Green SM, a Vietnamese-born all-electric taxi service, has officially launched operations in Los Angeles, marking the brand's first entry into North America and expanding its global footprint to nine markets. The company announced the milestone after launching its service in mid-October 2026, with customers able to book rides through the Green SM app, contact the call center or hail a vehicle on the street.
The Los Angeles launch comes as drivers in the city spend an average of approximately 87 hours each year in rush-hour traffic, equivalent to more than three full days, according to the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard. That figure is slightly lower than the 88 hours recorded the previous year, and Los Angeles moved from eighth to tenth place among the world's most congested urban areas. Green SM is framing its service around the idea that commute time can be used productively or restoratively rather than simply endured.
The company points to research suggesting the in-vehicle experience can shape that outcome. J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, which evaluated the emotional appeal and ownership experience of 78,514 new-vehicle owners during their first 90 days across 37 attributes, found that electric vehicles outperformed internal combustion engine vehicles in nearly every category. The largest gap appeared in the powertrain category, where EVs scored 109 points higher on a 1,000-point scale, as detailed in reporting on the J.D. Power survey on EV owner satisfaction.
A 2018 University of York study in the United Kingdom also reported positive changes among drivers who switched from diesel vehicles to electric vehicles, including improved concentration, greater calmness and a stronger sense of happiness, according to coverage of the University of York study on the effects of driving electric cars. Together, the findings underpin Green SM's "Start Strong. Arrive Ready." message, which the company is using to introduce its experience to the U.S. market.
In Los Angeles, the service is delivered through the VinFast VF 8, a D-segment electric SUV in Green SM's fleet. The company cites its spacious interior, clean cabin and smooth, quiet performance as features that let passengers finish emails, review meeting talking points or simply relax before the workday begins. Green Driver partners are carefully selected and trained, with an emphasis on professionalism, courtesy and attentive service. The Green SM app provides information about drivers, vehicles and routes, and displays fares and promotional offers clearly so customers can compare options.
Across its markets, Green SM builds its service around the 5 Good Promises: Good Cars, Good Drivers, Good Price, Good Experience and Good for the Environment. In Los Angeles, those principles translate into an all-electric VinFast fleet, transparent fares, professional drivers and rides with zero tailpipe emissions. To celebrate the launch, new users can receive 50% off fares, up to $12 per ride, on their first five trips, and can sign up for a free Green Pass membership with 10 discount codes each month, each offering 30% off a fare up to $10.
Founded in Vietnam in 2023, Green SM has completed approximately 850 million trips covering nearly 6 billion kilometers, helping reduce more than 800,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed by approximately 36 million trees. Its markets include Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Kazakhstan, Denmark and the Netherlands. In the U.S., the company says it will progressively strengthen local operations and recruit and train drivers from the local community, creating employment opportunities while contributing to the transition toward greener transportation in Los Angeles and the surrounding region. The move matters for a city where congestion consumes days of commuter time annually and where the shift to electric mobility is increasingly tied to both environmental goals and quality-of-life concerns.
