Pakistan is all set to unveil its first locally made electric vehicle (EV) priced under Rs1 million by June or July this year, officials have revealed.
The announcement was made by Hamad Ali Mansoor, Chief Executive Officer of engineering Development Board, at an iftar dinner hosted by Mashood Khan in Karachi.
According to Mr. Mansoor the vehicle will be made at a manufacturing facility set up in Lahore for the first time that a full-fledged homegrown electric car is rolled out in home production lines in Pakistan.
The EV is expected to have a driving range of up to 180 kilometres on a single charge, making it suitable for daily commuting.
Officials say the project aims to provide an affordable alternative to people who currently own motorcycles and are interested in switching to four-wheel vehicles.
Mansoor also said that the government is envisaging a reduction in taxes on locally assembled vehicles in the 2026-27’s federal budget. The move is meant to combat high car prices and promote growth in the domestic car industry.
He further said that the monopoly of major automobile manufacturers in the country is gradually decreasing, with two to three more companies already expressing interest in manufacturing electric vehicles in Pakistan.
Under the new auto policy, Mansoor said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has promised full support for the local auto sector, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening home-based manufacturing.
Plans are also underway to export “Made in Pakistan” vehicles to the international markets, with Rs100 billion allocated in export incentives. In addition, the government is considering various subsidy programmes to make electric bikes and rickshaws more affordable.
Speaking on the occasion, Mashood Khan emphasised the critical role of SMEs in Pakistan’s economy, which employs about 25 million people and contributes significantly to the country’s exports.
He said consistent policies to improve access to finance and export support could help Pakistani SMEs compete globally and drive long-term economic growth.
Also read: Govt unveils 76,000 E-bikes under PM scheme, apply here
