Electric vehicle Industry in Pakistan

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Pakistan’s first locally produced electric car to hit the road in December​

BR
September 14, 2024

Pakistan’s first locally produced four-wheeled electric vehicle (EV) is set to hit the market in December. The development came to light on Saturday during a meeting held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif regarding the use of EVs.

As per a government statement, it was told during the meeting that since 2022, 49 licenses have been issued for the local production of two and three-wheeled EVs, with 25 factories having already started manufacturing these vehicles.

“The first license for the domestic production of four-wheeled electric vehicles was issued in September 2024, and the first electric car will hit the market in December this year,” read the statement.

EVs have emerged as a growing sector in Pakistan with significant potential to transform the country’s automotive landscape.

On Tuesday, Dewan Farooque Motors Limited (DFML) informed its stakeholders that it had commenced production of EVs at its assembly plant after receiving approval from the Engineering Development Board (EDB).

Also last month, Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD announced its entry into Pakistan, making the South Asian nation of nearly 250 million people one of its newest markets.

Meanwhile, during the meeting, PM Shehbaz directed the relevant authorities to present a comprehensive financial model for EVs.

EVs not only save valuable foreign exchange in terms of petrol and diesel consumption, but these vehicles will also be environmentally friendly, he noted.

PM also directed to finalize the Electric Vehicles policy by November and called for improvement in licensing regulations related to EV manufacturing in Pakistan, read the statement.

“Necessary deliberation should be held with all provinces, federal agencies and stakeholders regarding the EV policy,” PM was quoted.

On the model of the government’s laptop scheme, E-motor bikes will be distributed to the high-performing students of government schools, it was learnt.

The PM also directed the Capital Development Authority to prepare a comprehensive plan for the electrification of public transport in Islamabad.

Authorities also decided to set up recharge stations for electric vehicles on a priority basis along motorways, GT Road (National Highway), N-65 and N-70.

Earlier, it was reported that standards for EV charging stations had been drafted by the power ministry, with the government considering offering them affordable electricity.

 

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Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif is looking into the inclusion of electric buses in the fleet of public transport, promotion of electric vehicle industry, and alternative energy resources.

 

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The first batch of 146 out of 160 electric buses reached Islamabad to provide smooth travel experience to the people.

According to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials, the last batch of 14 electric buses has departed for Islamabad from China.

CDA officials said that the construction of the zero-point charging station has started.

CDA officials said that earlier the construction of the charging station was delayed due to the cancellation of the tender twice and now CDA has issued a tender for the charging station at reduced rates. Officials said that first, chargers and parking areas will be prepared for the new routes

 

[ghazi52]

Hub Power Holdings partners up with Mega conglomerate​

December 7, 2024

Mega Motor Company (Private) Limited has taken significant steps to establish itself in Pakistan’s growing electric vehicle (EV) sector. The company has entered into a supply and manufacturing agreement, as well as a technical license agreement, with BYD Auto Industry Company Limited, the world’s largest EV manufacturer. Furthermore, in June 2024, Mega Motor finalized a distribution agreement to bring BYD vehicles to the Pakistani market.

Building on this momentum, Hub Power Holdings Limited (HPHL), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hub Power Company Limited, has entered into a shareholders’ agreement with Mega Conglomerate (Private) Limited (MCPL).

Through this agreement, MCPL will acquire a 50% stake in Mega Motor Company. This partnership aims to consolidate the expertise of both HPHL and MCPL to strengthen their collaboration with BYD and establish a robust EV ecosystem in Pakistan.

BYD, a publicly listed Chinese multinational, leads the global EV market with record-breaking sales of 1.57 million battery electric vehicles and 1.44 million plug-in hybrid units in 2023, reflecting a 73% year-on-year growth. Its entry into Pakistan, supported by this strategic partnership, represents a pivotal step toward advancing clean energy mobility in the country.

 

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First-ever commercial shipment: BYD electric vehicles arrive at port​

Recorder Report
February 12, 2025

KARACHI: Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has successfully handled the imports of Completely Built-Up (CBU), Build Your Dreams (BYD ), electric vehicles .

The vehicles have arrived at KPT’s private terminal, Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT).

This marks the arrival of first ever commercial shipment of BYD electric vehicles in Pakistan. It reaffirms KPT’s commitment to environmental sustainability contributing to climate sustainability and a greener future. It is also expected to bring in significant advancements in Pakistan’s auto industry.

