Tribecar Unveils Electrifying New Venture

SINGAPORE: In a bold move to revamp urban mobility, car-sharing giant Tribecar is breathing new life into former BlueSG vehicles, launching an all-new electric vehicle rental fleet just weeks after BlueSG announced a temporary halt to its services ahead of a planned 2026 relaunch.

Dubbed "Le Blu Frenchy," Tribecar's new fleet was showcased in a colorful Facebook post featuring a striking bright yellow car, sparking curiosity among followers who noticed its resemblance to the iconic three-door Bolloré Bluecar that BlueSG once utilized. Speculations are swirling—could these new rentals simply be BlueSG cars with a fresh coat of paint?

A Mysterious Transition

Comments on Tribecar's announcement received an enigmatic response from their social media team, utilizing a zipper-mouth emoji, fuelling further intrigue about the details of this vehicle acquisition. During a visit to Tribecar's premises on Guillemard Road, a familiar BlueSG car was spotted alongside the vibrant yellow repurposed model, hinting at some behind-the-scenes action.

A Tribecar spokesperson confirmed that while they couldn’t disclose their source for the vehicles due to non-disclosure agreements, they are on track to introduce several hundred well-maintained electric vehicles, giving them a second chance at life through their platform.

Collaboration and Sustainability Goals

Keith Kee, CEO of BlueSG, revealed that negotiations with Tribecar regarding the potential sale of Bluecars are in progress. He emphasized this collaboration aims to further Singapore’s environmental goals by extending the lifespan of the Bluecar fleet.

Long-term Rentals to Keep You Moving

Unlike BlueSG’s conventional point-to-point service, Tribecar will provide these repurposed vehicles for longer-term rental periods, ranging from three months to two years. Monthly rentals are expected to be priced between S$888 (about US$692) and S$958. Furthermore, renters can enjoy a variety of add-ons such as access to TotalEnergies Blue charging stations, accident insurance, and even the option to change the vehicle's color.

Safety First!

Addressing concerns about potential issues with these repurposed vehicles, Tribecar reassured customers that safety is their top priority. Each car undergoes rigorous upgrades and inspections by certified engineers before being handed over to customers. Should any vehicle face maintenance issues that render it inoperable for more than two days, a replacement will be provided swiftly.

The spokesperson highlighted that electric vehicles generally sustain less wear and tear compared to traditional petrol or diesel cars, reinforcing their commitment to quality and reliability.

BlueSG's Future Plans Amidst Transition

Earlier this month, BlueSG announced its operational pause, branding it a "strategic pause" to prepare for next year's relaunch, featuring a new platform and an updated fleet. Unfortunately, this pause will also result in layoffs for some of its workforce, with specific numbers undisclosed.

As Tribecar and its competitors move forward, they acknowledged the current operational challenges and are not yet poised to entirely fill BlueSG's void in point-to-point car-sharing.

A New Era on the Horizon

With Tribecar's innovative initiative, the future of electric vehicle rentals in Singapore looks promising. The repurposed BlueSG cars may just be the key to a greener, more sustainable urban transportation landscape.