Pakistan’s first locally developed EV to launch by July under Rs1 million: EDB

Pakistan’s first fully locally developed electric vehicle (EV) is expected to be launched by June or July this year at a price below Rs1 million, according to the Engineering Development Board (EDB).

EDB Chief Executive Officer Hamad Ali Mansoor said the vehicle would be produced at a manufacturing plant established in Lahore and would mark the first domestically developed electric car to roll off local production lines.

He said the EV is being priced below Rs1 million to provide a low-cost option for consumers, particularly those currently using two-wheelers.

The vehicle is expected to offer a driving range of up to 180 kilometres on a single charge, making it suitable for daily commuting, he said while speaking at an Iftar dinner hosted by Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) Director Mashood Khan.

Mansoor also said the government plans to reduce taxes on locally assembled vehicles in the upcoming federal budget to improve affordability and support the domestic auto industry.

He said additional companies have shown interest in entering Pakistan’s electric vehicle manufacturing sector.

Under the forthcoming auto policy, the government intends to provide support to local manufacturers as part of efforts to expand domestic production.

Mansoor added that the government has also allocated Rs100 billion in export incentives to support overseas sales of locally produced vehicles. A subsidy plan is also being considered to promote the use of electric bikes and electric rickshaws.