Yes, they are from Vietnam. It’s as if the road isn’t satisfied with what it is, because, if you are in Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, or Philippines, you will see these cyan-colored cars plying the streets. Since they’re becoming quite famous, you’d be curious and hitch a ride with those. But what’s the story behind these electric cars? Read on for the scoop.
What are Green SM cars?
Green SM cars from Vietnam are entirely electric. Some drivers say, “Download the Green GSM app now!” They would call it “Green GSM,” but that’s redundant, and the official name is “Green SM.”
This company, owned and managed in Vietnam, is a taxi and ridesharing company. Their design is like the Bluebird taxis in Indonesia, except that they’re cyan and the labels are different. It is also the first-ever all-electric taxi company in Vietnam.
GSM was founded by the chairman of the famous Vingroup, Phạm Nhật Vượng. Since then, Green SM has been hailed as the world’s first green transportation rental and multi-platform taxi company. It started its operations in Hanoi in April 2023.
It does operations in those Southeast Asian countries discussed earlier in this report.
What is the history of Green SM?
Lo and behold, Ridesharing Forum would inform you that Green SM is pretty recent. But it has come a long way. Here’s the rundown of its illustrious history:
- April 2023 - GMS was established with a charter capital of just around over $110 million. Phạm Nhật Vượng owns 95 percent of the shares. It began plying around Hanoi.
- Also April 2023 - Since then, Green SM has been Vietnam’s response to the worsening issues in climate, since these cars are all-electric. It was during the same month that it started in the more bustling Ho Chi Minh.
- October 2023 and November 2023 - It launched in Laos, and in Vientiane destination.
- May 2024 - Green SM has over 30,000 electric taxis, comprising a revolutionary 40 percent of the total taxis operating in Vietnam.
- December 2024 - The first Green SM taxis appeared in Indonesia, and in April 2025, it expanded in the Southeast Asian country.
How to use Green SM
The informal way of getting a Green SM ride is through calling it on the road, just as how you would do when hailing traditional taxis.
However, if you want things to be in proper order, then download the Green SM official app, and hail a ride, or order a ride similar to how you would through Uber or Lyft.
You can then track where it is, hop along, and have a safe ride to your destination. Go, Southeast Asia!