Pakistan is set to achieve a landmark development in December when it will roll out a locally manufactured four-wheeled electric vehicle (EV) for the first time. This development was announced during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on promoting and using electric vehicles.
ELZ’s Update on Policies on Electric Vehicles in PakistanÂ
As per the government’s explanation, the meeting outlined that since 2022, 49 licenses have been awarded for the local assembly. And production of two-watt and three-wheel electric vehicles. Of these, 25 factories are already engaged in assembling these vehicles. The statement said that the first license for four-wheeled electric vehicles was issued in September 2024. And that the first electric car manufactured in the country is expected to be on the market by December of this year.
Rising Electric Vehicle Industry in PakistanÂ
Electric vehicles are slowly becoming a new growth sector in the country, promising to change the automotive space in Pakistan. On Tuesday, Dewan Farooque Motors Limited (DFML) notified its stakeholders that EV production began in its assembly plant after obtaining EDB’s (Engineering Development Board) approval.
International Interest and Market Expansion
Last month, the China-based electric vehicle manufacturer BYD entered the Pakistanrket, calling a new market for the company, with over 250 million population. The company, which engages in electric jeeps, vans, trucks, and other four-wheelers, has successfully expanded its operations and offered better markets to countries where its products sell. It was reached by expanding the business to new customers in emerging markets such as Pakistan.
Government Initiatives and Policy Directions
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during the meeting, directed the departments concerned with endowing electric vehicles with an alternative source of energy to come up with an in-depth financing model. There is a gradual but definite shift in fuel usage towards electric vehicles and diesel as vehicle fuels increase globally.
The Prime Minister mentioned completing the finalization of the Electric Vehicles Policy by November. And demanded revision of laws that govern the granting of licenses for the manufacturing of EVs in Pakistan. He also pointed out the importance of quick meetings with all provinces, federal agencies. And other actors concurring on the EV policy.
Future Plans and Infrastructure Development
Further, the Prime Minister said that students achieving excellent marks in government schools would be awarded scope e-motor bikes under a similar school gate laptop distribution plan. He also asked the Capital Development Authority to make detailed arrangements for building an electric transport facility in Islamabad.
In addition, the authorities agreed to set up EV recharge stations on important accesses such as Motorways. GT Road (National Highway), N65, and N70. Earlier reports suggested the energy ministry had prepared EV charging station standards. And the administration plans to sell light tariffs to the above-mentioned stations.
