Ola and Uber get a new EV rival as Vietnam's Vingroup launches all-electric cab service in India

Vietnam-based electric mobility company Green SM has launched its ride-hailing service in India, starting operations in Delhi NCR as it seeks to expand in one of the world’s largest urban transport markets.

The company, backed by Vingroup, will operate an all-electric fleet using the VinFast Limo Green, a seven-seater electric vehicle designed for passenger transport. The launch marks Green SM’s entry into its fifth market after Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Founded in 2023 by Vingroup chairman Pham Nhat Vuong, Green SM operates exclusively with VinFast electric vehicles, including electric cars and two-wheelers.

In India, the company will initially operate in key areas of Delhi NCR before expanding its service coverage in phases, depending on customer demand. Passengers can book rides through the Green SM app, contact a hotline, or hail vehicles directly in areas where the service is available.

To attract early users, Green SM is offering a discount of 50%, up to Rs 250 per ride, on app bookings made between 5 and 11 June.

Unlike many ride-hailing platforms that connect passengers with independent drivers, Green SM owns and operates the vehicles on its platform. The company said its drivers have been trained in electric vehicle operations, road safety and customer service.

The VinFast Limo Green vehicles are equipped with interior and exterior cameras, AI-enabled monitoring systems and emergency support buttons for drivers and passengers.

Nguyen Van Thanh, GSM Global CEO, said, “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. We come to India with respect for the market, confidence in its long-term potential, and a commitment to working closely with local partners. Green SM hopes to bring high-quality fully electric rides to customers, while contributing to broader access to safe, reliable, and more sustainable mobility choices. We believe trust is the most important foundation for long-term growth. This is also what Green SM hopes to build with customers, partners, and communities in India in the years ahead.”

India’s changing EV ride-hailing market

Green SM is entering India at a time of change for the country’s electric ride-hailing sector.

The segment had included BluSmart, one of the country’s most prominent electric cab operators, before it suspended operations in 2025. Its decline followed regulatory action involving Gensol Engineering promoters Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi, whom the SEBI accused of misusing company funds.

Since then, smaller EV-focused mobility operators have sought to expand, while larger ride-hailing platforms such as Uber, Ola and Rapido continue to compete in the broader market.

Commercial mobility has become a key area for electric vehicle adoption in India, helped by lower running costs, policy support for cleaner transport and rising demand for lower-emission urban travel.

Part of VinFast’s wider India plans

Green SM’s launch comes as VinFast expands its presence in India.

The Vietnamese electric vehicle maker inaugurated its production facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, in 2025. The company has outlined planned investments of up to Rs 16,000 crore, along with an additional $500 million commitment announced later in the year.

The plant is expected to have an initial annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles, with scope to scale up to 150,000 units.

VinFast has also signalled plans to introduce electric two-wheelers in India. In Vietnam, its two-wheeler portfolio includes models such as Vero X, Feliz, Evo Grand and Klara Neo.

Green SM’s use of VinFast vehicles could give the company a procurement advantage if VinFast scales local production in India.

The company has indicated that it may explore expansion to other major Indian cities over the longer term, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Chennai.