Pakistan is taking a significant step toward revolutionizing its transportation sector with a $350 million investment from a prominent Chinese company to establish up to 3,000 Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country.
This initiative, spearheaded by the government and Malik Khuda Bakhsh, Convenor of the FPCCI Energy Standing Committee, aims to accelerate EV adoption, reduce fuel imports, and reduce environmental pollution.
A Game-Changing Collaboration
The agreement, signed at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) headquarters in Karachi, involves the deployment of EV charging stations along the motorway from Peshawar to Karachi.
The initial $90 million investment will establish the infrastructure, while an additional $250 million in February 2025 will focus on EV manufacturing. This marks a pivotal moment for Pakistan, as the transition to electric transportation promises not only environmental benefits but also substantial savings in foreign exchange reserves.
PIDE’s Step for EV Adoption
The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) has bolstered these efforts with its ambitious recommendations under the Future on Wheels framework.
PIDE proposes that by 2030, 10% of all new 4-wheelers and 25% of new 2/3-wheelers should be electric. By 2040, these targets would rise to 50% and 75%, respectively. To achieve this, the framework outlines key policy recommendations:
Lowering Customs Duties: Reduce import taxes on EV components to boost local production and exports.
Boosting Exports: Ensure that by 2030, 10% of EVs and 5% of auto parts produced in Pakistan are exported, with an eye on achieving 50% exports by 2040.
Encouraging Joint Ventures: Promote collaborations between local and international firms for technology transfer and investment.
By fostering competition through foreign investment, setting strict safety and environmental regulations, and incentivizing local innovation, Pakistan can bridge the gap between price and value in its auto market. Collaborative efforts like the Chinese investment in EV charging stations could also catalyze broader improvements in infrastructure and consumer trust.
The priority and mangement of this government is bad
To struggle against smog first of all we need to supply a good quality of fuel
Is euro 5 fuel available in all the station ? No thus action needed here
Almost 90% of the car on sales in the world are ICE, we don’t export ICE, how are we supposed to export EV when the sales of EV are decreasing ?
And last but not least a jump of 160 million dollar in infractsructure investment, yeah that the high cost of EV, not only EV are expensive but as well electricity rising price in the country, for car with limited range, long charging time etc
And how are we gonna pay back this investment, because is not free
Waste of money
@waqas
Back at it again! 🤦♂️
The management of any government in recent history of Pakistan has always been bad at managing what is required for the good of the nation. Political games take priority over actual beneficial work for the nation.
Due to the high costs in Pakistan, people are forced to keep decades old models which easily predate any meaningful emission standards. Even the so called “new” two wheelers have decades old technology. With ever higher prices, the fleet of vehicles on the roads In Pakistan is getting older. So, in such cases, will even newer “cleaner” fuels save the day, or is it a glorified fart in the wind?
All around us there are countries already producing and exporting ICE cars and their parts. The market is already saturated. Look at any credible sources, ICE sales are going down globally. Will it be prudent to get into this already saturated game. Projected sales of ICE vehicles are on a downward trend as well:
*https://www.statista.com/statistics/961138/ice-vehicle-sales-selected-world-regions/
Electric vehicles are still new, we still have time to get into their production. However, time is running out; its now or never. But what you said also holds true. Our governments/dear leaders are always very willing to move mountains to get their political wills done. But when it comes to making real efforts for the benefit of the nation, it turns into too much work.
Case in point, PIDE’s timeline. It seems to be made by someone who does not go out and see the world or it might be someone with similar world views to your own. Deny everything, even your eyes. 😄 I live in a smaller city/village area. Even here EV scooters are selling like hotcakes and everyone wants one. If they have to spend 2 to 3 lacs on an ICE bike or 4 to 5 lacs for a fancier one, why not invest that in an EV bike or scooter. Less to go wrong, less fuel and maintenance costs and better newer up to date technology and safety with features like ABS, immobilizer and alarms etc.
People are more than willing and ready for the transition now! The only hurdle for most is the cost. There are no easy installment schemes promoted and backed by the government through the banks to help people with cheap and easy financing of their EV Bikes. Believe me, I have tried!!! If the Government wants its “EV transition” story to hold any water they must support such endeavors. But no such luck!
PIDE’s timeline for Local EV production and parts export needs to be done much faster. Other countries like Vietnam did all that with in a couple of years. Everything in Pakistan is so slow when it comes to policy and actual work.
Lastly, what this article is about really answers your last complaint doesn’t it? If EV range is an issue, they are here to install a charging network. With what they are proposing, people would be able to go across the country using their EVs. And more EV charge points in cities would also mean easier adoption of EV bikes and cars for the people.
So tell me, what world better, “cleaner” fuel for decades old cars and bikes (with no catalytic converters even) which will not be able to take full benefit of the said fuel and STILL contribute to the smog problem. OR, support the already happening EV transition? 🤔🤷♂️
And charging stations for EVs are like petrol stations for cars. People will pay to charge their EVs. That will also mean more tax collection for the government as well. Where is the negative in all that?
Do it right and the investment pays for itself.