Green SM Launches All-Electric Ride-Hailing Service in Los Angeles with VinFast VF8 Fleet
Green SM, a Vietnamese ride-hailing enterprise, has officially commenced operations in Los Angeles, introducing a substantial fleet of 500 VinFast VF8 electric vehicles. This innovative service aims to carve out a niche in the bustling L.A. transportation market by focusing on environmental sustainability and a distinct operational model. Unlike the prevalent gig-economy platforms such as Uber and Lyft, Green SM distinguishes itself by maintaining full ownership of its vehicles and employing a dedicated team of professionally trained, full-time drivers. This strategy seeks to ensure a consistent standard of service and driver quality, while simultaneously promoting eco-friendly urban mobility.
Green SM's Bold Entry into the Los Angeles Ride-Hailing Market
Earlier this week, the vibrant streets of Los Angeles witnessed the debut of a striking cyan-colored fleet of electric vehicles, signaling the arrival of Green SM, a Vietnamese ride-hailing service. The company initiated its U.S. operations with 500 VinFast VF8 electric vehicles, aiming to disrupt the competitive ride-hailing sector. Green SM's approach is rooted in an entirely electric fleet, driven by dedicated, full-time personnel. This model starkly contrasts with the gig-worker framework adopted by many established platforms in the city.
Green SM, which boasts a track record of 850 million rides across European and Asian markets, is making its inaugural venture into the United States. Los Angeles presents a challenging environment, already saturated with services from industry giants like Uber and Lyft, alongside emerging autonomous vehicle technologies. However, Green SM is banking on its unique selling proposition: a commitment to eco-conscious transportation and a highly trained, stable workforce. Hoang Thanh Hang, Green SM's U.S. CEO, emphasized in a recent press release that exceptional service quality and deliberate customer interactions are pivotal to the company's success, complementing its green initiative.
The deployed vehicles, VinFast VF8 EVs, are central to Green SM's mission. Despite VinFast's relatively slow adoption in the U.S. market since its 2023 debut, the brand holds significant popularity in its home country, Vietnam. The five-seater VF8 is crucial for Green SM's environmental objectives, producing zero emissions. The company has specially trained 500 full-time drivers to operate these vehicles, providing them with company-owned cars, a stark departure from the typical independent contractor model. Riders in L.A. can access Green SM services through its dedicated app, a hotline, or by hailing a vehicle directly on the street. Pricing will be determined by time and distance, with introductory offers including 50 percent off the first five rides and a complimentary Green Pass membership, offering monthly discounts.
Beyond its primary role as a ride-hailing service, Green SM also serves as an intriguing platform for public exposure to VinFast vehicles. This initiative could potentially elevate awareness for the Vietnamese automaker, which has struggled to gain significant traction in the U.S. market despite its success elsewhere. Recent reports from Automotive News indicate that only 389 VinFast vehicles were registered in the U.S. between January and July 2026. While some earlier VinFast models faced critiques regarding handling and suspension, newer iterations appear to have addressed some of these concerns. Green SM's deployment could thus act as a real-world litmus test for public perception and the broader acceptance of VinFast's electric offerings.
The introduction of Green SM to Los Angeles presents a fascinating case study in market disruption and sustainable business practices. By prioritizing an all-electric fleet and a dedicated, well-trained driver workforce, Green SM aims to not only capture a segment of the ride-hailing market but also to redefine service expectations within the industry. This venture highlights the increasing demand for environmentally friendly transport solutions and the potential for new business models to challenge established norms. Furthermore, it offers a crucial opportunity for VinFast to enhance its brand presence and evaluate its vehicle performance in a key international market. The success of Green SM in Los Angeles could pave the way for broader adoption of similar eco-conscious ride-hailing services and accelerate the transition to electric mobility in urban centers worldwide.