Green GSM, the all-electric ride-hailing brand under the GSM ecosystem, has announced it has inked a major Memorandum of Understanding or MOU with Philippine-based Xentro Group.

The deal is pretty straightforward: Green GSM is supplying 2,000 VinFast Nerio Green EVs to Xentro Motors, the subsidiary handling the operation. The rollout is already underway, with the first 1,000 units secured. The remaining vehicles are expected within two years, pending the usual regulatory hoops and accreditation. Once operational, these new, cyan-colored electric taxis will be branded “Green Xentro powered by Green GSM” and will operate across Metro Manila and other major urban hubs.  

Solving the Philippines’ EV roadblock, one mall at a time

Perhaps the more intriguing part of this tie-up is how it’s trying to sidestep the Philippines’ biggest EV roadblock — charging infrastructure. Xentro Group’s strategy relies on using the real estate the company already owns. Xentro Motors will turn the nationwide network of Xentro Malls into dedicated transport hubs, offering accessible EV charging stations, parking, and easy-to-find pickup zones. Integrating this service directly into its retail and property ecosystem is a pragmatic attempt to make electric ride-hailing genuinely convenient for everyone.

And because the cars are all VinFast, the maintenance and support — including fleet upkeep and additional charging solutions — come straight from the automaker’s already-established service ecosystem in the country.

Green GSM is framing this as a model for regional expansion. Managing director Dao Quy Phi noted that Xentro is the company’s first Philippine-based partner of this kind, stating, “We believe this cooperation will set a positive example for future collaborations.”

Green GSM Philippines’ announcement

Meanwhile, Xentro Motors CEO Noel Ignacio highlighted the community impact: “We are honored to partner with Green GSM in bringing all-electric ride-hailing closer to Filipino communities.” The goal, he added, is to support the country’s transport modernization and enhance daily commutes for users by making electric mobility a core part of their business.

The deal is clearly a blueprint for scaling electric mobility in a congested, developing market like the Philippines. By combining Green GSM’s expertise in all-electric ride-hailing with Xentro Motors’ expansive retail network, the two companies are taking a bold yet calculated bet on a cleaner future for the country. 

If the mall-as-charging-hub model works as planned — and the necessary regulatory approvals go through — Filipino commuters can look forward to cleaner air, quieter trips, and a real, viable alternative to the gas-guzzling ride-hailing cars of today.

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