LA welcomes a new, greener ride-hailing fleet.
Los Angeles is seeing a significant boost in electric vehicle presence with the launch of Green SM, an all-electric ride-hailing service. This new company, owned by the same Vietnamese conglomerate as EV maker VinFast, is rolling out 500 VinFast VF8 electric crossovers across the city. This move not only expands options for sustainable transportation in a major U.S. city but also highlights a growing commitment to cleaner urban air and reduced carbon emissions, demonstrating tangible progress in the shift towards electrification.
Green SM has officially launched its all-electric ride-hailing service in Los Angeles, deploying an initial fleet of 500 VinFast VF8 electric vehicles. This strategic move provides a substantial boost for VinFast in the U.S. market, where the company had previously faced sales challenges, with fewer than 400 cars sold in the first half of 2026, according to autonews.com. The direct connection, with both companies owned by the Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, allows VinFast to showcase its EVs widely and immediately on the city’s busy streets. This expansion of electric mobility options is a crucial step towards reducing urban pollution and addressing the urgent need for global climate action.
Unlike many traditional ride-hailing services that rely on gig workers, Green SM employs and trains its drivers full-time. Customers can access the service through a dedicated smartphone app or hotline, with introductory discounts available for new users, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Green SM's commitment to sustainability is unwavering, as its global fleet, which operates in several countries including Vietnam, Laos, and Denmark, is exclusively electric. The company proudly states it has completed approximately 850 million rides, contributing to a reduction of nearly a million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, underscoring the powerful environmental benefits of widespread electrification.
While VinFast's earlier models faced some criticism regarding their initial readiness, the company continues to innovate, recently introducing the 2027 VF8 with an updated driver assistance suite. The arrival of Green SM offers an invaluable opportunity for VinFast to put its improved electric vehicles directly into the hands of a broader public. This direct exposure, combined with the clear environmental advantages of an all-electric fleet, underscores the importance of choosing sustainable solutions. Every electric ride contributes to healthier communities and helps accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, reinforcing the collective effort needed to combat global warming.