Farizon and the Future of Electric Commercial Vehicles

The development of electromobility in Serbia presents numerous challenges and great opportunities for transforming the transport sector. Lazar Radanov Radičev, Director of Delta Auto Group, speaks about the potential of electric commercial vehicles, the advantages of the Farizon model, and the readiness of companies to transition to sustainable transport solutions.

Q What are the key challenges and opportunities that Delta Auto Group sees in developing electromobility and sustainable transport solutions in Serbia and the region?

A The low market share of electric vehicles represents significant development potential, especially in the light commercial vehicle segment, where purchasing decisions are based on cost-efficiency, unlike passenger vehicles, where decisions often involve emotional factors. Analysis shows that electric vehicles have clear advantages in the last-mile delivery segment, where vehicles travel up to 150 km daily, follow predictable routes, and are parked at company premises, making battery charging easier. As a result, range and public charging infrastructure become less relevant topics. In the case of the Farizon V6E, driving 150 km per day, 22 working days a month, we estimated savings of 25,000 euros over five years compared to a diesel vehicle. These savings come from lower fuel and maintenance costs—there’s no engine oil or most filters, and brake pads can last up to three times longer.

Q Farizon is bringing a revolution to the segment of eco-friendly commercial vehicles. How do you assess its potential in the Serbian and regional markets?

A We see no rational obstacles to the transition of urban delivery fleets and last-mile operators to electric vehicles. In this respect, Farizon has enormous potential in Serbia and the region. With the development of charging infrastructure and the broader availability of fast chargers, we believe intercity transport will follow this trend. Since the brand’s promotion in November 2024, and especially after the Auto Show in March, we’ve seen growing interest from companies in such solutions. Of course, additional consultations and time are needed for customers to choose the vehicle variant that best suits their needs.

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Q What key innovations and technologies set Farizon vehicles apart from the competition?

A Thanks to advanced technologies, Farizon offers greater road safety, lower maintenance costs, and optimal space utilization. The vehicle omits the traditional B-pillar, allowing the interior to be flexibly configured to meet various needs, resulting in more cargo space and easier access. There are also advanced safety features such as ASR (anti-slip regulation), AEB (automatic emergency braking), and TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system), all contributing to safer driving. Farizon also employs a drive-by-wire system, which improves vehicle handling by 300 percent and reduces braking distance by 10 percent.

Q How ready are premium and luxury brands, such as Maserati, for a full transition to sustainable mobility?

A These brands are actually leading the transition to sustainable mobility. The first electric model in Serbia was the BMW i3, conceived as a complete sustainability showcase: it was built using recycled materials, the factory operated on 100 percent renewable energy, and production involved 50 percent less energy and 70 percent less water consumption. Luxury brands see an opportunity in electrification not only for reducing emissions, but also for enhancing performance. For example, the gasoline Maserati Trofeo offers 550 hp and 0–100 km/h acceleration in 3.5 seconds, while the electric Maserati GranTurismo Folgore delivers 761 hp, an incredible 1,350 Nm of torque, and acceleration in 2.5 seconds. This and similar models also use new eco-friendly and composite materials, making the vehicle more efficient.

Interview by Milena Maglovski