Los Angeles has become the latest city to welcome Green SM, a Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) ride-hailing company launching its U.S. operations. The service, introduced Tuesday, enters a competitive market that includes established platforms like Uber and Lyft, as well as emerging autonomous taxi providers.
Green SM’s fleet consists entirely of electric vehicles manufactured by VinFast, a Vietnamese automaker which shifted exclusively to EV production in 2022 and is the leading vehicle brand in Vietnam. Although VinFast models remain relatively unknown in the U.S., the company’s introduction of these vehicles in Los Angeles could help expand its presence in the California market.
The initial rollout for Green SM will include 500 VinFast SUVs and an equal number of full-time, W-2 classified drivers, operating throughout Los Angeles County and extending south to Orange County. Notably, the new service does not yet have authorization to operate at Los Angeles International Airport. Pricing will be competitive with Uber Comfort, an elevated tier of ride-hailing.
Green SM’s employment model marks a significant departure from industry norms. The company hires its drivers as full-time employees eligible for benefits such as overtime and sick pay, contrasting with Uber and Lyft’s prevalent independent contractor approach. This difference comes amid ongoing debates over worker classification in California’s gig economy—a discussion that intensified after voters passed Proposition 22 in 2020, allowing gig companies to largely maintain contractors rather than employees.
In April 2024, California regulators certified a union representing Uber and Lyft drivers, a key development following years of advocacy by gig workers seeking better labor protections. Green SM’s leadership emphasized the value of professional employment for drivers, with U.S. Chief Executive Hoang Thanh Hang stating at the launch event that the company aims to restore “the dignity of driving as a true profession.”
The arrival of Green SM coincides with a broader expansion of transportation options in Southern California ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games, as public officials accelerate transit improvements and autonomous vehicle companies increase deployment.
Christopher Walker, Green SM’s head of U.S. operations, highlighted the company’s experience in other international markets—including India, Denmark, and the Philippines—and emphasized a commitment to service quality grounded in operational fundamentals developed since the company’s founding in 2023.
As Los Angeles diversifies its mobility landscape, the introduction of Green SM offers a distinct model combining electric vehicles, full employment for drivers, and competitive pricing, entering the fray of a rapidly evolving ride-hailing industry.