VinFast is launching its commercial fleet operations business in India using its own electric cars
I recently got the opportunity to experience the new VinFast Green SM EV taxi in the flesh ahead of the official launch. In India, the EV space is expanding rapidly. While the biggest area of interest remains the passenger vehicle segment, carmakers like VinFast are trying to disrupt the commercial fleet space too. We know that the Vietnamese auto giant has been selling EVs in India since last year in the form of VF 6 and VF 7. These cater to the needs of individual buyers. However, to grab a large chunk of the market share, it has now entered the taxi operations segment with the Limo Green. Here is what I felt about my recent experience with the EV and the entire process of booking, payment and the vehicle.
My First Ride in New VinFast Green SM EV Taxi
The VinFast Green SM EV event started with the booking app. The usage is fairly straightforward with the Green SM app. You simply need to enter your phone number and verify with the OTP. Thereafter, you can set your pickup and drop-off locations and the ride is booked. What is interesting is the fact that the drivers can’t cancel the booking. Hence, the reliability and peace of mind are maintained. Moreover, the drivers are trained well to ensure that the user experience remains pleasant. During my interaction with the driver, I was informed that they had to undergo a 4-day training program where they learned how to drive smoothly to maximize the passenger comfort and what kind of behaviour they must follow with the passengers. In a time when we keep hearing about horrific stories of passengers with some cab drivers, this is quite necessary.
Furthermore, I noticed that there were two cameras inside the car. One is directed towards the driver and it monitors the driver’s attention. The second is a dashcam for the cabin. Hence, the sense of security is enhanced a great deal. Apart from that, I must mention that this was not some special vehicle arranged for the media personnel. Rather, this was the regular process which every passenger will follow. Since the cars are brand new, the cabin was sophisticated and in great condition. In general, VinFast focuses on creating minimalist cabins for a decluttered layout. That is a trend many EV makers around the world follow.
I was sitting in the second row and the visuals showcase just how spacious the cabin was. In fact, the availability of a third row is ideal for airport runs with heavy luggage. This becomes particularly practical with 3-4 passengers and the third row folded. There is acres of room inside the cabin. However, I must highlight that since the size of the car is quite enormous, navigating the narrow streets of top cities could be a bit problematic. However, that is something the driver needs to be mindful of and not necessarily the occupants. For this, VinFast might need to introduce smaller EVs into the fleet. Hopefully, that will become a reality in the coming months.
Also, the cabin comes with all the latest tech and convenience amenities. Not that one needs all that in a cab. Still, elements like AC vents in the second and third row, 60:40 split for the second row, 50:50 split for the third row, security due to the cameras and a spacious cabin definitely accentuate the entire user experience. In terms of pricing, the VinFast Green SM EV is positioned towards the premium side. That is due to the size of the car and its price. Moreover, public charging is not cheap either. Hence, it will take some time for VinFast to grab a large customer base. However, if you want something reliable and premium in comparison to the regular app-based cab services, the Green SM is certainly a great alternative. We shall have to wait a bit more to know the exact experiences of real-world customers.
Editor’s Note
Yatharth Chauhan, Managing Editor
The arrival of VinFast Green SM introduces a fresh alternative to India’s app-based taxi ecosystem at a time when customers are demanding better reliability, safety and service quality. During my brief experience, the professionally trained drivers, inability to cancel rides and in-cabin safety features stood out as key differentiators. The spacious Limo Green EV also offers a premium travel experience, particularly for airport transfers and family travel. While pricing and large-scale adoption remain challenges, Green SM certainly has the potential to emerge as a credible premium alternative for users seeking a more dependable cab service.
Also Read: VinFast VF MPV 7 Launched: India’s EV Space Gets a New 7-Seater Contender
