VinFast announced that Green SM has partnered with 75 transport companies and cooperatives in the Philippines to deploy up to 18,497 electric vehicles, marking one of the largest planned electric mobility expansions in Southeast Asia.
The agreements, signed through a series of Memoranda of Understanding and deposit arrangements, will support passenger transport operations across key Philippine cities including Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Cavite, Pampanga, Bacolod, Batangas, Baguio, and Cagayan de Oro.
The fleet will consist primarily of VinFast VF 5/Herio Green and Limo Green electric vehicle models, designed for ride-hailing and urban transport services. The rollout will combine direct vehicle investments and long-term leasing agreements, with phased deployment expected throughout 2026.
The initiative forms part of Green SM’s broader regional expansion strategy, which focuses on integrating centralized electric mobility standards with local transport operators’ expertise. The Philippines has emerged as a strategic market in this plan due to growing demand for sustainable urban transportation solutions.
Green SM stated that the new partnerships build on its earlier collaboration with Xentro Group, which involved the deployment of 2,500 vehicles in the country. The latest phase is expected to significantly increase both fleet size and operational reach.
Industry leaders involved in the agreements emphasized the importance of scalable and sustainable transportation systems. Executives from participating firms highlighted how the collaboration could modernize local transport fleets while maintaining operational stability for cooperatives and transport providers.
Nguyen Van Thanh, Global CEO of Green and Smart Mobility (GSM), described electric transportation as a global transition already underway in major urban centers. He noted that Southeast Asia is becoming one of the most active regions for electric mobility adoption, adding that scalable operating models and local partnerships are essential for long-term success.
The expansion also reflects accelerating electrification efforts across the Philippines’ transport sector, where operators are increasingly exploring cleaner alternatives to traditional fuel-powered fleets. By leveraging existing driver networks and transport systems, Green SM aims to create a practical pathway toward wider EV adoption while maintaining consistent service standards.
The deployment is expected to strengthen the Philippines’ evolving mobility ecosystem and further position the country as an emerging hub for sustainable urban transportation in Southeast Asia.
