Pakistan awards licences to 57 manufacturers of electric vehicles

Pakistan has issued licenses to 57 electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, as reported by Radio Pakistan on Tuesday.

The initiative by the government aims to promote green transportation solutions and combat climate change.

In 2019, the Pakistani government introduced an ambitious National Electric Vehicles Policy (NEVP), which targets electric vehicles to account for 30 percent of all passenger vehicle and heavy-duty truck sales by 2030, with an even more ambitious goal of 90 percent by 2040.

The policy also aims for two- and three-wheelers, along with buses, to achieve 50 percent of new sales by 2030 and 90 percent by 2040.

According to Radio Pakistan, the government is prioritizing the expansion of local EV production, having granted licenses to 55 manufacturers for two- and three-wheelers, and two for the assembly of four-wheelers.

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Additionally, plans are being considered for the establishment of charging stations, including fast chargers and battery swapping facilities.

The new EV policy also includes provisions for free registration and exemptions from annual token fees and toll taxes for consumers.

Furthermore, Radio Pakistan noted that there is a proposal to establish at least one electric vehicle zone in each province, including Islamabad.

A Senate Standing Committee recently expressed concerns regarding the slow pace of EV production in Pakistan, highlighting that only 60,000 units have been produced this year, falling short of the target of 600,000.