VinFast Strategy to Build Ecosystem for Strengthening Electric Vehicle Adoption
Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast recently held a discussion titled ‘The New Economics of Mobility: Why Ownership Value Matters’. The discussion examined changes in economic conditions and consumer behaviour that are shaping how Indonesians choose vehicles.
Automotive observer from ITB Yannes Martinus Pasaribu said the development of the electric vehicle ecosystem in Indonesia has driven a shift in consumer mindset. According to him, the decision to buy an electric vehicle is no longer influenced solely by the vehicle price, but also considers the entire cost during the ownership period.
Yannes explained that this change is inseparable from the characteristics of the middle class, which is one of the largest segments of the Indonesian automotive market. Amid economic pressure and increased caution in managing spending, consumers are beginning to calculate various cost components before buying an electric vehicle, from monthly instalments, energy costs, operational costs, and maintenance costs, to potential savings compared to petrol or diesel vehicles through a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach.
‘Consumers are starting to see how much they have to pay in credit per month, how much the operational cost is if they buy a BEV, where they previously used petrol or diesel and then convert to electricity, and how much the savings are,’ said Yannes at the VinFast booth at GIIAS on Monday, 3 August 2026.
According to Yannes, consumer caution also shows that electric vehicles are no longer seen merely as a technology trend. Consumers are beginning to see the real benefits obtained during the ownership period. Therefore, manufacturers need to present clear economic value, not only through products but also through a supporting ecosystem that can provide convenience for users.
A similar view was expressed by Commercial and Marketing Leader Sukimin Thio. He said the experience of owning a vehicle is now an important consideration in purchasing decisions. According to him, consumers increasingly see cars as a long-term usage plan, not just considering the initial impression of the product.
This change is also influenced by the ease of access to information through social media. Consumers can now compare various aspects before making a choice, from after-sales service, ease of servicing, spare parts availability, charging networks, to operational support during the ownership period.
‘So in my opinion, the ecosystem is very important in deciding which car brand we will choose,’ said Sukimin.
From the community perspective, Founder and Host of LugNutz Auto Rockford Pojono sees consumers entering a more rational phase in choosing electric vehicles. According to him, initial interest in EVs is now developing into consideration of how the vehicle can support daily mobility with more efficient ownership costs compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
This change in consumer behaviour is both a challenge and an opportunity for electric vehicle manufacturers. VinFast is trying to answer this need through the ‘Drive Worry-Free’ concept, by presenting an electric vehicle ownership approach that is easier, more comfortable, and provides certainty for users.
The concept focuses not only on vehicle sales but also on the customer experience while using an electric car. One of the programmes offered is Battery Peace of Mind, which provides free battery rental for two years and a lifetime battery warranty. This programme is designed to reduce consumer concerns about maintenance and battery replacement costs.
In terms of after-sales service, VinFast presents Service Confidence through a free scheduled maintenance programme for two years. Currently, VinFast has 40 dealers and more than 100 workshop and after-sales service networks in Indonesia to support consumer needs.
VinFast is also strengthening the vehicle ownership aspect through charging infrastructure support. With more than 3,200 charging stations spread across Indonesia and still growing, the company is working to provide easy access to charging for electric vehicle users.
In addition, VinFast is collaborating with Green SM to offer additional opportunities for consumers through the ‘Sewa Jadi Cuan’ programme. Through this programme, electric vehicles can become a source of income by being rented out through the Green SM platform.
‘We need to accompany customers throughout their journey. Therefore, we want to simplify the process so that customers feel at ease and do not need to think about any costs other than driving their vehicle,’ said Head of Training Department VinFast Indonesia Rinaldi Ramdani.
Through the Drive Worry-Free concept, VinFast is working to address various consumer considerations in owning an electric vehicle, from operational costs, battery maintenance, after-sales service, to the long-term utility value of the vehicle. This approach is part of VinFast’s strategy in building an electric vehicle ecosystem that provides convenience and certainty for users.