Vietnam: Lavi Taxi to Add 2,000 VinFast EVs to Its Fleet

Why It Matters

The transition gives Lavi Taxi a competitive edge through lower operating costs and aligns with Vietnam’s emissions targets, while providing VinFast a significant domestic order to accelerate EV adoption.

Key Takeaways

• Lavi Taxi will replace its entire fleet with 2,000 VinFast EVs.
• Deployment targets Ho Chi Minh, Cần Thơ, Khánh Hòa, Đà Nẵng.
• Four VinFast Green models and VF 5 will serve passenger and cargo.
• GSM will build V‑Green charging network and operational platform.
• Project signals Vietnam’s push toward large‑scale electric mobility.

Pulse Analysis

Vietnam’s urban transport is at a turning point as policymakers accelerate the shift to zero‑emission vehicles. The government’s subsidies and tax incentives have spurred domestic manufacturers, most notably VinFast, to scale production of affordable electric models. In this environment, Lavi Taxi, the country’s largest ride‑hailing fleet, announced a bold plan to retire its internal‑combustion cars and introduce 2,000 VinFast electric vehicles. The move aligns with Hanoi’s target of 30 % electric taxis by 2030 and showcases the viability of home‑grown EV solutions in a fast‑growing market.

The fleet will comprise four VinFast Green series models—Minio Green, Herio Green, Limo Green, EC Van—and the VF 5 SUV, covering a spectrum from compact micro‑cars to seven‑seat MPVs. Each model offers NEDC ranges between 175 km and 450 km, sufficient for typical city shifts. GSM, a regional mobility platform, will supply a synchronized operational ecosystem, including the V‑Green charging network and a dedicated workshop system. By deploying the vehicles in Ho Chi Minh, Cần Thơ, Khánh Hòa and Đà Nẵng, Lavi aims to boost service reliability while cutting fuel costs and emissions.

Beyond Lavi, the partnership signals a broader momentum for electric mobility across Southeast Asia. GSM’s rebranding to Green SM and its planned entry into India with 500 EVs illustrate the scaling ambitions of regional players. For VinFast, the 2,000‑vehicle order provides a critical volume boost, helping the company meet its global export targets and amortize production lines. Investors will watch how quickly the charging infrastructure scales and whether the cost advantages translate into competitive fares against ride‑hail giants such as Uber and Grab.