Green SM enters India with 10,000-EV fleet plan, takes on Uber and Rapido with asset-owned taxi model

Vietnam-based mobility company Green SM has entered India’s ride-hailing market, launching its electric taxi service in the National Capital Region (NCR) and outlining plans to deploy around 10,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in the country over time.

The launch marks Green SM’s entry into its fifth international market after Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia and the Philippines. The company will initially operate in key NCR locations before expanding its footprint in phases, depending on customer demand.

Taking a different route from Uber and Rapido

Green SM is entering a highly competitive market dominated by players such as Uber, Ola and Rapido, but with a distinctly different operating model. Unlike most ride-hailing platforms that connect passengers with independent drivers, Green SM owns the vehicles operating on its platform, giving it greater control over fleet operations, service quality and safety standards.

Operations will begin with the VinFast Limo Green, a seven-seater electric SUV developed specifically for passenger transportation. The vehicles are equipped with interior and exterior cameras, AI-enabled monitoring systems and emergency support buttons for drivers and passengers.

“India is one of the most important mobility markets in the world. Its scale, rapid growth, and strong spirit of innovation are opening up many opportunities for the future of green transportation,” Green SM Global CEO Nguyen Van Thanh said at the launch.

Betting on EV adoption and premium mobility

The company said its drivers have undergone training in electric vehicle operations, road safety and customer service. Green SM plans to target a range of use cases, including daily commuting, airport transfers, family travel and business transportation.

“We come to India with respect for the market, confidence in its long-term potential, and a commitment to working closely with local partners,” Thanh said. Green SM hopes to provide “high-quality fully electric rides” while contributing to broader access to “safe, reliable, and more sustainable mobility choices,” he added.

The launch comes as India’s urban mobility sector witnesses a gradual shift toward electrification, supported by policy incentives, growing environmental concerns and rising interest in lower-emission transport options. Commercial mobility has emerged as a key focus area for EV adoption, given its potential to reduce operating costs and urban pollution.

Green SM’s India entry also strengthens the broader ambitions of Vietnam’s Vingroup ecosystem. In the long term, the company aims to explore other metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Chennai, etc.