The formal opening ceremony in Almaty was attended by Vietnamese Appointed Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Le alongside Berikbol Shatabayevich Mandibayev, Almaty’s Head of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Investment.
The initial Central Asian fleet consists entirely of the River-colored VinFast VF 6 Eco, a pure electric SUV engineered for silent, zero-emission urban transport and passenger cabin comfort. To maintain uniform service quality benchmarks across international borders, Green SM is investing in localized Green Drivers training academies covering municipal safety protocols, digital platform navigation, and premium customer service.
GSM Global chief executive officer Nguyen Quoc Tuan said: “Kazakhstan is a market with strong potential, dynamic growth, and rising expectations for modern services. We come to Kazakhstan with respect for the market, a long-term commitment to investment, and a desire to work alongside local partners in developing high-quality mobility solutions that meet the everyday needs of the community. At Green SM, we believe sustainable growth must be built on trust and meaningful value for society. That is the foundation we hope to build together with our customers, partners, and the people of Kazakhstan in the years ahead.”
VinFast Ecosystem Outlines Multi-Model E-Motorcycle Launch
Electric two-wheelers are emerging as a highly practical alternative for Filipino riders looking to insulate their monthly commuting budgets from volatile retail gasoline pricing. Because the vast majority of daily motorcycle trips in dense Philippine urban centers consist of short-distance workplace commutes, school drop-offs, and localized neighborhood errands, electric propulsion matches the agility demands of congested traffic corridors while eliminating routine internal combustion engine operating overhead.
To support the domestic transition, VinFast is finalizing the 2026 Philippine launch of its advanced e-motorcycle product lineup. A central element of the brand’s local deployment is the integration of its specialized battery-swapping infrastructure network, co-developed alongside the V-Green ecosystem. Instead of forcing city riders to wait hours hooked to standard electrical outlets, the swapping model enables commuters to exchange a depleted power cell for a fully charged unit in minutes at designated swapping kiosks, matching the rapid turnaround time of traditional gas stations while lowering vehicle maintenance downtime.