The Pakistani government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to promote electric vehicles (EVs), including cars, motorcycles, and rickshaws, with proposed incentives totaling Rs 57 billion. The initiative aims to provide citizens with affordable, clean, and modern transportation.
Subsidies and Incentives
Under the proposed plan:
- Electric motorcycles: Rs 20,000–30,000 discount
- Electric rickshaws: Up to Rs 25,000 subsidy
- Small electric cars: Up to Rs 100,000 subsidy
- Large electric cars: Up to Rs 200,000 subsidy
- Electric buses and commercial vehicles: Rs 400,000–500,000 support
Additionally, buyers can receive extra rebates for scrapping old vehicles, discouraging pollution from outdated vehicles.
Infrastructure Development
To support EV adoption, the government plans to establish:
- 1,200 Level-One EV charging points across cities
- 400 battery swapping stations
- 300 fast-charging stations
Investors installing charging infrastructure will benefit from capital subsidies and tax incentives, while petrol stations converting to EV chargers may receive property tax breaks.
Promoting Local Industry
The plan also focuses on boosting local EV industry, including:
- Research grants
- Battery testing laboratories
- Battery recycling plants
- Gradual electrification of government, municipal, and public transport fleets
Government Goals
Officials say the EV initiative aims to:
- Reduce dependence on fuel imports
- Lower air pollution levels
- Provide citizens with eco-friendly, modern transport
Authorities emphasize that promoting electric vehicles will positively impact the economy and lay the foundation for a clean and sustainable transportation system in Pakistan.
