Are Sweden´s 350,000 snowmobiles now confined to the history books?

Launch of the World´s Cleanest Snowmobile.

Aiming for its carbon emissions to be less than 100 g co2/km, Pininfarina and Vidde are collaborating to create an environmentally sustainable snowmobile that, beyond being electric, is designed to maximise the product life span, taking a circular standpoint.

The Vidde Alfa, as the pre-series is called, has a battery system with an internal heat system making it possible to meet the cold climate conditions of the Arctic, as low as -39°celsius. For users such as the Icehotel and others in the arctic climate, these temperatures are a reality and the importance of meeting that demand has been a focus for Vidde from the beginning.

The snowmobile is created by a Swedish mobility startup VIDDE MOBILITY  

https://viddemobility.com/ in design collaboration with the famous Italian design house Pininfarina, recognised for designing iconic designs such as the Ferrari Testarossa. Together with Pininfarina, the development has focused on finding solutions that can both emphasise the pure pleasure of using the vehicle yet at the same time making it functional and attractive for years to come.

At the time of the launch on February 18th 2024 at IceHotel in Swedish Lapland, according to Vidde Mobility, the Vidde snowmobile will be the world’s cleanest snowmobile. The initial carbon footprint will be less than 100g co2/ km in comparison to a conventional snowmobile that emits approximately 550g co2/km. Put in perspective a car with a conventional petrol engine emits close to 565g co2/ km and an electric car 322 co2/ km. 

The Vidde pre-series will be tested together with SkiStar, Sveaskog and Skellefteå Kraft, in addition to Icehotel for the rest of this season. “We’ve worked together with these partners in the development of the product and now it’s time to get it into the field and start testing it in real conditions and situations, " says Christian Lystrup.

The new vehicle will be put into production and ready to start shipping at the later stage of 2024 expecting to expand production moving towards 2025. The first units are already signed for by the testing partners but there are still many opportunities to sign up and pre-book a Vidde snowmobile. The product is expected to start delivery with a price tag of € 26.200.

100% biodegradable ´Paper Tail´ – Vidde Mobility (Download)

Vidde is co-founded by Christian Lystrup and Yalda Mirbaz, university friends who have brought their experience together to push boundaries as well as exceed and meet market expectations.

“As agreed at COP 28, we all need to transition into fossil-free transportation. This also includes snowmobiles. Fossil-free isn’t just about direct use. To take our responsibility seriously we need to consider the total footprint of the product. From raw materials to production, through use, all the way to the end of its life. This is what we are working on and we are carefully choosing partners and components to share our vision and work together with us to move towards a fossil-free transportation industry,“ said Vidde CEO Christian Lystrup.

“Swedish Lapland is a vast destination where motor-driven vehicles are more or less a must to get around. During the winter a lot of people use snowmobiles for both personal and professional purposes. It is also a popular tourist attraction to get out and experience our stunning nature. If we can turn all these snowmobiles into electrified versions it would have a hugely positive effect on nature and wildlife, both for the reduced co2 emissions and sound disturbance. This fills us with hope and will play a part in reaching our sustainability goals for 2030,” says Annika Fredriksson CEO Swedish Lapland Visitors Board.

Some statistics on snowmobiles in Sweden from 2022:

• According to Trafikanalys, there are 85,855 registered snowmobiles in the region of Norrbotten, the northernmost county of Sweden. It is also the largest county by land area, almost a quarter of Sweden's total area
• In the whole country, there are 350,360 snow scooters, so approx. 25% of all snow scooters in Sweden are found in Swedish Lapland.
• Arjeplog has the highest density with 65 scooters per 100 inhabitants...

Sweden´s top 5 winter activities:

While winters in Sweden may be chilly, the snowy landscape and frozen lakes transform it into an ideal destination for fun winter activities. Whether it's dog sledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, or even ice bathing, there's something for every member of the family to enjoy and remember.

• Go dog sledding - Want to get closer to animals, experience the cold, and enjoy nature? Then go dog sledding in Swedish Lapland
• Marvel at the Northern Lights - To see the beauty of the Northern Lights, head to northern Sweden between early September and late March. This winter, the Aurora Borealis is set to be impressive as we enter the solar cycle's peak.
• Perfect your ice skating skills - When the temperature drops below zero in winter, the ice-skating fever rises. Can't wait to glide over the natural ice in Sweden? We have listed a range of beautiful Nordic skating spots in Sweden, from north to south.
• Experience ice-fishing or ´pimpling´ as we call it - For a really cool experience, go ice fishing during winter by drilling a hole in the ice angling pike, perch or an Arctic char. 
• Try the cold bathing trend - Concerned about taking a wintry dip in cold or icy waters? Cold bathing remains a timeless tradition among Swedes. Along the Swedish coastline, you'll find numerous open-air public baths, many offering direct access to the sea and remaining open year-round.

Further information from Vidde Mobility:

Website: https://viddemobility.com/

Press photos: here

Press contact: Christian Lystrup, CEO & co-founder

More information on winter in Sweden:

Unique accommodation close to nature – 29 sustainable places to stay at any time of year in Sweden: https://visitsweden.com/where-to-stay/unique-accommodation-close-nature-sweden/

Press photos of winter activities in Sweden: https://imagebank.sweden.se/search/images/winter/activities?q=#filter

Visit Sweden has an official assignment from the Swedish government to market Sweden as a destination. Our vision is that Sweden by 2030 is the world's most sustainable and attractive destination built on innovation. Now more than ever, purposeful travel needs to be meaningful, conscious and creating lasting value with regard to our guests, the local community and our planet.

Welcome to Sweden, a destination of a different nature.

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