Vietnam’s VinFast Eyes India’s Taxi Market With Electric-Only Cab Service

Key Summary

• Vietnam’s VinFast-backed Green SM is reportedly preparing to launch an electric cab service in India, with fares expected to start at around ₹8 per km.
• The service is likely to begin from Delhi-NCR, with future expansion possible in cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
• Green SM may operate an all-electric fleet using VinFast vehicles, including models such as the VinFast VF5 and Limo Green MPV.
• The company has reportedly started hiring driver partners, offering monthly earnings of around ₹35,000–₹40,000, insurance benefits and incentives.
• Green SM could directly compete with Ola, Uber and Rapido, especially if it delivers affordable fares, reliable service and better driver-partner support.

VinFast-backed Green SM is reportedly planning to launch an electric cab service in India with fares expected to start at around ₹8 per kilometre. The Vietnam-based EV mobility brand may begin operations in Delhi-NCR before expanding to other major cities, putting it in direct competition with Ola, Uber, Rapido and other ride-hailing platforms.

According to recent reports, Green SM has already started early driver-partner hiring activities in India, especially in the Delhi-NCR region. Recruitment campaigns linked to the brand have promoted monthly earning opportunities of up to ₹40,000, along with insurance benefits and performance-based incentives.

The campaign message, “Driver Nahi, Partner Bano,” appears to be aimed at positioning the platform as a driver-friendly alternative in India’s highly competitive taxi market.

Also Read: ASSOCHAM, VCCI Sign MoU to Boost India–Viet Nam Trade and Investment Cooperation

Green Smart Mobility India Launch: What Is Being Planned?

Green and Smart Mobility is part of the broader Vingroup ecosystem including VinFast. The service already operates in overseas markets as an electric mobility platform and uses VinFast vehicles for its ride-hailing operations.

In India, Green SM is expected to follow a more controlled fleet model instead of depending entirely on privately owned driver vehicles. This means the company may manage the vehicles, service standards, charging discipline and ride quality more closely than traditional aggregator platforms.

The first phase may roll out in Delhi-NCR, followed by Bengaluru, Hyderabad and other metro cities.

The company is also planning to move forward with a fleet of about 1000 cars and then scalling it up as per the market's response to 10,000 or more EVs.

₹8 Per Km Fare Could Disrupt India’s Cab Market

The most talked-about part of Green SM’s India plan is its expected fare of around ₹8 per km. If launched at this price point, the service could become one of the most affordable app-based cab options in the country.

For daily commuters, office-goers, airport travellers and urban users, pricing remains one of the biggest factors while choosing between Ola, Uber, Rapido and other app-based taxi services. A lower per-kilometre fare, combined with electric vehicles, could help Green SM attract cost-conscious riders.

However, the final success will depend on several practical factors, including app experience, ride availability, waiting time, driver behaviour, charging infrastructure, service reliability and whether the company can maintain low fares without affecting driver earnings.

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VinFast Vehicles to Power Green SM’s Electric Fleet

Green SM’s India fleet is expected to use VinFast electric vehicles. Reports suggest that models such as the VinFast VF5 and VinFast Limo Green MPV could be part of the taxi operations.

The Limo Green is being seen as a practical commercial vehicle for urban taxi use. Unlike premium EVs that focus mainly on luxury, this model is expected to focus on comfort, cabin space, operating efficiency and lower maintenance costs.

Expected features may include a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, fabric seats and a cabin layout suitable for frequent city rides. For a taxi fleet, such features matter because passengers look for comfort, while operators look for durability and low running costs.

Why Green SM’s India Entry Matters?

India’s ride-hailing market is going through an important transition. For years, Ola and Uber have dominated the app-based taxi space. Recently, Rapido and other players have started expanding beyond bike taxis into auto and cab services.

At the same time, the demand for electric cabs in India has been rising. Many users now prefer EV rides because they are cleaner, quieter and often smoother than regular petrol or diesel cabs.

Also Read: Tata Launched Curvv EV SeriesX in India with New Variants, Fresh Red Colour Option

Driver-Partner Model Could Be Key

One of the biggest challenges in India’s cab market is driver satisfaction. Over the years, many drivers on aggregator platforms have raised concerns around commissions, fuel costs, incentives, ride cancellations and unpredictable earnings.

Green SM appears to be trying to address this issue early through its driver-partner campaign. The promise of monthly earnings of around ₹35,000 to ₹40,000, insurance cover and incentives may help the company attract drivers, especially in metro cities.

But the real test will begin after launch. Drivers will closely watch vehicle availability, payment cycles, working hours, platform deductions, maintenance support and long-term earning stability.

Can Green SM Compete With Ola and Uber?

Competing with Ola and Uber will not be easy. Both platforms have strong brand recall, large driver networks and years of experience in the Indian market. Rapido is also growing fast in urban mobility.

However, Green SM may have a different advantage. Its electric-only approach, reported low fare strategy and fleet-controlled model could help it stand apart from regular cab aggregators.

If the company manages to offer affordable pricing, clean cars, reliable availability and fair driver earnings, it could become a serious challenger in India’s EV ride-hailing market.

What's Ahead for Bharat?

The expected launch of VinFast Green SM electric cab service in India could add fresh competition to the country’s ride-hailing market.

With an electric-only fleet, affordable fares and a driver-partner model, Green SM may become an important player in India’s growing EV mobility ecosystem if it manages to deliver reliable service at scale.