Green SM, a Vietnamese ride-hailing company, has launched an all-electric taxi service in Los Angeles, marking what it calls its “first entry into North America and its ninth global market”. Its fleet uses cars made by VinFast, the Vietnamese electric car maker. VinFast announced the launch in a release dated 13 October 2026.
How it works
From 13 October, people in Los Angeles can book a Green SM ride through its app, by calling its hotline, or by hailing a car on the street. The company says its Los Angeles fleet is “100% all-electric” and made up of VinFast VF 8 cars.
To mark the launch, new customers get 50% off their first five trips, up to $12 per ride. Customers can also get a free Green Pass membership, which gives 10 vouchers a month for 30% off a fare, up to $10 per ride.
“The United States represents an important milestone in Green SM’s growth journey,” said Hoang Thanh Hang, CEO of Green SM in the US. “Our experience across international markets has shown us that the future of electric mobility is not defined by an all-electric fleet alone.”
The company’s own numbers
Green SM was founded in Vietnam in 2023. It operates in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Kazakhstan, Denmark and the Netherlands. The company says it has completed about 850 million rides, covering nearly 6 billion kilometres, and has helped cut more than 800,000 tons of CO2 emissions. These figures have not been independently checked.
The company says it will build a local team and recruit and train drivers in Los Angeles.
What this means
- A new rival in LA. Riders get another option alongside existing ride-hailing apps.
- All-electric from day one. Every car in the fleet is a VinFast EV.
- Asian growth heads west. Green SM is taking its model from Asia and Europe to the US.
Sources
- VinFast US investor relations, “Green SM officially launches all-electric taxi service in the U.S.”, 13 October 2026. https://vinfastauto.us/investor-relations/news/green-sm-officially-launches-all-electric-taxi-service-in-the-us
