Green GSM Redefines Manila Commute with Philippines’ First All-Electric Taxi Service

Green GSM, the Philippines’ first all-electric taxi service, is winning loyal passengers in Metro Manila with rides that are spotless, quiet, and reliably on time—setting a new standard for the daily commute.

As the country’s very first all-electric taxi company, Green GSM isn’t trying to impress with glitz or glamour, but rather with rare and straightforward values: smooth, clean, and punctual rides. Just two months after launching in Metro Manila, the verdict is clear—commuters love this all-electric ride-hailing service after giving it a try.

Early riders say the difference is clear from the very first trip. “Compared to other apps, this one’s way more dependable,” said Gabriel Joshua R. Ancheta. “The rides show up when they should, the drivers are courteous, and I always feel safe.” Others are impressed by the fresh air inside the cars—no more fuel smell—and how the usual engine noise is replaced by the gentle sounds of the street.

It’s a shift that feels both subtle and significant, delivering on the pledge made by Green GSM’s Global CEO Nguyen Van Thanh at the launch, when he promised the service would be “a green mobility revolution in the Philippines.”

The Luxury of Quiet
One of the first things passengers notice in a Green GSM ride is the peaceful quiet inside the car.

Nerio Green electric vehicles glide effortlessly down the road, free from the noise and vibration typical of gasoline-powered taxis. Even in traffic jams, the cabin remains tranquil. The quiet, combined with the absence of engine heat, makes the ride far more comfortable for both drivers and passengers compared to conventional cars.

“The car is very clean and comfortable even in hot weather—no bad smells, very organized,” said Yaj Myel Manzo.

For many, what Green GSM offers isn’t just a new brand, but the standard taxis should aspire to in the future. “It honestly feels like this is how taxis should be now.”

“As Clean as a New Car” — A Rare Find Among Manila Taxis

Most Manila commuters have long given up on expecting spotless cabs, viewing taxis as just another form of public transport. But Green GSM is changing that perception.

“No bad smell of emissions, VIP feels on the passenger seat,” said Mary Joyce L. Salazar. Ancheta shared that every trip feels like stepping into “a brand-new” vehicle, while Chavez pointed out that the cars “stay cool, clean, and comfortable” even on the hottest days.

The consistency is perhaps what surprises people most. Passengers don’t have to worry about finding a clean ride—it’s every ride now.

Fast, Simple Booking
Booking a ride through the app further reinforces passengers’ positive impressions of Green GSM.

“Creating an account and using the app is easy, and it’s very user-friendly,” said Manzo. Ancheta agreed, calling it “super simple to use… not hard to figure out, even if you’re not tech-savvy.”

For those frustrated by late taxis or confusing ride-hailing apps, Green GSM’s simplicity and punctuality are major advantages. Many riders say these are key reasons they choose Green GSM’s all-electric taxis, even when other options are nearby.

Changing Daily Habits
These advantages aren’t just about a more comfortable journey—they’re also shaping new commuting habits.

“It’s better for people’s health and truly the best choice for transportation today,” said Manzo, who values the zero-emission rides in a city where air quality is a constant concern.

The preferences of riders like Manzo are emerging at a time when the Philippine ride-hailing market has reached $804 million this year and is expected to surpass $1 billion in just a few years. In this race, Green GSM is building its reputation by combining sustainability with punctuality and a superior passenger experience.

“Whenever I take a Green GSM ride, I feel like I’m making a small impact on the environment in a good way… and the service is solid,” Chavez said. And it’s perhaps this sense of “doing the right thing” that’s helping Green GSM electric taxis quickly become a favorite among Manila’s commuters.

GREEN GSM RECOGNIZED FOR GREEN LEADERSHIP AT AREA 2025

 Green GSM, Southeast Asia’s first all-electric ride-hailing platform, developed by Vietnam’s Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (GSM), has been awarded Green Leadership at the prestigious Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) 2025 held in Bangkok. The recognition celebrates Green GSM’s pioneering role in shaping a sustainable transportation ecosystem in Vietnam and expanding its green mobility model across the region.

Founded in 2011 by Enterprise Asia, AREA is among the most respected awards in Asia for corporate sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility. The 2025 theme, “A Necessary Shift to a Regenerative Economy,” highlights the growing expectation for businesses to restore ecosystems and deliver sustainable value to communities.

Green GSM stood out in the Green Leadership category for its scalable and inclusive approach to electrifying urban transport. The company operates its own fleet of electric vehicles, while also offering a technology platform — the Xanh SM Platform — allowing individual VinFast EV owners to join the service. Currently, this feature, along with company’s partnerships with traditional taxi operators to support their transition to electric vehicles, is available in selected international markets where the company operates, but not yet in the Philippines. Together, these three components form a flexible, open ecosystem that accelerates the shift toward green mobility in Vietnam and beyond.

“Sustainability at Green GSM goes beyond strategy. It is deeply embedded in our everyday decisions, our culture, and how we grow,” said Ms. Phan Thi Hong Dung, Director of Training and Culture Development at GSM, at the award ceremony. “We believe that a truly sustainable model only works when every individual within the ecosystem chooses to live green, work green, and serve their community with kindness and responsibility. Each ride with Green GSM not only helps reduce emissions but also encourages positive habits and sets new standards for sustainable living in society. We are proud that Green GSM’s journey toward global expansion has been recognized on such a prominent platform in Asia.”

The award marks a significant milestone in Green GSM’s broader “Go Green Global” journey. This recognition goes beyond a single Vietnamese enterprise. It reflects Vietnam’s growing potential to drive innovation, scale impactful solutions, and contribute a long-term ecosystem perspective to the global green transformation.

In just two years, the company has expanded beyond Vietnam into Laos, Indonesia, and the Philippines, completing more than 300 million trips, covering 1.7 billion zero-emission kilometers. The total reduction in CO₂ emissions is estimated at over 211,000 tons, equivalent to the annual carbon absorption capacity of approximately 3,200 hectares of forest.

Back home in Vietnam, the company leads the electric taxi market with nearly 40% market share and has partnered with nearly 100 local transport businesses to support their electrification journeys. Big local names such as G7 Taxi, Mai Linh, Lado Taxi, and En Vang have joined the effort with 19 companies fully converting their fleets to electric vehicles. This marks a defining shift: green mobility is no longer an alternative, but a new standard in modern urban transportation.

With operations now spanning four Southeast Asian countries, Green GSM is the second-largest ride-hailing brand in the region and the only one powered entirely by electric vehicles. Its ability to operate efficiently across diverse markets with varying infrastructure and user behaviors is a strong testament to the company’s capacity for large-scale deployment, high adaptability, and strategic regional vision as a Vietnamese brand.  Green GSM had its official public launch in Metro Manila last June 10, 2025.