Team of local scientists is developing first Serbian Ecomobile – Zero series agreed, aiming at 100,000 users

More than three decades ago, Djordje Mojic, a physicist, innovator and visionary, designed the Ecomobile, a city electric car that was ahead of its time. Today, this pioneering project is getting a new chance, but also a broader purpose - to become a symbol of sustainable mobility and an open platform for cooperation between domestic industry, education and the community.

Even as a student of atomic physics, Mojic, as he says, understood that "the universe tends towards simple, yet powerful solutions". This approach has led him through numerous roles - from editor of the scientific and technical editorial office of the Cultural Center of Novi Sad and founder of the magazine YU 21, to founder of the company TEGA and a series of experimental projects, including the first motorized kites, dugouts, a snow vehicle and finally - the Ecomobile.

– The question that guided me was simple: Why do city cars have to be bulky, noisy and polluting? – says Mojic, today the owner of the Epicentar company.

The Ecomobile was created as a response to the needs of the average citizen - transportation up to 20 km per day, quietly, cleanly and efficiently.

– It was a car with a soul, an idea and a purpose, a small rebellion against senseless technological megalomania – he says.

More than a vehicle - Ecomobil as concept and educational tool

Today, the Ecomobile has a completely new dimension. In addition to contributing to urban mobility and rural transport, Mojic sees its potential in education, tourism, delivery and even social inclusion.

– It can be a vehicle for doctors in villages, for courier services, but also a tool for students of technical schools. Young people could learn on a concrete project - how an electric drive works, how to manage development and cooperate in a team – says Mojic and adds: the Ecomobile is more than a vehicle - it is a development philosophy.

Zero series already agreed, market size in tens of thousands of users

– We have agreed on the first zero series with the company Agrosk from Novi Sad – reveals Mojic.

At the same time, with the help of artificial intelligence, an assessment of the market potential has been developed - up to 10,000 vehicles in the initial phase, while wider involvement of the public sector and communities can bring up to 100,000 users in Serbia.

Technical modernization includes cooperation with domestic manufacturers of batteries, electric motors, braking systems, as well as a focus on safety and design. A key part of the plan is to use as many domestically produced components as possible.

Open platform instead of closed business model

The project's greatest ambition is to become an "open platform for cooperation", where universities, engineers, manufacturers and students work together.

– I do not want the Ecomobile to be another closed product with a boss. Instead, I want people, knowledge and ideas to become a new currency - implicit capital that drives innovation – explains Mojic.

Potential for new industrial policy

– If we look at the broader context, this project can activate the domestic automotive industry, revive craft capacities and connect various sectors into a sustainable whole. This is no longer my startup - this is Serbia's chance – emphasizes the interviewee.

Institutional and investment support needed

Although significant steps have been achieved so far, support from the state and domestic investors would significantly accelerate implementation.

– The state has support mechanisms, but our challenges go beyond the framework of a classic startup - certification, organization of serial production, construction of a factory, marketing are needed. That is why we created the concept of an open platform that could be a systemic solution – concludes Mojic.

Ivana Zikic

Interart

Epicentar

Đorđe Mojić

ecomobile