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3,000 EV Charging Stations
The government of Pakistan’s Electric Vehicle Policy 2025-2030 will install 3,000 EV charging stations across the country in the next two years. Pakistani companies Malik Enterprises and Indus Valley have signed an agreement with Chinese company Adam Groups in collaboration with the government. The project will start in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Multan and the network will be extended to the entire country, including Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. These charging stations will run on both electricity and solar sources, which will also save energy.
According to Malik Khuda Bakhsh, this project will revolutionize the electric vehicle sector in Pakistan, but experts believe that plans or announcements alone are not enough. According to automobile industry experts, the number of electric vehicles in Pakistan is currently only around 2,000, while the number of charging stations is less than a dozen. Experts have warned that if a comprehensive strategy is not adopted, this project could also end up like the CNG stations of the past, which have become inactive today.
Experts have urged the government to adopt a viable and sustainable strategy along with building a robust network for electric vehicles. According to expert Sunil Manj, the increase in the use of electric vehicles may depend mostly on motorcycles and rickshaws, as the demand for four-wheelers is currently low. Syed Ali Raza advised the government to do complete homework before launching the project so that these charging stations can be successfully operated in the future and this project proves beneficial for both technology and the economy in Pakistan.
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Collaboration with Local and International Partners
To achieve this milestone, two prominent Pakistani companies, Malik Enterprises and Indus Valley, have partnered with the Chinese company Adam Groups. The collaboration, supported by the Government of Pakistan, signifies a major step towards modernizing the country’s transportation infrastructure. Malik Khuda Bakhsh, the owner of Malik Enterprises, emphasized that these developments could revolutionize the EV market in Pakistan over the next two years.
The Rollout Plan
According to Malik Khuda Bakhsh, the installation of 3000 EV charging stations will begin in January 2025, with the initial phase focusing on major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Multan, and extending along the Islamabad-Karachi Motorway. Over the next two years, charging stations will also be set up in all four provincial capitals, as well as Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
These charging stations will be designed to operate on both solar energy and conventional electricity. During the day, the stations will utilize solar power, switching to electricity at night, making the system environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
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Current EV Landscape in Pakistan
At present, Pakistan has only 11 to 13 charging stations and approximately 2,000 electric vehicles on its roads. The lack of a robust EV network has hindered the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Experts believe that the government must implement comprehensive policies and provide the necessary infrastructure to support the growth of this sector.
Industry Perspectives
Automobile industry expert Sunil Manj pointed out that the EV market in Pakistan is still in its infancy. He stated that the use of EVs, especially four-wheelers, will not increase significantly without a well-developed infrastructure. According to him, the initial focus should be on promoting electric motorcycles and rickshaws, as they are more affordable and accessible to the masses.
Another expert, Syed Ali Raza, raised concerns about the sustainability of these charging stations. Drawing parallels with the fate of CNG stations in Pakistan, he warned that the government must avoid repeating past mistakes. He urged authorities to plan and execute the project to ensure long-term success thoroughly.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the EV policy holds great promise, experts agree that it must be implemented with meticulous planning. Concerns such as the limited number of electric vehicles, insufficient charging infrastructure, and lack of consumer awareness need to be addressed.
If successful, the EV initiative could significantly reduce Pakistan’s dependence on fossil fuels, decrease environmental pollution, and pave the way for a sustainable future. However, the government must take actionable steps to ensure that this vision translates into reality.
Conclusion
The Electric Vehicle Policy 2025-2030 is a crucial step towards modernizing Pakistan’s transportation system and embracing sustainable energy solutions. The next two years will be critical in determining the success of this ambitious project.
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