EV-car sharing platform BlueSG unexpectedly announced that it would halt operations last 4 August. While the company has not shut down completely, it will take the time to upgrade its current platform and fleet of EVs before returning in 2026.
“TAKING A PAUSE”
BlueSG will be shutting off its services beginning 11:59PM on 8 August. A comeback date hasn’t been announce but the company stated their return would be sometime in 2026. While they’re out of service, the company will take this hiatus to rehaul its platform and existing fleet.
Before announcing their “strategic pause,” BlueSG laid off some of its employees. The company told Channel News Asia that former employees will receive “fair severance” in the wake of the layoffs.
“We call it a pause, because it is in preparation for the upgrade,” said CEO Keith Kee in an interview with The Business Times. “We want to have a refreshed user experience. The new platform will feature a refreshed fleet and upgraded systems, designed to deliver a stronger performance and more seamless user experience.”
According to Kee, BlueSG needs the rehaul to be able to keep up with the evolving landscape of the car-sharing industry and demands of customers.
“That’s why we’re taking bold steps now to pause, minimise distractions and focus our resources on delivering a completely new platform. It puts users at the centre by delivering unprecedented efficiency, reliability, scalability, and a completely reimagined user experience,” he added.
By 2026, the company plans to use a new user platform accompanied by a “refreshed fleet” with newer vehicles, and more pickup and drop-off points.
According to BlueSG’s website, existing users with credits and ongoing subscriptions will be promptly refunded on 31 August. User accounts will also be accessible until that date.
“We apologise for the temporary disruption which may cause inconvenience, but we assure you that we’ll be returning with a smart, more seamless experience that will make your journey with BlueSG easier, more reliable and enjoyable,” the company wrote.
NOT THE FIRST BREAK
According to AsiaOne, this hiatus is not BlueSG’s first. From 2023 to 2024, the company previously took a break to perform a “technical migration.” Comparatively, the previous break did not result in an disruptions.
“Through that migration, it became clear that the current infrastructure needed a decisive, future-ready upgrade – one that could better support the changing mobility landscape. Emerging technological advancements also reinforced the urgency to act decisively,” the company said.
While the previous break was to improve user services, this upcoming break seems to be a total rehaul of BlueSG’s total operations. This may be why the company is disrupting its services for a long period of time. Its current fleet is need of an upgrade, as they are comprised of Bollore Bluecars that have been used since 2017 and Opel e-Corsas since 2022. The latter model is considered obsolete and has no representation in Singapore in case of any repairs.
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