150 kilometers for less than 200 dinars – Auto-Moto Union of Serbia presents its first "electromobile"

(Milan Bozic) Auto-Moto Union of Serbia presented its first electric car with a range of 150 kilometers, nearly ten times cheaper than "ordinary" vehicle, and announced potential initiation of production if there is a demand.

Although there were several attempts so far to make Serbian electric car, this vehicle is special for its performances, which are still preserved, in spite of engine removal, say in AMSS. It has better batteries and developed system for recharging during braking, therefore, it is even more economic in city ride, say in AMSS.

This is just an experiment, for now. What will happen on the road, will there be anyone interested in investment in this kind of vehicle, would it meet the needs of customers, we are going to see.

Experts in AMSS made the first "electromobile" of "fiat punto ", removing diesel engine and installing electric power engine, primarily with the idea to make an economic official vehicle. Director of Center for Motor Vehicles in AMSS Milan Bozic says for eKapija that it took six months for this project to be completed.

- The vehicle has an engine of 40 kilowatts, as well as battery system for charging valued about EUR 7,000. The vehicle has perfect dynamics, maximum torque 140 newton-meters, which equals the strongest diesel engine for this type of car.

In the city ride "electromobile " has maximum range of 150 kilometers, and a bit less in the open road, due to less braking and at the same time less battery recharging. The engine installed costs about EUR 1,000.

Petrol saving is enormous. For 150 kilometers of city ride, at least 10 liters of petrol is needed, which costs about RSD 1,600. On the other hand, electricity costs less than 200 dinars, depending on the time of recharging, says Bozic. In seven years, or 3,000 cycles – which is batteries’ lifetime – this car will pay off two more cars, he explains.

Batteries need approximately seven hours to recharge, says Bozic for our portal. Driver could recharge it whenever he wants, and only in one-hour time a third of battery energy is recharged. The car could be recharged in any power socket of 220v voltage, adds Bozic. That is one of the advantages of this model, but the downside for electric cars in our country is a lack of chargers.

Maximum speed, tested on runway by AMSS experts, is 130 km/h. When it comes to acceleration, electric car could develop speed of 60 to 80 km/h in seven seconds.

Our interlocutor says this is an example how any type of car could be remodeled. However, we can firmly state only "punto’s" costs. About EUR 20,000 has been spent for the first "electromobile ", expecting the following to be cheaper – about EUR 12,000 (due to the cost of batteries - EUR 7,000).

It starts in second gear, with half pressed accelerator

Electric car, which eKapija had opportunity to try, easily accelerates and makes no noise. Polygon ride is not different from the one in an ordinary punto.

What is unusual at the beginning is that accelerator pedal reacts at "half run". There is a manual gear left, it starts in second gear and drives that way up to 100 km/h. Therefore, there is no need for third gear during city ride. If you want to go in reverse, you have to "press" a switch button next to a steering wheel ("up" is for forward, "down" is for reverse).

What is next, we have asked Bozic? This is just a beginning. Is there possibility for a real manufacture, to see Serbian electromobile on the street, time will tell, say our interlocutor. Individual production is quite problematic, and the whole venture would be profitable only if production of the whole series is arranged in advance.

- We have done this as an experiment, but we do not mind to start production if there is a demand – said Bozic on car presentation in AMSS Center for Motor Vehicles on Friday (18 July 2014).

We are going to see how this certified prototype will work. In order to be used, AMSS need to obtain permits and test the car.

- Every developed European country has made electric cars, using them, at first, in some tourist places and hotels, but later they were launched into market. I believe it is going to happen here, as well.

Apart from reduced costs, electric cars are good for environment and pollution reduction.

M.S.