Electrical Vehicle

Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Pakistan were first introduced in 2017. The government has since announced plans to install more charging stations across the country, including at every fuel station in Islamabad. 

History 

In January 2017, Dewan Motors and BMW opened Pakistan's first public EV charging station in Lahore.

In February 2017, Dewan Motors opened another EV charging station in Karachi.

In July 2020, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) opened its first EV charging station in Islamabad.

Government initiatives

The government has announced plans to install charging stations at every fuel station in Islamabad. 

The government has established the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) to regulate EV charging stations. 

The government has offered incentives to promote the use of EVs. 

Challenges High electricity costs, Underdeveloped road network, High price of EVs, and Insufficient charging infrastructure. 

Benefits 

EVs can help decarbonize Pakistan's transport sector.

EVs can create jobs and opportunities for economic growth.

Pakistan has introduced new rules and regulations to promote EV charging stations and the wider EV industry. The government aims to have 30% of the country’s vehicles running on electric power by 2030.

In order to achieve a 30 per cent EV rate by 2030, the government plans to boost infrastructure development, as well as electric car and motorcycle production, and charging networks.

To help boost EV charging infrastructure, a 44% reduction in electricity rates for EV charging stations has been announced. Additionally, the government has introduced a fifteen-day fast-track registration process for charging stations.

Furthermore, Pakistan plans to convert ten million motorcycles to electric, a shift, that the Pakistani government estimates could save the country $6 billion per year by reducing fuel imports. The report does not mention what kind of subsidies or grants are envisioned to help achieve this, however.