THE 12th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) marked a significant milestone in the nation's drive toward a low-carbon future. Held from Oct. 24 to 26, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay, the event brought together key players from the electric vehicle (EV) industry, government policymakers, and innovators under the theme 'Spark Change, Drive Electric.'
Among the standout participants was Vietnamese EV manufacturer VinFast, which made waves with the official launch of its latest model, the VF 7, on the summit's opening day.

The unveiling of the VF 7 was one of the most anticipated moments of the summit. With its sleek design and cutting-edge features, the VF 7 drew significant attention from attendees. Aimed at young professionals and families, the VF 7 blends performance with eco-consciousness, offering Filipinos an EV that emphasizes both style and sustainability. 'This is a pivotal moment for VinFast in the Philippines,' said Cao Ngoc (Daniel) Nguyen Duy, chief executive officer of VinFast Philippines, during the launch. 'The VF 7 represents our commitment to providing Filipinos with practical, stylish, and sustainable transportation options. We are excited to expand our footprint in this rapidly growing market.'
VinFast's participation at the summit went beyond the VF 7 launch. The company offered test drives for its VF 3, VF 5 and VF 7 models throughout the three-day event, allowing attendees to experience the capabilities of the vehicles firsthand. Attendees welcomed the hands-on opportunity, and many expressed increased interest in transitioning to EVs after the test drives.
Industry experts at the event emphasized the importance of test drives in addressing concerns about EV range, charging infrastructure, and overall driving experience — issues often cited as barriers to EV adoption. For many visitors, the direct interaction with VinFast's vehicles helped to ease skepticism and build confidence in making the switch to electric.
VinFast's involvement in the 12th PEVS also featured significant engagements with industry leaders and policymakers. On the second day of the summit, Daniel Nguyen Duy joined a panel discussion on 'Increasing the Role of eMobility in Asean Sustainability and Industry Development,' where he shared VinFast's plans for the region's electrification.
He also delivered a keynote on 'Electrification of Southeast Asia and Beyond,' outlining the company's vision for expanding its presence and influence across the region. These discussions, along with VinFast's growing dealership network and model lineup, signal its intention to establish a lasting foothold in the Philippines. The brand currently operates five dealerships nationwide, with more planned for 2025, emphasizing its long-term commitment to the Philippine market.