Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup is considering Batangas for its planned USD500-million electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing complex, with the facility expected to serve export markets as well as domestic demand, according to a source familiar with the investment discussions.
The proposed investment could strengthen the Philippines’ bid to develop a local EV manufacturing base and integrate the country more deeply into regional automotive supply chains, although the project’s final location, production models and export destinations have yet to be disclosed.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said Vingroup favors Batangas because of its access to ports, which would facilitate the shipment of vehicles to overseas markets.
“They’re looking at Batangas…because of the ports. They need to be beside or very close to the ports,” Roque said.
The company is assessing sites that can accommodate its minimum land requirement of 300 hectares, she said, underscoring the scale of the proposed manufacturing complex.
Vingroup plans to initially produce four-wheeled EVs, with annual capacity targeted at 200,000 units, before expanding into electric scooters. Roque said the company had already identified the vehicle models for local production but had yet to disclose them.
Vingroup manufactures its four-wheeled vehicles through VinFast, its automotive subsidiary, which is expanding its presence in the Philippine market.
The proposed plant’s export orientation could broaden the investment’s economic impact beyond local vehicle sales, potentially creating opportunities in manufacturing, logistics and related industries. However, the extent of these benefits will depend on the project’s execution, supply-chain development and access to overseas markets.
Roque also confirmed Vingroup’s interest in joining the government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), although eligibility will depend on the program’s implementing guidelines.
“Definitely they’re interested to join the EVIS,” she said.
Roque expects the guidelines to be released in October or November, ahead of the separate Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) program, which remains under interagency discussions.
Construction of the facility is targeted to begin in early 2027, with completion expected within 12 to 18 months.
