PUSH TO CUT FUEL IMPORTS
Pakistan’s push towards EVs also carries broader economic significance.
The country depends heavily on imported fuel. Motorcycles and autorickshaws are reportedly estimated to account for about 40 per cent of national petrol consumption, according to analysts.
Pakistan aims for EVs to make up 30 per cent of all new vehicle sales by 2030 as part of efforts to reduce fuel imports and cut emissions.
Earlier this year, the government launched its Pakistan Accelerated Vehicle Electrification (PAVE) plan, offering subsidies and interest-free loans for electric bikes and autorickshaws. Officials say the scheme has already attracted hundreds of thousands of applications.
But analysts say stronger government support may be needed to accelerate the transition.
“The government can provide some capital incentives to the households because EVs are expensive and require a lot of capital investment upfront,” said Khalid Waleed, a research fellow at Islamabad-based non-profit Sustainable Development Institute and Policy.
“This will return the benefit (to) the government as well because it will decrease the import dependence of Pakistan.”
Still, challenges remain, including limited charging infrastructure, concerns over battery life and the higher upfront cost of electric bikes.
Industry observers also warn that rapid market growth without adequate servicing and after-sales support could undermine consumer confidence in EV technology.
But for daily commuters like Younus, the savings are already making a difference. And as fuel prices continue to rise, electric scooters are expected to become even more prominent on Pakistan’s roads.