Los Angeles Gets 500 VinFast EVs As New Ride-Hailing Service Takes On Uber And Lyft

Green SM launched its Los Angeles service on October 13 with a fleet of 500 VinFast VF8 electric SUVs. The Vietnamese company owns every vehicle outright and employs all drivers as full‑time staff, contrasting with Uber and Lyft’s independent‑contractor model. The VF8 is a five‑seat electric SUV that produces zero tailpipe emissions. Green SM’s first U.S. market is Los Angeles, where its vehicles and drivers are already operating throughout Los Angeles County and extending into Orange County. The company reports having completed roughly 850 million rides worldwide. Secondary reports from S&P Global Mobility estimate about 389 new VinFast U.S. vehicle registrations between January and July 2026. Riders can request a car via the Green SM app, by phone, or by hailing on the street. Fares are based on time and distance and early comparisons show typical trip costs similar to Uber Comfort. Green SM also plans airport runs, though no details have been released about permits or service at Los Angeles International Airport. All 500 drivers undergo a standardized selection, training, and onboarding process before they begin service; Green SM supplies the vehicles, maintenance, and training, and drivers attend scheduled shifts rather than logging into an app on demand. Hoang Thanh Hang, Green SM’s U.S. chief executive, emphasized that the company’s approach is more than a fleet swap; it aims to build trust with customers, drivers, and local communities “one journey at a time,” relying on predictable schedules and employer‑backed benefits instead of the variable earnings typical of gig work. The launch includes promotions for new users: a 50% discount up to $12 per ride on the first five trips, plus a Green Pass membership that offers 10 monthly vouchers at 30% off up to $10 per ride. Green SM plans to continue expanding its Los Angeles team by recruiting and training additional local drivers as demand grows. The service enters a market where robotaxi offerings are also expanding; Waymo’s fully driverless Waymo One has been available to all riders in Los Angeles since November 12, 2024, and Uber’s electrification initiatives highlight the competitive electric ride‑hailing landscape in Southern California.