Green SM, the electric ride-hailing service backed by Vietnam's Vingroup, has officially launched its operations in India, beginning with the bustling Delhi-NCR region. This strategic entry makes India the fifth international market for Green SM, following its success in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Filling a Void in Electric Mobility
The launch comes at a crucial time, aiming to fill a significant gap in Delhi-NCR's electric taxi landscape. The region saw the departure of electric ride-hailing startup BluSmart last year due to regulatory challenges and financial issues, leaving many customers without a dedicated all-electric option. Green SM plans to capitalize on this demand, starting with an initial fleet of nearly 1,000 VinFast Limo Green electric SUVs. Each vehicle is designed to seat seven people, including the driver, offering a spacious option for commuters.
Strategic Expansion and Business Targets
Green SM has outlined ambitious expansion plans, with service coverage set to grow in stages. The company is actively targeting various customer segments, expecting approximately one-third of its rides to originate from airport customers. Furthermore, Green SM is eyeing 18-20% of its business from corporate clients through business-to-business partnerships, having already collaborated with employee transportation and workplace management startups like MoveInSync and Routematic.
This venture also provides a synergistic advantage for the Vietnamese conglomerate. It creates a captive customer base for electric vehicles assembled by its sister company, VinFast, in Tamil Nadu. VinFast reported sales of roughly 1,230 EVs in May 2026, indicating a growing presence in the Indian electric vehicle market.
Driver Incentives and Advanced Safety Features
To attract and retain drivers, Green SM is offering a competitive compensation model. Drivers will receive a fixed salary for their first two months of service, transitioning to a commission-based structure tied to revenue generation thereafter. The company emphasizes safety, equipping its vehicles with a “Secure-to-Safe” system. This comprehensive safety suite includes interior and exterior cameras, AI-powered technology for enhanced monitoring, and easily accessible emergency support buttons for both drivers and passengers.
Launch Promotions for New Customers
To celebrate its entry into the Indian market and encourage adoption, Green SM is running a special promotion. From June 5 to June 10, new customers booking rides through the Green SM app can avail a 50% discount, capped at up to Rs 250. Nguyen Van Thanh, Global CEO of Green SM, expressed optimism about the Indian market. "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," said Thanh. "We come to India with respect for the market, confidence in its long-term potential, and a commitment to working closely with local partners."