Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (GSM) has taken a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation in Vietnam with the launch of its first pure electric taxi service, Green SM Taxi. The service, which is currently available in Hanoi, will soon expand to at least five other provinces and cities this year, aligning with the company’s strategic plan.
Customers can book Green SM Taxi services via a nationwide hotline, Green SM Taxi application, available on App Store and Google Play, or hail a ride at Vincom shopping malls, public spaces, or on the roads. Additionally, from May 2023, customers can book Green SM Taxi through BeVinFast service on the Be application.
Green SM Taxi offers customers two service options: GreenCar, a standard taxi service, and LuxuryCar, a premium taxi experience. GreenCar will feature the VinFast VF e34, while LuxuryCar will use the VinFast VF 8. The company will initially start operations with 500 VF e34s and 100 VF 8s in Hanoi, and the fleet will expand based on customer demand.
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The starting price for the first 1 km of the GreenCar service is 20,000 VND (US$0.85), with fares for the VF 5 Plus and VF e34 at 14,000 VND/km (US$0.60) and 15,500 VND/km (US$0.66), respectively, for the next 24 km. From the 26th km onwards, the fare will be 12,000 VND/km (US$0.51) for the VF 5 Plus and 12,500 VND/km (US$0.53) for the VF e34. The price for LuxuryCar service is fixed at 21,000 VND/km (US$0.90) for the entire journey.
This move by GSM is a significant milestone towards promoting sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions in Vietnam’s urban areas. The country’s growing economy has led to an increase in car ownership and subsequent air pollution, causing severe health and environmental problems. By launching electric taxi services, GSM is contributing towards the government’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 9% by 2030.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have lower emissions and are more energy-efficient than traditional gasoline-powered cars. This move towards sustainable transportation is in line with global trends, with many countries aiming to phase out gasoline and diesel-powered cars by 2040. The transportation sector accounts for a significant percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the switch to EVs is crucial in the fight against climate change.
Moreover, electric taxi services like Green SM Taxi can lead to cost savings for taxi drivers and passengers alike. EVs have lower maintenance costs and require less frequent refueling than traditional cars. This translates to lower fares for passengers, and with the rising cost of gasoline, electric taxi services can provide a more cost-effective option for drivers.
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In conclusion, GSM’s launch of Green SM Taxi is a significant step towards sustainable transportation in Vietnam. It aligns with global trends towards reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in urban areas. The success of this initiative will depend on the uptake by customers and the expansion of the fleet. Nevertheless, this move towards electric taxi services is an excellent start towards a more sustainable and cost-effective transportation system in Vietnam.
