The VinFast VF 3 was designed primarily as a practical electric vehicle for everyday driving, from school runs and grocery trips to daily commutes. Increasingly, however, it is taking on another role altogether.
Recently, police agencies in both the Philippines and Indonesia have begun deploying the compact electric SUV, demonstrating how a vehicle originally intended for urban mobility can also support public service operations.
Supporting local patrols in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the Municipality of Noveleta in Cavite recently introduced electric police patrol vehicles as part of its commitment to sustainable governance, environmental responsibility, and modern public safety.
As the first municipality in the CALABARZON region to adopt EV mobility goals, Noveleta is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable transportation by deploying VinFast VF 3 patrol vehicles. The initial rollout includes units supplied through VinFast Marikina and Xentro, with additional vehicles expected to join the fleet.
The VF 3s will support routine patrol operations while helping reduce fuel consumption and vehicle operating costs. For local governments looking to modernize their fleets, the deployment reflects a growing interest in electric mobility beyond private vehicle ownership.
A specialized role in Indonesia
In Indonesia, the VF 3 has been adapted for a more specialized assignment.
The Indonesian National Traffic Police Corps recently introduced its Precision Drone Patrol ETLE program, a technology-driven initiative that uses drones to monitor traffic conditions and detect violations. To support the program, officers selected a modified VF 3 as a transport vehicle for drone equipment.
The vehicle’s rear section was redesigned to accommodate storage for the drones and related equipment, allowing officers to transport and deploy them from different locations. Its compact dimensions also make it easier to maneuver through congested urban areas and operate in locations where larger vehicles may be less practical.
Although the Philippine and Indonesian deployments serve different operational needs, both demonstrate the adaptability of the VF 3 platform.
Why EVs are becoming part of public fleets
The use of electric vehicles by police agencies also reflects a broader shift taking place worldwide. Government fleets are increasingly evaluating EVs to reduce operating costs, lower emissions, and modernize transportation assets.
Compared with conventional internal combustion vehicles, EVs generally require less routine maintenance, produce no tailpipe emissions, and can reduce day-to-day energy costs. Their connected technologies and digital features also make them increasingly suitable for modern fleet operations.
The VF 3’s dimensions make it particularly well suited to urban environments. Measuring 3,190mm long, 1,679mm wide, and 1,652mm high, it is noticeably smaller than most passenger vehicles on Philippine roads. That compact footprint allows it to navigate narrow streets, crowded public markets, and tight parking spaces with ease.
Despite its size, the VF 3 rides on 16-inch wheels and offers 175mm of ground clearance, giving it the clearance expected of a compact SUV when road conditions become less than ideal.
The vehicle also offers a driving range of up to 215 kilometers on a full charge. Using DC fast charging, the battery can be charged from 10% to 70% in about 36 minutes, helping minimize downtime for fleet operators and private owners.
The “Tiny Titan”
The latest public service deployments add to what has already become one of VinFast’s most successful vehicle programs.
In Vietnam, VinFast has been the country’s best-selling automotive brand for 20 consecutive months, with the VF 3 among its strongest contributors.
In May 2026 alone, the company delivered 4,770 VF 3 units, bringing cumulative deliveries to 20,231 vehicles during the first five months of the year. The model has consistently ranked among VinFast’s best-selling vehicles and has played a significant role in expanding EV adoption in its home market.
That momentum is increasingly extending across Southeast Asia. In both Indonesia and the Philippines, the VF 3 has attracted attention as an affordable entry point into electric vehicle ownership.
Part of its appeal is its distinctive design. Rather than following the traditional small hatchback formula, the VF 3 adopts a boxy SUV-inspired profile that gives it a more upright stance while retaining city-friendly dimensions.
Ownership costs are also supported by a seven-year or 160,000-kilometer vehicle warranty, a 10-year battery warranty, VinFast’s expanding service network, and free charging through V-Green charging stations. Together with the lower energy costs associated with EV ownership, these factors make the VF 3 an accessible option for many first-time EV buyers.
The same characteristics that appeal to everyday drivers, including compact dimensions, maneuverability, low operating costs, and practicality, also make the vehicle suitable for public service applications.
Whether transporting families across the city, supporting local police patrols in the Philippines, or serving as a mobile platform for drone-based traffic enforcement in Indonesia, the VinFast VF 3 is demonstrating that a compact electric vehicle can be capable of far more than its size might suggest.