To boost local electric vehicle (EV) production, the government has issued licenses to 57 manufacturers, marking a significant step toward promoting sustainable transportation. According to Radio Pakistan, these licenses include 55 for two and three-wheeler EVs and two for four-wheeler assembly.
Beyond just manufacturing, the government is working on a comprehensive EV infrastructure plan. This includes setting up charging stations nationwide, featuring both fast chargers and battery swapping stations. Additionally, under the new EV policy, the government offers free registration, exemption from annual token fees, and waivers on toll taxes to encourage wider EV adoption.
To further support this ambition, the government has planned to establish at least one dedicated EV zone in each province, including Islamabad. This move aligns with Pakistan’s broader goal of reducing dependence on fuel imports and addressing environmental concerns.
Despite these efforts, Pakistan’s EV production remains far behind its targets. During a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman criticized the slow progress, pointing out that only 60,000 EVs have been produced so far, falling drastically short of the 600,000 target.
To further accelerate EV adoption, the government has slashed electricity tariffs for EV charging stations by 45%. Federal Minister for Energy, Awais Ahmad Leghari, announced the tariff reduction from Rs71.10 to Rs39.40 per unit, making it significantly cheaper to charge EVs.
This price cut aims to expand the number of charging stations and encourage small businesses to enter the battery charging sector. The minister also assured that individuals would be able to obtain approvals for setting up charging stations within 15 days through an online portal.
While Pakistan is taking steps to build a cleaner transportation ecosystem, the energy minister has urged international financial institutions to support the country through green financing. This financial backing would help fund EV infrastructure projects and enhance the transition to renewable energy solutions.