Pakistan govt to establish 40 electric vehicle charging stations at motorways

The government has greenlit the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along national motorways, with 40 stations planned to be built. The charging cost will be PKR 39.75 per unit.

The move is part of a broader initiative to support EV infrastructure, aligned with a policy announced on Thursday.

In a recent meeting on the EV policy, the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA), led by Chairman Zafar Masud, presented a financing plan to stimulate demand for two- and three-wheeler EVs, the report added. 

Masud recommended offering a rate of Kibor plus 3% to encourage banks to participate, though the chair suggested capping it at Kibor plus 2.5%. 

The proposed debt-to-equity ratio of 80:20 was also discussed, with the chair advising a 70:30 ratio, consistent with State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) guidelines.

The National Highway Authority (NHA) has identified 40 potential locations for these charging stations along motorways, from Karachi to Peshawar, ensuring a minimum distance of 120 kilometers between stations.

The Industries Secretary reported progress in drafting the EV policy, focusing on regulations for charging stations, setting the power tariff, and incentivizing the demand for two- and three-wheeler EVs.

The Revenue Mobilisation, Investment and Trade (ReMIT) project of the Commerce Ministry has also pledged to provide expert assistance for policy development.