VinFast and Green SM: Pioneering Sustainable Mobility in Europe
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent, Europe is evolving its transportation systems to not only reduce emissions but also enhance user experience. For over a decade, the continent has prioritized the transition to electric mobility, transforming EVs into a common sight across cities. Yet, as this shift progresses from aspiration to reality, pressing questions remain:
How can Europe develop a transportation framework that is not only cleaner but also more effective for daily commuters?
Embracing Sustainable Mobility
Europe has established itself as a leader in sustainable mobility. As EV adoption grows, so does the infrastructure supporting it. Efforts to promote public transport, cycling, and pedestrian-friendly urban environments have been central to urban planning, significantly contributing to the European Union's climate goals.
However, as the electrification journey matures, the focus is shifting. Initial priorities centered around the replacement of combustion engines with zero-emission alternatives. Now, the challenge lies in creating a transportation ecosystem that is efficient, accessible, and holistically connected to everyday life.
The European Commission's new EU Urban Mobility Framework reflects this shift, emphasizing accessibility, inclusion, safety, and quality of life alongside decarbonization. Green mobility is no longer merely measured by the number of electric vehicles on the roads or the volume of avoided CO2 emissions. Instead, it is increasingly evaluated on the quality of the mobility system itself and the societal value it generates.
The Transition of Electrification
According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 17.4% of all new car registrations in the European Union in 2025, up from 13.6% in 2024. The International Energy Agency (IEA) recognizes Europe as one of the world's leading markets for electric vehicles in its Global EV Outlook 2026 report. These statistics signal a critical transition; after years of investment, electrification is becoming a baseline rather than a competitive edge.
As more manufacturers offer high-quality electric vehicles, the differentiation will increasingly depend on the overall mobility experience rather than just the vehicle itself. People are beginning to evaluate mobility services beyond the type of vehicle in use. Factors like convenience, reliability, accessibility, and seamless integration of various transport modes are becoming paramount.
While electrification lays a foundation for sustainable mobility, it is the quality of the transportation system that ultimately dictates urban living experiences.
A Multimodal Approach
No single mode of transportation can address every mobility need in a modern city. As travel patterns diversify—from daily commutes and education to airport transport and last-mile connections—the challenge has evolved. It is no longer sufficient to optimize individual transport modes; the goal now is to integrate them into a cohesive mobility ecosystem.
This vision aligns with the European Commission's advocacy for multimodal mobility, recognizing public transport, urban fleets, ridesharing, cycling, walking, and last-mile logistics as complementary components of a holistic urban mobility system. Each element serves distinct purposes, yet together they contribute to a more streamlined and efficient travel experience.
This transformation is also prompting mobility companies globally to adapt their strategies. As electrification establishes itself as the transportation sector's standard, competitive advantages are shifting from vehicle quality alone to the ability to unify vehicles, infrastructure, and mobility services into a comprehensive user experience.
VinGroup's Integrated Mobility Ecosystem
VinFast's approach embodies this integrated mobility ecosystem, linking VinFast electric cars, electric buses, charging infrastructure, and Green SM mobility services into a unified value chain. The objective transcends merely electrifying individual forms of transportation; it aims to enhance the overall mobility experience for urban residents.
Instead of merely adding more vehicles to urban landscapes, cities seek greater value from their mobility solutions. As new entrants emerge in competitive markets, they incentivize the entire industry to improve service quality, invest in technology, and innovate their business models, as highlighted by the European Commission.
Green SM: A Philosophy of Local Integration
Operating within an integrated electric mobility platform encompassing VinFast, charging infrastructure, electric public transport, and ridesharing services, Green SM is active in eight markets. By March 2026, it had completed over 4.2 billion kilometers in fully electric journeys, providing an average of 1.8 million green rides daily. This extensive activity has cultivated practical experience across various infrastructure settings, customer behaviors, and regulatory landscapes.
Green SM regards this expertise not as a template to be replicated but as a learning opportunity. Every city boasts its own transport narrative, political priorities, and mobility challenges. Thus, Europe is not viewed merely as a market to reshape but as a mobility ecosystem to engage with. Green SM aspires to derive lessons from local best practices, collaborate with public and private partners, and contribute where its experiences can deliver genuine value.
The Path Ahead: Beyond Electric Vehicles
Ultimately, the future of sustainable mobility will not be defined by the sheer number of electric vehicles on the streets, but by how effectively each participant contributes to a connected, inclusive, and adaptive transportation system that serves the everyday lives of its users. The next chapter of sustainable mobility will hinge on collaboration and innovation, ensuring a cleaner and better overall experience for all urban dwellers.
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