Vietnam's VinFast Export EVs to Laos for Electric Taxi Service

Vietnamese automaker VinFast has sent 150 cars to neighboring Laos for the launch of an electric taxi service, months after starting a similar scheme at home. The taxi service in Laos will be run by Green and Smart Mobility JSC (GSM), which shares the same parent company as VinFast—the Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup.

The event marked an important milestone in its development journey towards becoming a leading regional and global ride-hailing service. This momentous occasion also demonstrated GSM’s commitment to promoting the use of electric vehicles among consumers. According to GSM CEO Nguyen Van Thanh:

“Laos is an ideal starting point for GSM to expand internationally. GSM has set the goal to promote Vietnamese electric vehicles to global consumers.”

GSM plans to introduce its electric taxi services in Laos with 1,000 VF 5 Plus and VF e34 electric cars making up its fleet. Initially, the company will focus on expanding its electric taxi services. Furthermore, GSM aims to provide a complete service ecosystem, including electric vehicle leases and more advanced services like package car rental, travel, and personalized car rental.

GSM aims to promote the use of eco-friendly vehicles in everyday life in Laos through a diverse approach. By introducing the Green SM Taxi, GSM not only provides the locals with noiseless and emission-free transportation, but it will also promote the VinFast brand in the regional market.

Laos, a country neighboring Vietnam, has a strong focus on promoting and encouraging the widespread use of electric vehicles. The country aims to boost the adoption of electric vehicles to 30% and establish 200 public charging stations across its territory by 2030. As of the end of 2022, there were 1,326 registered electric vehicles in Laos, according to the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Furthermore, in the first four months of 2023, an additional 526 electric cars were imported into the country. The development of the charging station network in Laos is currently underway, with 17 stations already operational.

By the end of 2023, Green SM will expand its operations to 27 out of 63 provinces and cities in Vietnam, boasting a fleet of 30,000 electric taxis and over 90,000 electric scooters. Not limited to Vietnam, GSM is also planning to extend its reach beyond the region and become a global ride-hailing company, starting with the ASEAN markets.