Global brand Green SM, already operating in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India, has chosen Kazakhstan as its next growth point for its fully electric urban mobility platform. The company is launching an electric taxi service in Almaty and states it is betting not on an aggressive race for market share, but on operational quality, model sustainability, and customer trust. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Kazakhstan holds a strategic position in the center of Eurasia and is one of the region's key economies, where transport system modernization is paralleled by growing interest in electric vehicles. In these conditions, Green SM sees an opportunity to offer residents an additional option for daily trips – fully electric, safe, and managed according to uniform operational standards.
Almaty logically becomes the starting point: it is the largest city, an economic and financial center with the highest level of electric vehicle adoption and high demand for mobility. Here, Green SM is building an operational base and testing the service in real conditions before considering expansion to other cities, including Astana.
The launch decision is based on three years of practical experience managing electric vehicle fleets in other countries, allowing the company to thoroughly prepare key elements – from the local team and drivers to technology and operational processes. Green SM declares a phased approach: first build a sustainable operational model, and only consider scaling after confirming service quality in practice.
Operational Model: Platform, Not Classic Taxi
Green SM defines itself as a platform for fully electric mobility, not a traditional taxi company. Its role is to connect passengers with transportation services while supporting drivers through training, operational infrastructure, and uniform quality standards.
At launch, the service will focus within Almaty, with specific pickup and drop-off zones displayed directly in the app. Initial operating hours are from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, with possible adjustments as demand and operational system readiness grow. Fares will comply with national regulations and be transparently displayed in the app before the trip starts; payments can be made via bank cards, with additional payment methods planned later.
Unlike models where the platform merely connects supply and demand, Green SM emphasizes a structured operational model: driver training, safety processes, service standards, real-time trip monitoring, and customer support. The company stresses that no technological function can replace operational discipline and human responsibility.
VinFast Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure
The service in Kazakhstan launches with a standardized fleet of VinFast VF 6 electric vehicles – five-seat electric SUVs adapted for urban mobility. The company explains the choice by the combination of safety, comfort, suitability for taxi use, and the ability to unify maintenance and quality control processes.
Green SM is not a joint venture with VinFast: the automaker acts as a strategic supplier, not a capital partner. This separation allows close coordination on vehicle operation, maintenance, and after-sales support while remaining an independent operational platform.
The vehicles are equipped with GPS tracking and telematics systems that provide operational data on location and status in compliance with data protection requirements. According to the company, the range is sufficient for typical urban routes and trips to adjacent areas.
Green SM addresses charging infrastructure jointly with VinFast and local partners, while also exploring opportunities to place charging stations in shopping centers and with private infrastructure operators. Through the Green Alliance Frontier initiative, the company plans to expand cooperation across sectors to support the growth of green mobility in Kazakhstan.
A separate preparation block addresses climate risks: Green SM has developed winter operation regulations, including special vehicle equipment, regular brake and tire checks, and driver training for snow, ice, and slippery roads.
Drivers: Electric Vehicle Rental and Focus on Professionalization
The operational model assumes that vehicles are owned by an affiliated company – the fleet owner – while partner drivers rent them on transparent terms and sign separate cooperation agreements with Green SM. This structure allows drivers to access modern electric vehicles without large initial investments while retaining flexibility to work on the platform.
Initially, the number of drivers will match the launch scale and operational readiness; it may grow later as demand increases and coordination with relevant government bodies proceeds. Drivers earn from completed trips under existing rental and cooperation agreements, with additional incentive programs possible depending on business objectives.
Green SM emphasizes systematic training: partner drivers receive service standards, operational support, and safety regulations, including passenger interaction protocols.
Passengers, according to Green SM's promises, can expect a clean and quiet electric vehicle, a professional driver, transparent fares, and predictable service standards. The app provides real-time trip tracking and access to customer support, while launch promotional campaigns aim to motivate customers to try the new service.
Strategically, the company emphasizes it does not intend to 'burn money' for rapid market share and does not seek special privileges from the state. The growth model is built on sustainability and quality.