New Swiss-made Softcar is ready to revolutionise sustainable mobility

Aiming to become the world’s leading low-impact car manufacturer, Softcar’s innovative electric range made its global premiere at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. Could this be the cleanest car ever?

Among the usual array of shimmering lights and revolving stands at Paris’s glitzy Mondial de l’Auto 2024, one key theme prevailed: sustainability. However, while many legacy manufacturers looked to highlight their environmental advancements with extravagant hypercars and spaceship-esque interiors, Softcar’s offerings were altogether more understated. 

Frumpy in form and sporting a badge that boasts no pedigree, it’s unsurprising that the Swiss quadricycle failed to wow crowds like the jaw-dropping Alpine Alpenglow Hy6 or sumptuous Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. But, as the adage goes, this plastic runabout proves you should never judge a book by its cover. 

According to CEO and Founder, Jean-Luc Thuliez, the Softcar brand is the answer to an automotive industry in dire need of reform. He states “Our vehicles are the result of rigorous eco-design, using recyclable materials and decentralised manufacturing. Thanks to our innovative business model based on local micro-factories, we reduce pollution and CO₂ emissions while creating local jobs and boosting the circular economy.”

So, without further ado, meet the fruits of his labour: the Strawberry and the Blueberry. Both have been designed as ultra-light — thanks to an entirely steel-free construction and plastic body — affordable, electric quadricycles. The key difference is that the Blueberry is a pure EV with around 120 miles of electric only range, while the Strawberry benefits from a combustion range extender which doubles that useable mileage. As for performance, both cars are capped at 90 kmh given their L7 quadricycle class, though they should feel nippy around town thanks to a 0-60 kmh time in the four second range. 

All sounds a little unremarkable, right? Well, the Softcar’s true innovation lies in its reusable skateboard platform and recyclable body that’s easily decoupled from the chassis when replacement calls. What’s more, that body is extremely durable and protects against parking prangs, hail damage, and can even act as an energy absorber in the case of an accident — removing the need to add heavy and costly safety systems like airbags.

The environmental advantages are equally evident in the manufacturing process. According to Softcar, both models consist of just 1,800 parts compared to around 45,000 in a traditional car. Plus, the factories themselves promise to utilise on-site recycling, valorisation of materials, and low-impact local production. What’s not to like?

That begs the question, when are they coming to the UK? Nobody knows for sure. But the firm’s strapline ‘born in Switzerland, made for the world’ suggests British importation could be on the cards. And, if that dream does come to fruition, these fruit-inspired machines should be some of the cheapest eco-conscious cars on sale in the UK; Softcar suggests an entry price equivalent to £19,000 in its native market. 

Do you think this Swiss newcomer could be a viable alternative to Citroen’s Ami and Dacia’s Spring EV? Let us know if you’d drive a plastic-bodied quadricycle on British roads.

Hero image credit: Blackcircles.com