Karachi: The Chief Executive Officer of the Engineering Development Board (EDB), Hammad Mansoor, has announced that a fully electric “Made-in-Pakistan” car priced at around Rs1 million is expected to enter the local market by June, potentially making electric mobility more accessible to consumers.
Speaking to journalists during an Iftar dinner in Karachi, Mansoor said the initiative reflects growing momentum in Pakistan’s electric vehicle (EV) industry and the government’s push to encourage local manufacturing and technological innovation.
He also hinted that the upcoming federal budget may include significant reductions in vehicle taxes, which could make hybrid, electric, and conventional fuel-powered vehicles more affordable for consumers.
According to the EDB chief, the longstanding dominance of a few major automobile manufacturers in Pakistan is gradually coming to an end as new entrants enter the market and localisation increases. He noted that greater competition and local production could reduce car prices by as much as Rs2.5 million in some cases.
Mansoor further revealed that Pakistan’s first lithium battery manufacturing plant is expected to begin production by May, while another battery plant is scheduled to start operations by September. These facilities are expected to significantly support the local EV ecosystem.
He explained that approximately 74 percent of battery components will be produced locally, which will help lower the cost of electric vehicles by reducing reliance on imported parts and enabling locally manufactured spare components.
“Localisation of battery production will play a crucial role in reducing EV prices and promoting electric mobility across the country,” he said.
Mansoor added that locally developed electric vehicles are expected to offer a driving range of around 180 kilometres on a single charge, making them suitable for daily commuting and urban transportation. He also noted that more advanced EV models under development could eventually achieve ranges of up to 1,200 kilometres, reflecting rapid technological advancements in battery performance and efficiency.
Industry experts believe that the introduction of an affordable electric car, combined with local battery manufacturing and potential tax incentives, could mark a significant step toward the wider adoption of electric vehicles in Pakistan while helping reduce fuel imports and carbon emissions.
