Electric vehicles (EVs) may be the future of transportation, but they are facing big obstacles in Pakistan. Co-founder PakWheels, Suneel Munj, appearing on ProPakistani’s “How Does it Work?” podcast hosted by Shayan Mahmud, offered a frank look at why EVs aren’t catching on as hoped. Munj described EVs as “toys for big boys,” suggesting that, so far, only the country’s wealthier segments have benefited.
Policies That Favor the Elite
Although the Pakistani government introduced an electric vehicle policy to boost local EV usage, it has mostly helped the elite. According to Munj, some well-off buyers use these policies to bring in expensive, high-end EVs at lower tax rates. Meanwhile, regular petrol vehicles remain subject to extremely high taxes. In other words, instead of making EVs more common and accessible, the system is tilting in favor of those who can already afford luxury cars.
Broken Promises on Taxes and Registration
Munj pointed out that the government initially promised that token taxes and costly registration fees—barriers to EV adoption—would be eliminated. However, these promises never turned into action. Provincial governments have their own policies, and as a result, the relief that was promised never arrived.
To make matters worse, the current registration system turns kilowatt-hours (kWh) into cubic centimeters (cc) for documentation, an approach that does not happen anywhere else in the world and only adds to the confusion.
Infrastructure Woes and Power Issues
Beyond the policy problems, Pakistan’s shaky electricity supply is another major roadblock. Frequent power outages affect both rural and urban areas.
If people struggle to keep their lights on, they are understandably nervous about charging EVs. This lack of reliable electricity leads to “range anxiety,” making drivers worry they could be left stranded.
Stiff Taxes and Public Perception
Shayan Mahmud asked whether the government in Pakistan still treats cars as luxury goods, subjecting them to taxes that push their prices up by more than half.
Munj agreed and added that since EVs often carry a higher base cost, they become even harder to afford. Furthermore, most transportation needs revolve around affordable two-wheelers, leaving EV cars to a niche market. With the high taxes and limited availability, EVs remain out of reach for the average person.
A Glimpse of Hope in Two-Wheelers
Despite these setbacks, Munj believes smaller, more affordable electric two-wheelers might have a better chance of success. They have fewer maintenance costs and could fill a gap in the market if produced locally.
Some companies are starting to make their own EV parts, which might one day lower costs. Still, key parts like batteries and motors must be imported, keeping prices high.
You can watch the whole episode of How Does it Work? with Suneel Munj on YouTube.
Conclusion
For EVs to truly thrive in Pakistan, a lot needs to change. Effective policies, reliable infrastructure, and fair taxation—rather than benefits for the elite alone—are critical. By focusing on genuine consumer needs and fulfilling promises made at the policy level, Pakistan can move beyond EVs being “toys for big boys” and bring cleaner, more efficient transportation to everyone.
