Green SM, a Vietnamese electric ride-hailing company affiliated with Vingroup and VinFast, has launched its all-electric taxi service in Los Angeles, California. The expansion marks its first entry into North America and its ninth global market. The company is introducing VinFast electric vehicles, app-based bookings and promotional fares as it seeks to establish its presence in the US mobility market.
Key Overview
- Launch date: 13 October 2026.
- Location: Los Angeles, California, United States.
- Fleet: All-electric VinFast vehicles, including the VF 8.
- Expansion milestone: First North American market and ninth global market.
- Customer promotion: 50% off the first five rides, up to $12 per trip.
- Booking options: Mobile app, hotline and street hailing.
Green SM Enters the US Electric Mobility Market
Green SM has officially launched its all-electric taxi service in Los Angeles, marking its first entry into North America as the Vietnamese mobility company expands beyond Asia and Europe.
The service began operating on 13 October 2026, giving customers in Los Angeles another option for electric ride-hailing. Passengers can book journeys through the Green SM app, call the company’s hotline or hail a vehicle directly on the street.
The service is designed to cover everyday journeys, longer trips and airport transfers, with transparent fares and promotional offers intended to attract early customers.
Green SM was established in Vietnam in 2023 and operates within the Vingroup ecosystem alongside electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast. The US launch represents its ninth international market, following operations in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Kazakhstan, Denmark and the Netherlands.
VinFast EVs Power the Taxi Fleet
Green SM’s Los Angeles service operates an all-electric fleet of VinFast vehicles, including the VF 8 electric SUV.
The launch combines VinFast’s vehicle manufacturing operations with Green SM’s ride-hailing and fleet-management model. Rather than relying on a marketplace of independently owned vehicles, the company operates and maintains its own fleet.
The Los Angeles launch is also intended to strengthen the visibility of VinFast vehicles in the US market. Operating electric taxis gives the company another way to introduce its vehicles to customers through everyday transport services.
The fleet’s electric-only approach eliminates tailpipe emissions during vehicle operation. However, the overall environmental impact of electric mobility also depends on factors such as electricity generation, vehicle manufacturing and battery production.
Green SM Offers Discounts to Attract Customers
To encourage early adoption, Green SM is offering new customers 50% off fares, up to $12 per ride, on their first five trips.
Customers also receive a complimentary Green Pass membership, which includes 10 discount vouchers per month. Each voucher provides 30 percent off fares, up to $10 per ride.
The offers could help the company encourage trial bookings as it establishes its customer base in a competitive market. Green SM will be competing with established ride-hailing platforms, including Uber and Lyft, as well as other transportation options operating across Southern California.
Its ability to retain customers will depend on factors such as pricing, vehicle availability, driver performance and the reliability of the booking experience once introductory promotions end.
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Expansion Creates Opportunities for Local Drivers
Green SM plans to develop its local operations following the launch, including recruiting and training local drivers in the United States. The company says it intends to build its local team and strengthen its operational capabilities as the service develops.
The company’s employment model is another point of distinction. Its US operation is reported to use full-time employees rather than relying exclusively on the independent-contractor arrangements commonly associated with app-based ride-hailing.
This approach could shape its operating costs, driver benefits and service model as the company expands. It will also need to manage fleet maintenance, charging access and vehicle utilisation to support reliable operations.
Competition and Growth Prospects
Los Angeles offers Green SM access to a large urban transport market, but establishing a lasting presence will require more than deploying electric vehicles. The company must build customer awareness, maintain competitive fares and deliver consistent service across different journey types.
The expansion also creates a potential route for greater exposure for VinFast vehicles in the United States. Customers who encounter the brand through taxi services may become more familiar with its electric vehicles, although commercial fleet operations do not guarantee increased private vehicle sales.
Green SM’s next priorities include developing its local workforce, expanding operational capacity and maintaining service quality as demand becomes clearer.
Outlook
Green SM’s Los Angeles launch marks a new phase in the international expansion of Vietnam’s electric mobility industry. By combining an all-electric fleet with a dedicated ride-hailing operation, the company is entering the US market with a model built around both vehicles and transport services.
Its progress will depend on customer adoption, operating efficiency and its ability to compete with established platforms. The launch also provides VinFast with another opportunity to increase brand visibility in the United States, while adding an electric transport option for Los Angeles residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Green SM?
Green SM is a Vietnamese electric ride-hailing and taxi company affiliated with Vingroup and associated with VinFast electric vehicles.
2. When did Green SM launch in Los Angeles?
The service began operating on 13 October 2026.
3. Which vehicles does Green SM use in Los Angeles?
Its fleet consists entirely of VinFast electric vehicles, including the VF 8.
4. What discounts are available to new customers?
New customers receive 50% off their first five rides, up to $12 per trip, plus a complimentary Green Pass membership with monthly discount vouchers.
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