ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — The Engineering Development Board (EDB) has made significant strides in Pakistan’s electric vehicle (EV) initiative by granting 34 licenses to two- and three-wheeler manufacturers. This move aligns with the Electric Vehicles Policy for 2020-2025, which aims to shift from traditional fuel-powered vehicles to cleaner electric alternatives.
During a recent webinar hosted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) on “Pakistan’s electric vehicle market: challenges, opportunities, and the 2030 agenda,” EDB official Asim Ayaz highlighted the challenges and prospects of the evolving EV market. He emphasised the pressing need for financing solutions, as the higher cost of EVs, driven by expensive battery technologies, remains a barrier for many consumers. To facilitate this transition, Ayaz suggested that each petrol station should be equipped with an EV charging station.
The government’s efforts are complemented by comparisons of the National EV Policy with international benchmarks like Malaysia’s, which has revealed strengths in tariff structures but highlighted the need for improved funding streams.
In collaboration with academic and industrial partners, such as the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), the ministry is exploring various strategies to promote EV adoption. Dr. Arshad, a professor at LUMS, pointed out the global financial support available for EVs, suggesting that Pakistan could leverage these funds by linking its EV policies with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions.
Dr. Arshad also mentioned the potential for accessing global climate funds through a competitive process that favors well-organised and high-quality projects, stressing the urgency of rapid implementation to achieve environmental goals.
Adding to the discussion, Midhat Waris from Shell Global revealed that the company operates the world’s largest EV setup with over 1000 charging stations and has recently tested its rapid chargers in Pakistan. She discussed Shell’s latest launch in China—a massive EV charging station with 250 outlets—and expressed ambitions to expand EV charging infrastructure in Pakistan in collaboration with local partners like K-Electric.
The seminar also touched on the technological advancements in battery technology and the challenges posed by some traditional automakers, particularly from Japan, who have been resistant to the shift towards EVs. Ahmed Sajeel of Deewan Motors BMW remarked on the supportiveness of the Ministry of Climate Change and emphasised the necessity for a robust regulatory framework to encourage sustainable development in the EV sector.
Furthermore, Dr. Aazir Anwar Khan highlighted the environmental benefits of EVs, especially for the middle class who primarily use two- and three-wheelers. He pointed out that a significant portion of Pakistan’s imported oil is consumed by motorcycles, contributing to air quality issues and environmental hazards.
The push towards electric vehicles in Pakistan is gaining momentum, with a clear focus on developing local manufacturing capabilities, leveraging the country’s abundant mineral resources, and building necessary infrastructure. As these efforts unfold, Pakistan’s transition to a more sustainable transport sector looks increasingly promising.
