In a bold move to combat persistent air pollution, North Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, is preparing to introduce an electric car-sharing system as part of a comprehensive strategy to modernise urban transportation and improve air quality.
The project, a collaboration between the North Macedonian government and Slovenian firm Avant Car, marks a significant step toward sustainable mobility in the region.
Energy Minister Sanja Božinovska and Environment Minister Izet Mexhiti recently signed a letter of intent with Avant Car. Avant Car brings a wealth of experience in car-sharing schemes from its operations in Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria.
The initiative is set to launch next year, offering Skopje residents a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional transportation.
The government describes the scheme as a means to alleviate the city’s chronic traffic congestion, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and cut harmful emissions. Notably, Skopje faces some of Europe’s worst air quality challenges, with thousands of annual deaths linked to PM2.5 particulate exposure. The electric car-sharing program will address this crisis by ensuring all vehicles are charged with 100% green energy.
The project’s pilot phase will roll out in three municipalities—Aerodrom, Čair, and Gazi Baba—deploying 100 electric cars and establishing the necessary charging infrastructure in both public and private parking areas. Alongside these logistical efforts, a public awareness campaign will highlight the environmental and economic benefits of the scheme.
Avant Car’s entry into North Macedonia follows its successful launch of a similar service in Ljubljana, Slovenia, in 2016. The company has been praised for pioneering shared mobility in the region, offering a glimpse of the transformational impact it could have in Skopje.
While pricing details remain under wraps until February, the promise of modern, sustainable transport is already generating excitement. Advocates see this as a critical turning point for Skopje, a city that frequently tops pollution charts during winter. With green mobility on the horizon, Skopje’s streets may soon offer its residents a cleaner, quieter, and healthier urban experience.
As preparations gather pace, the project is being hailed as a model for integrating sustainable technology into public transport systems—a move that could inspire similar efforts across the region.