This shipment of BYD first commercial shipment of vehicles is indeed an important step towards promoting electric vehicles in Pakistan, ensuring a positive transformation in the local automobile market.

BYD was founded in November 1994 and holds a leading position globally in the electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle industry. The company is renowned for its innovation and technological advancements in electric vehicle production.

 

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Ride the current: Pakistan’s electric bikes scene accelerates​

Imad Uddin
April 10, 2025

Electric bikes and scooters have seen a surge in popularity across Pakistan in recent years, as more people turn to electric vehicles (EVs) to escape soaring fuel costs.

In the last 4 years, the production of e-two-wheelers in the country has increased by over 200%, as per Engineering Development Board’s (EDB) data shared by Automark Magazine.

The EDB data shows that in the year 2021–2022, EV scooter production was at 7,377 units, which increased to 22,404 units by the year 2024–25.

Former Chairman of the Association of Pakistan Motorcycle Assemblers (APMA) Muhammad Sabir Sheikh told Business Recorder that EV bikes were rapidly gaining popularity in Punjab province, although their popularity was relatively lower in Karachi, the country’s largest city.

He stated that the lack of road infrastructure in Karachi was the main reason for the lower popularity of e-two-wheelers. However, the environment-friendly nature and the exceptional fuel savings have compelled people to shift to them.

Sheikh urged the Sindh government to immediately begin work on road infrastructure in the first phase, and in the second phase, to allocate separate lanes for e-two-wheelers.

He mentioned that since EV bikes were more popular among women, implementing such policies could increase the sale of two-wheelers.

Bike riders have started shifting towards electric ones due to rising fuel costs and the growing need for affordable transportation. With petrol prices fluctuating and often becoming unaffordable for daily commuters, EV bikes and scooters offer a cost-effective alternative.

The former chairman informed that new bikes must be registered within 30 days, failing which the Sindh government imposes a fine of PKR 5,000.

He demanded the Sindh government to extend this 30-day registration period to one year.

According to an SRO issued by the Sindh government, whether a vehicle is imported by an owner, showroom dealer, or any individual, or manufactured locally, it must be registered within 30 days under Section 23—starting from the date of the Goods Declaration (GD) / Bill of Entry (BOE) in the case of imports, or the invoice date in the case of locally manufactured vehicles.

The former APMA chairman stated that there was no financing facility available for e-two-wheelers in Pakistan.

“If the government or banks offer financing options, the sale of environment-friendly bikes and scooters can increase significantly.”

It may be noted that the Sindh government earlier this year announced that it would provide free pink electric motorcycles to female students and working women in the province. As per details, the initiative will introduce approximately 1,000 electric motorcycles for women, which will be allocated through an open and transparent balloting process.

“The initiative requires Rs300 million to be obtained outside the budget. The cabinet noted that an increasing number of women worldwide are opting for electric motorcycles as their primary mode of transport for daily commuting,” a statement from Sindh’s Chief Minister House read then.

Sheikh emphasised that the environmental challenges faced by Pakistan could only be tackled by transitioning from fuel combustion engines to EV engines.

According to Sheikh, EV bikes and scooters are available in Pakistan at a price range of Rs160,000 to Rs300,000.

As for batteries, new ones range from Rs58,000 to Rs98,000, he informed.

EV bikes and scooters typically use a set of six 12-volt batteries. Each battery has a lifespan of 1,000 life cycles, meaning it can be charged a thousand times. Charging time ranges from six to eight hours, and the scooter can reach speeds up to 55 km/h.

An e-two-wheeler can travel up to 100 kilometers on a single charge. However, if battery efficiency declines, this range can drop by 15 to 20%, according to Sheikh.

“In terms of maintenance, EV bikes are relatively expensive because spare parts are not readily available in Pakistan and have to be imported, which increases maintenance costs.”

In January 2025, under the chairmanship of Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, a meeting was held regarding the new Energy Vehicle Policy 2025. The policy aims to tackle key challenges in the adoption and production of EVs and to set ambitious goals for a transition to clean energy in the transport sector.

The EV Policy 2025–2030 lays out a determined roadmap to transition Pakistan’s entire transport sector from fossil fuels to electricity. Designed by the Ministry of Industries and Production, it aims to reduce dangerous greenhouse gas emissions, cut dependency on imported fossil fuels, and promote the development of green technology.

The policy has set a key target: 30% of all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030, and 90% by 2040.