Copenhagen Gets a New All-Electric Taxi Service – How It Works and What It Costs
Green SM, the Vietnamese operator behind VinFast EVs, launches its company-owned, driver-staffed taxi fleet in Copenhagen – here's what riders need to know.
What is Green SM and how does it differ from Uber?
Green SM is a Vietnamese all-electric taxi operator backed by Vingroup, and it owns and manages its entire fleet and directly employs its drivers. Unlike Uber, which connects passengers with independent drivers using their own cars, Green SM controls the vehicles, maintenance, and driver conduct. That model, the company says, gives it tighter oversight of everything from car upkeep to customer experience. In Copenhagen, its first European city, Green SM operates a fleet of VinFast VF 6 and VF 8 electric SUVs. Drivers complete training in road safety, customer service, operating procedures, and EV use before they pick up any passenger. The company's Europe CEO Richard Nabil Chahine framed the launch as a trust-first move, aiming to become a reliable daily mobility partner by meeting the standards Copenhagen already sets.
Which VinFast models are used in the Copenhagen fleet?
Green SM's Danish fleet consists of two electric SUV models from Vietnamese automaker VinFast: the VF 6 and the VF 8. The VF 6 is a smaller, B-segment SUV, while the VF 8 is a larger, D-segment SUV with more passenger and cargo room. Both are fully electric, which aligns with Green SM's all-electric positioning. The choice of these models reflects the company's existing operations in Asia, where the same vehicles serve in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India. In Copenhagen, the VF 8 likely functions as the option for groups or airport runs, while the VF 6 suits shorter city trips. The company hasn't released exact per-vehicle pricing or specs, but the models are available globally through VinFast's retail network. For riders, the key takeaway is that every Green SM car in Copenhagen runs on battery power, with no hybrid or internal-combustion alternatives.
How does the booking and payment process work?
Customers book and pay through Green SM's smartphone app, and the fare is shown before the trip is confirmed – so there are no surprises at the end of the ride. The app lets you enter your pickup and destination, see the projected cost, and confirm if you accept it. Payment is handled in-app, likely via credit card or other digital methods, which eliminates the need for cash or card swiping in the car. This pre-agreed fare model is common among ride-hailing services, but Green SM's twist is that the drivers are company employees, not gig workers, which may affect how fares are calculated and how disputes are handled. The company hasn't published a detailed pricing structure, but the launch promotion offers new customers five vouchers for 25% off a trip, up to a 100 Danish kroner discount – roughly $16 – per ride. That promo runs through September 30, giving Copenhageners a discounted taste of the service.
What is the launch promotion and how can new customers use it?
Green SM is offering new Copenhagen customers five vouchers, each providing 25% off a trip, with the discount capped at 100 Danish kroner (about $16) per ride. The promotion runs through September 30, after which standard pricing applies. To claim it, you must download the Green SM app, register, and then request a ride — the app displays the total fare before you confirm the trip, so you’ll see the discounted amount in advance. The vouchers are presumably applied automatically or via a promo code at checkout, though the company hasn’t specified the exact delivery method. Since the fare is shown upfront, you can decide whether the discount makes the ride worth it. To take advantage, simply book any trip before September ends, and the voucher will reduce the displayed price. This limited-time offer is a straightforward way to test Green SM’s service at a lower cost, especially for short city trips where the 100 DKK cap doesn’t bite.
Why did Green SM choose Copenhagen for its European debut?
Copenhagen is an obvious testbed for Green SM's company-owned electric taxi model because of its strong cycling culture, ambitious carbon-neutrality targets, and a city government that encourages sustainable transport. Green SM Europe CEO Richard Nabil Chahine said, 'Cities shape the future of mobility long before companies do. Copenhagen is one of those cities.' The company respects the existing standards in Denmark and wants to prove its Asia-proven formula – serving millions of journeys – can meet European expectations. Copenhagen's relatively small size, high EV adoption, and tech-savvy population make it a low-risk, high-visibility pilot. Green SM is taking a measured approach, focusing on meeting Danish regulations and localizing its operation before expanding. So far, it hasn't named a next European city.
What kind of training do Green SM drivers complete?
Before picking up passengers, Green SM drivers undergo training in four key areas: road safety, customer service, operating procedures, and electric vehicle use. This isn't just a one-day orientation – the company says the program ensures drivers are proficient in handling the VinFast VF 6 and VF 8, including EV-specific knowledge like charging, range management, and regenerative braking. Customer service training covers rider interactions, route navigation, and how to handle complaints. Operating procedures likely include app usage, fare policies, and safety protocols. Since Green SM owns its cars and employs drivers directly, it can enforce consistent standards, unlike independent-driver platforms. The training is part of the company's promise to deliver safe, professional, fully electric journeys. While exact hours or curriculum aren't public, the stated emphasis is on earning customer trust in a city that already has high expectations for taxi and transit services.
What are Green SM's expansion plans in Europe?
Green SM hasn't announced a specific next European city. After launching in Copenhagen, the company says it will initially concentrate on meeting Danish regulations, establishing its local operation, and refining the service based on customer feedback. That suggests a cautious, data-driven approach rather than a rapid multi-market push. The company already operates in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, and the Philippines, and India, so Copenhagen is its first test of the model in a Western, highly regulated market. The measured strategy aligns with CEO Richard Nabil Chahine's statement that growth will follow if the company earns trust. For riders and industry watchers, that means Copenhagen is the only European city to see Green SM taxis for now. The company's success in Copenhagen could determine whether it expands to other Scandinavian or European capitals, but no timelines or targets have been revealed.