Davao City is on the brink of a major transportation revolution as it prepares to welcome a fleet of 500 electric taxis, set to begin operations on November 28, 2025. This significant move towards sustainable mobility is led by the Vietnam-based Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (GSM) in partnership with electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast.
A Green Fleet Arrives in Davao
The ambitious project was confirmed by the Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC). Christian Cambaya, head of the DCIPC’s Investor Assistance and Servicing Unit, announced that the 500 VinFast electric vehicles had already arrived in the city last October. He revealed this during a business forum held on November 21, 2025.
Cambaya stated that the company is currently finalizing the necessary business and building permit requirements. "They are going to operate in Davao anytime soon, they are just complying the business permit requirements, building permit requirements," he explained. The initial deployment areas have been identified, including the Sasa district, with the company actively searching for more locations and additional local distributors to support its operations.
Massive Job Creation and National Expansion
The economic impact of this initiative is projected to be substantial. Cambaya highlighted that the electric taxi service is expected to generate approximately 20,000 jobs initially. As the operation scales up to its full capacity, this number is forecasted to grow significantly to around 70,000 jobs, providing a major boost to the local economy.
This launch is part of a broader national expansion by GSM. The company's local subsidiary, Green GSM Philippines, began its electric taxi operations in Metro Manila and Cebu on June 10. Cambaya disclosed that the initial investment for this Philippine expansion was $500 million, which has now grown to a total investment of $1 billion.
Commitment to a Fully Electric Future
Unlike other ride-hailing services that use a mix of vehicles, GSM is committing to an all-electric fleet. This sets them apart in the market and underscores their dedication to reducing carbon emissions. To support this green fleet, the company has plans to construct its own network of charging stations throughout Davao City, ensuring convenient access to power for all its units.
The taxis to be deployed are the VinFast VF 5 model, a compact vehicle well-suited for city driving. Key features of these electric taxis include:
- A driving range of 326 kilometers on a single charge.
- Advanced driver-assist technology for enhanced safety.
- Modern infotainment systems for passenger comfort.
The service will operate on a hybrid model, allowing passengers to book rides either through a traditional taxi hail or via a modern app-based booking system. The drivers will be either directly employed by the company or operate as partners, offering new flexible employment opportunities in Davao's evolving transport sector.
