Vingroup's GSM launches electric taxi in Philippines

Green GSM launched the first all-electric taxi service in the Philippines June 10, 2025.

Operated by Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company, the service enters its fourth international market, following Vietnam, Laos, and Indonesia.

Green GSM will initially operate in 10 of Metro Manila’s 16 cities.

The service will use a fleet of VinFast Nerio Green electric vehicles. It aims to provide zero-emission transport for the region’s 13 million residents.

The vehicles feature real-time monitoring systems and AI-driven tools for safety and efficiency.

Fares will be calculated through meters and displayed on the Green GSM app, which is available for download.

Customers can book rides via the app, a hotline, or designated pick-up points.

🔗 Source: VinGroup

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Electric taxi competition heats up in the Philippines amid rapid industry changes

GSM’s launch represents the second major electric taxi initiative in Metro Manila within a short timeframe, following Grab’s recent introduction of fully electric taxi services in partnership with EV Taxi Corp 1.

This competitive landscape is developing as the broader ride-hailing market shows significant growth, with inDrive expanding to over 20,000 driver-partners in Q1 2025 and planning 30-40% further growth by year-end 2.

The Philippines’ transport sector is experiencing an accelerated shift, with multiple players simultaneously working to electrify services that have been traditionally dominated by combustion-engine vehicles 1.

Both GSM and Grab are focusing their initial operations on key urban centers in Metro Manila, suggesting these areas are seen as proving grounds for electric mobility solutions before wider deployment 1, 3.

This competitive dynamic could accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation in a market where consumer awareness of electric vehicles has been relatively limited compared to more mature markets.