In a statement to CNBC-TV18, Green SM confirmed it is in the “final stages of preparation” to launch its all-electric mobility service in India, with VinFast acting as its strategic vehicle partner.
This development is noteworthy as Green SM aims to be more than just another aggregator in India’s saturated cab market. The company envisions itself as an integrated electric mobility platform where the management of vehicles, drivers, service standards, and customer experience is centralized, positioning its model closer to that of a controlled fleet operator rather than a straightforward marketplace like Ola or Uber.
Initially, Green SM has prioritized Delhi for the first phase of its India rollout, with plans to expand to other cities in a careful manner later on. The company emphasized that its immediate focus will be on ensuring operational stability and maintaining service quality rather than pursuing rapid expansion.
For VinFast, Green SM’s launch in India could serve as an essential strategic asset. As the EV manufacturer prepares to make its own entry into the Indian market, Green SM might function as a captive mobility ecosystem to present and deploy its vehicles on a larger scale, which could potentially facilitate adoption, enhance visibility, and generate demand for its EVs in the region.
While Green SM did not specify the exact VinFast vehicle models intended for India, it noted that fleet decisions are being influenced by factors like cabin comfort, efficiency, safety, operating costs, and compatibility with Indian mobility requirements. It did not confirm whether models such as the VF5 would be included in the launch fleet, despite circulating speculation and social media images.
The company also stated that it has begun the process of driver hiring and training in India, starting with operations in Delhi. Green SM indicated to CNBC-TV18 that it aims to create a “professional, stable and transparent” driver ecosystem.
In what could set it apart from gig-based ride-hailing services, Green SM plans to offer drivers a guaranteed monthly income of approximately ₹35,000 during the initial phase, with potential total earnings reaching ₹50,000 depending on the number of completed trips and revenue generated. Further details on the compensation structure, including fixed pay and incentives, will be revealed closer to the launch.
However, Green SM opted not to disclose its expected investments or target fleet size for India, labeling market speculation about the scale of the rollout as “unofficial.” The company described India as a vital long-term strategic market, emphasizing the importance of operational quality, charging preparedness, and customer trust before scaling up.
