Skopje, 23 December 2024 (MIA) – A letter of intent supporting the first 100% electric car-sharing project, a system for sharing electric vehicles by the Slovenian private company Avant Car, was signed Monday by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Izet Mexhiti, and Minister of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources Sanja Bozhinovska.

The project, a private investment by Slovenia’s Avant Car in the electric car-sharing system, aimed at contributing to improving air quality in Skopje, reducing traffic congestion and developing modern transport solutions.

The pilot phase of the project will commence in February, with full service expected to launch in March.

To use the service, a mobile app will be required to locate available electric cars, and payments will be digitized or made via credit card. The rental cost will be calculated based on minutes and kilometers traveled. Pricing details will be announced in February, but according to Avant Car owner Matej Čer, the cost will be lower than using a taxi service, averaging between €3 and €6, with trips from the city center to Skopje Airport costing between €10 and €15. As announced by Čer, 100 electric cars are ready to be deployed in Skopje.

Gazi Baba, Aerodrom and Chair will be the pilot municipalities where infrastructure for charging electric cars will be installed. According to Bozhinovska, the chargers will be powered exclusively by electricity generated from renewable energy sources. 

She underscored the importance of supporting every initiative for a better future.

“This agreement represents a partnership built on innovation, action and shared belief that public institutions and private companies can achieve excellent results together. Avant Car has already demonstrated the transformative potential of its projects in Ljubljana, Dubrovnik, Zagreb and Vienna. Their electric car-sharing system has significantly reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality. Their innovative charging infrastructure, powered by renewable energy, has set a standard for green mobility solutions,” Bozhinovska said.

She underlined that the electric car-sharing system is not merely a modern transportation solution but also proof of our commitment to harmonizing technology with sustainability.

“Through such initiatives, we are sending a clear signal – Macedonia values its future and is taking action to protect it. We are showing the private sector that this is a place where innovation succeeds, and investments yield long-term benefits,” Bozhinovska said.

Deputy PM Mexhiti said that Skopje must take steps to reclaim its clean air, healthy environment and green opportunities, which have been lost.

“Today marks the beginning of something we hope will result in cleaner streets, healthier citizens and a brighter future for Skopje. Signing the letter of intent is a tangible and visible effort to tackle one of our most urgent issues – air pollution. It represents an opportunity for a healthier and greener Skopje,” Mexhiti noted.

The goal, he added, is to directly contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and pollution, which is a key priority for the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, while also offering citizens a more economical transportation option.

“Our role as a Ministry is to support such innovative solutions that directly and positively impact the environment. This project demonstrates that healthier urban environments can be created through public support and private initiative,” Mexhiti said. He voiced confidence that electric car-sharing will become a model for other cities in the country, contributing to the reduction of traffic congestion.

Avant Car company has been active in the market for over 20 years, operating in Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria. Twelve years ago, it began focusing on electric mobility and currently operates over 10,000 electric cars. Car-sharing was introduced in 2016 in Ljubljana, where it is now part of the public transport system and accessible to the population.

Photo: screenshot