How VinFast and Green SM are Shaping a Better Transport System in Europe
The Shift Towards Electric Mobility in Europe
As electric vehicles become more prevalent, Europe is focusing on enhancing its transport systems to provide better solutions for everyday commuting. With over a decade of efforts invested in transitioning to electric mobility, countries across the continent are integrating electric vehicles into their daily lives. However, a pressing question arises: how can Europe build a transport system that is not only cleaner but also caters effectively to the needs of its inhabitants?
The Rise of Electric Vehicles
In the past decade, Europe has established itself as a leader in sustainable mobility. Significant strides have been made in the adoption of electric cars, with charging infrastructure expanding steadily. Public transport, cycling, and pedestrian-friendly cities have become integral components of urban planning. These advancements are crucial to fulfilling the European Union’s climate goals.
However, with the maturation of electrification comes a shift in discussions. The initial challenge was to replace combustion engines with zero-emission alternatives. The next, more complex challenge lies in creating a transport system that is effective, accessible, and seamlessly integrated into people's daily lives.
This evolving landscape is reflected in the European Commission's newly proposed Urban Mobility Framework. This framework emphasizes not just accessibility and inclusion but also safety and quality of life, alongside the transition away from fossil fuels. Sustainable mobility is increasingly measured by the quality of the overall mobility system rather than merely the number of electric cars on the road or the tons of carbon emissions avoided.
A Growing Market and New Dynamics
According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 17.4% of all new car registrations in the EU in 2025, a substantial increase from 13.6% the previous year. The International Energy Agency (IEA) acknowledges Europe as one of the world's most advanced electric vehicle markets in its 2026 Global EV Outlook report. These numbers indicate a significant market transformation.
After years of investment, the focus on electrification is shifting from being a competitive advantage to becoming a basic expectation in the transportation sector. As more manufacturers produce high-quality electric vehicles, differentiation increasingly depends on the overall mobility experience rather than the vehicles themselves.
People are no longer evaluating mobility services solely based on the vehicles they drive; they consider convenience, reliability, accessibility, and how well different modes of transport work together. While electrification may lay the groundwork for sustainable mobility, ultimately it is the quality of the transport system that dictates the quality of urban living.
Integrating Transport Modes
No single mode of transport can meet all mobility needs in a modern city. As travel patterns evolve—from daily commutes and school runs to airport transfers and last-mile connections—the challenge becomes less about optimizing individual transport modes and more about integrating them into a cohesive mobility ecosystem.
This direction aligns with the European Commission's vision for multimodal mobility. Under the new Urban Mobility Framework, public transport, city fleets, ride-sharing platforms, cycling, walking, and last-mile logistics are recognized as complementary elements of an integrated urban mobility system. Each aspect serves different purposes, yet collectively they enhance the overall travel experience.
This shift is reshaping strategies for mobility companies globally. As electrification becomes a shared foundation for the transportation industry, competitive advantages are defined not just by the quality of individual vehicles but by the ability to integrate vehicles, infrastructure, and mobility services into a seamless user experience. VinGroup, for example, aims to build an integrated mobility ecosystem that connects VinFast’s electric cars, electric buses, charging infrastructure, and Green SM mobility services into a cohesive value chain.
The goal extends beyond electrifying individual transport modes; it seeks to enhance the overall mobility experience for individuals living in modern urban environments.
The Need for Improvement, Not Just More Vehicles
In competitive markets, the entry of new companies creates incentives for the entire industry to enhance service quality, invest in technology, and innovate business models. The European Commission emphasizes that companies in competitive markets work tirelessly to offer the best products and prices while improving quality and options for consumers. This competition encourages companies to think innovatively, resulting in improved products and services accessible to more people.
In urban mobility, the emergence of new mobility models can stimulate competition, broaden consumer choices, create new job opportunities, and encourage the industry to enhance service quality continuously. However, in mature markets like Europe, establishing a new mobility company does not automatically create value. Cities and citizens seek enterprises that can strengthen the mobility ecosystem by enhancing service quality, fostering innovation, and supporting long-term sustainability goals.
This philosophy drives Green SM in Europe. Operating within an integrated electric mobility platform encompassing VinFast’s electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, electric public transportation, and ride-sharing services, Green SM is active in eight markets, having completed over 4.2 billion electric kilometers and averaging 1.8 million green rides daily as of March 31, 2026.
More importantly, these operations have yielded practical insights into varying infrastructure settings, customer behaviors, and regulatory frameworks. Green SM views this experience not as a template to be replicated but recognizes that each city has its unique transport history, political priorities, and mobility challenges. Thus, Europe is not a market to be molded but an ecosystem to connect with. Green SM's ambition is to learn from local best practices, collaborate with public and private partners, and contribute wherever the company’s experience can generate meaningful value.
Ultimately, the next chapter of sustainable mobility will not be defined by the sheer number of electric vehicles on roads but by how effectively each player aids in constructing a transport system that is more interconnected, inclusive, and better suited to the daily lives of the people it serves.