Green SM makes US debut

Vietnamese electric taxi operator Green SM has entered the United States with the launch of its all-electric service in Los Angeles, California, on 13 October 2026.

The opening is the company’s first in North America and its ninth international market, extending its operations from Asia and Europe to one of the world’s largest urban transport markets.

Customers in Los Angeles can book rides through the Green SM mobile app, contact the company’s hotline or hail a taxi on the street. The service covers daily commutes, longer journeys and airport transfers.

Green SM operates an entirely electric fleet of VinFast VF 8 SUVs in Los Angeles, with drivers selected and trained under the company’s service standards.

The company follows what it calls its Five Good Promises, covering vehicle quality, drivers, pricing, customer experience and environmental responsibility.

Fares are displayed transparently, while passengers can also take advantage of introductory discounts.

New customers registering for Green SM receive a 50-percent fare discount, capped at $12 per ride, for their first five trips.

The company is also offering complimentary Green Pass membership, which provides 10 discount vouchers each month. Each voucher gives passengers 30 percent off their fares, with savings capped at $10 per ride.

Hoang Thanh Hang, chief executive officer of Green SM in the United States, described the launch as an important development in the company’s international expansion.

“The United States represents an important milestone in Green SM’s growth journey. We are not simply expanding into a new market. We aim to build trust with customers, drivers and local communities, one journey at a time,” Hang said.

She added that operating an electric fleet alone was not enough to build a successful mobility service, citing the importance of reliable drivers and customer care.

Following the launch, Green SM plans to expand its local workforce, recruit and train additional drivers, and strengthen its operating network in Los Angeles.

Founded in Vietnam in 2023, Green SM has established operations in Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Kazakhstan, Denmark and the Netherlands, in addition to its home market.

The company reports having completed approximately 850 million rides worldwide, covering nearly six billion kilometers since its establishment.

It also estimates that its electric mobility operations have helped avoid more than 800,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, an amount it compares with the carbon absorbed by approximately 36 million trees.

The Los Angeles operation combines VinFast’s electric vehicle technology with Green SM’s ride-hailing services, offering another transport option in a market where electric mobility continues to develop.

Green SM plans further investment in its US fleet, technology and driver network as it expands its presence in the country.