For years, the conversation around electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines has been dominated by policy debates and showroom specs. But for the average commuter in Metro Manila, the real introduction to e-mobility isn’t happening at a dealership—it’s happening in traffic, inside the cyan-colored fleets of Green GSM.
Since its launch in June, Green GSM, utilizing VinFast EVs, has effectively turned the city’s ride-hailing network into a massive, rolling proof-of-concept. By integrating EVs into the daily grind of public transport, the service is demystifying the technology for the public, moving it from an “abstract futuristic concept” to a tangible, reliable reality.
Back seat barrier breaker
The biggest hurdle to EV adoption has always been unfamiliarity. Green GSM tackles this by allowing passengers to experience the technology firsthand without the commitment of ownership.
The “test drive” experience is organic. Passengers often start the ride with questions about range and charging, but end the trip surprised by the vehicle’s performance. The silence of the electric motor and the smoothness of the ride often do more to convince skeptics than any brochure could.
This sentiment is echoed by the drivers themselves, who serve as frontline ambassadors for the tech. Tarwin S, a 51-year-old former driver of a gasoline-powered taxi and now with Green GSM, noted the operational benefits: “I feel less tired, the costs are lower, and I take home more earnings.”
The ‘public-first’ playbook
Green GSM’s strategy mirrors successful electrification models seen in major cities across China, where local governments prioritized electrifying taxis and buses before private cars. By making electric transport a common sight (and sound) on the streets, these cities built public trust in the reliability of battery-powered vehicles.
Manila is now seeing a similar pattern. As commuters see these EVs handling the heat, the traffic, and the floods of the metropolis, the perceived risks of EV ownership begin to diminish.
Building the V-Green ecosystem backbone
However, visibility is only half the battle. To ensure these fleets—and future private owners—stay on the road, the supporting infrastructure must be robust.
VinFast is addressing this through a strategic “ecosystem” approach. Partnering with global charging station developer V-Green, the company is working toward rolling out approximately 15,000 charging ports across the country. This is complemented by an expanding network of dealerships and authorized service centers.
This infrastructure build-out is the critical “backstage” work that supports the show on the road. The presence of chargers in malls, office towers, and along highways serves as a psychological safety net, effectively deleting “range anxiety” from the consumer’s mind.
Aligning with national goals
This private sector initiative dovetails with the government’s Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (Evida), which aims to create a local industry for clean tech. Beyond just transport, the expansion of charging networks creates demand for skilled labor, including electricians, engineers, and software specialists.
While the transition to a fully electric transport sector won’t happen overnight, Green GSM and VinFast are accelerating the timeline by normalizing the technology. Every quiet arrival and departure of a Green GSM unit is a subtle signal that the era of combustion engines is slowly giving way to a cleaner alternative.
To know more about Green GSM, to download the app, and to become a partner, log on to https://www.greengsm.ph/en.