Green SM, a Vietnamese-born all-electric taxi service, has officially launched operations in Los Angeles, marking its first entry into North America and expanding its global footprint to nine markets. The company, founded in Vietnam in 2023, is betting that a smoother, quieter ride can improve the daily commute for Angelenos who spend an average of approximately 87 hours each year in rush-hour traffic, according to the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard. That figure, while slightly lower than the 88 hours recorded the previous year, still represents more than three full days lost to congestion annually.
The launch comes as electric vehicles continue to gain traction among U.S. drivers. J.D. Power’s 2026 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, which surveyed 78,514 new-vehicle owners during their first 90 days of ownership, found that EVs outperformed internal combustion engine vehicles in nearly every category, with the largest gap in the powertrain category where EVs scored 109 points higher on a 1,000-point scale. A 2018 University of York study in the United Kingdom also reported positive changes among drivers who switched from diesel to electric vehicles, including improved concentration, greater calmness and a stronger sense of happiness. These findings suggest that the in-vehicle experience can play a meaningful role in reducing commuter stress and improving overall well-being.
Green SM’s Los Angeles fleet consists of the VinFast VF 8, a D-segment electric SUV that the company says offers a spacious interior, clean cabin and smooth, quiet performance. Passengers can use the journey to finish emails, review meeting notes or simply relax before the workday begins. The service is built around what Green SM calls its 5 Good Promises: Good Cars, Good Drivers, Good Price, Good Experience and Good for the Environment. Drivers are carefully selected and trained with an emphasis on professionalism, courtesy and attentive service, and customers booking through the Green SM app can access information about drivers, vehicles and routes, with fares and promotional offers displayed clearly.
The company’s entry into Los Angeles also has environmental and economic implications. Green SM says its global operations have 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. In the U.S., the company plans to 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.
To celebrate its launch, Green SM is offering special promotions to customers in Los Angeles. New users can enjoy 50% off their fares, up to $12 per ride, on their first five trips. Customers can also sign up for Green Pass membership free of charge and receive 10 discount codes each month, with each code offering 30% off a fare, up to $10. The company says it will progressively strengthen its local operations and continue investing in its fleet, technology, people and service quality, with the goal of building a sustainable, long-term presence in the U.S. market.
For a city long defined by car culture and congestion, Green SM’s arrival signals a potential shift in how residents experience their daily commutes. By combining zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles with a service model focused on passenger comfort and driver professionalism, the company is positioning itself to compete not just on price but on the quality of the journey itself. As the research on EV satisfaction and driver well-being grows, the question is whether Angelenos will embrace a ride-hailing experience designed to help them start strong and arrive ready.
