| Islamabad: The government has approved the establishment of 40 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along Pakistan’s motorways, setting a tariff of Rs39.75 per unit, marking a major step towards promoting electric mobility across the country. The plan, part of the draft EV policy, also aims to boost the production of electric two- and three-wheelers with affordable financing options under discussion.
In a recent meeting on the EV policy framework, the committee reviewed proposals from the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) to encourage local manufacturing and consumer demand for electric bikes and rickshaws. While PBA chairman Zafar Masud recommended a financing rate of Kibor plus 3%, officials indicated a preference for a cap at Kibor plus 2.5%, in line with State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) guidelines. The committee also suggested a debt-to-equity ratio of 70:30, intending to make EV financing more accessible to a larger population segment.
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The initial phase of the motorway charging network will be spread across key service areas from Peshawar to Karachi. This setup, mapped out by a government working group, ensures a charging station every 120 kilometers, prioritizing sites managed by the National Highway Authority (NHA). Oil marketing companies operating fuel stations along these routes have reportedly agreed to install EV chargers, with logistical support from the government.
To further incentivize investment in EV infrastructure, the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (Neeca) recently approved regulations that standardize procedures and remove price caps on EV charging. The regulations support one-window operations and mandate vehicle compatibility standards, a crucial step given Pakistan’s limited EV charging infrastructure.
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Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change Ahmed Atteeq Anwar emphasized that charging stations must accommodate multiple vehicle types, noting the importance of multi-bead connectors. Meanwhile, it was proposed to use spare land along motorways for solar power to reduce costs and promote renewable energy use in the EV sector.
In addition, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) presented data showing that a tariff around Rs40 per kWh could make small electric sedans viable for average consumers within three to four years.
The government’s focus on EV infrastructure is part of a broader strategy to cut emissions, foster local manufacturing, and meet international climate commitments, officials said. Further details and implementation plans are expected in the coming months as part of the finalized EV policy framework. |
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