If you’ve seen cyan-colored electric taxis roaming around Metro Manila, they’re most likely the fleet of Green GSM, which was launched earlier this month by Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company from Vietnam. If the vehicle looks familiar, that’s because it is the VinFast Nerio Green—also known as the VF e34.

GSM was established in Vietnam in March 2023. It was founded by Pham Nhat Vuong, the owner of VinFast, although it is a different company with different stakeholders.

Even if the passenger cars being sold by VinFast in our market are not exactly flying out of the showroom, a taxi business is here to save the day (hopefully). Maybe this was the plan all along. Who knows?

According to the press release, the Philippines is the fourth market to be served by Green GSM, after Vietnam (obviously), Laos, and Indonesia. The PR screams that this is “the first electric taxi brand in the Philippines.” We’re not sure if this is accurate, because several days before the grand launch, Grab had rolled out its GrabTaxi Electric in partnership with EV Taxi Corporation. That one is being touted as “the country’s first fully electric, on-demand taxi fleet officially recognized by the LTFRB.” So…which is which?

At launch, Green GSM will serve 10 cities in Metro Manila. It brags about its “Secure to Safe” monitoring system, which will supposedly “proactively manage risks” for the passengers’ peace of mind.

Regarding the fare computation, the press release says:

“Fares are transparently calculated through in-car meters and clearly displayed on the Green GSM app. Pricing is highly competitive and offers greater value compared to conventional ride-hailing services, ensuring comfort, convenience, and affordability for every ride.”

Now, people have been alarmed after seeing videos on social media showing Green GSM taxis stalled on the road. It’s easy to be spooked by range anxiety (and even reliability issues) when you’re using electric vehicles. What’s the story here?

We don’t know if this info can be trusted, but somebody commented on one of the videos pointing out that nothing was wrong with the EVs. Said person claimed that the Green GSM taxis in question had been “undercharged.” Apparently, the drivers are still not completely used to operating and maintaining EVs.

If you are interested in giving these Green GSM taxis a try, visit the brand’s website here or follow these instructions:

“Commuters can start riding with Green GSM via the Green GSM mobile app, now available on App Store and Google Play; by calling the hotline 02-7777-8080; hailing a Green GSM taxi on the street; or catching a ride at designated public pick-up points throughout Metro Manila.”

Until August 31, 2025, Green GSM is celebrating its launch in our country with “500 Green Points” (worth P500) for those who register and ride the taxi service for the first time. These points may also be used as “discounts on the first seven trips.”

Let us know if you’ve tried this EV taxi service. Is it significantly better than other cabs?

NOTE: We initially indicated that Green GSM was owned by Vingroup. We stand corrected. GSM is an entirely different company, according to the PR agency.