LAHORE: For the first time in Pakistan’s 77-year history, the process of manufacturing a 100% locally-made car has begun. The electric vehicle (EV) is expected to be priced significantly lower than comparable cars in the market.
Engineering Development Board (EDB) CEO Hammad Mansoor announced the development while speaking to journalists at an Iftar dinner hosted by SMEDA Director Mashhood Khan on Thursday. He said the “Made-in-Pakistan” EV will be launched by June or July this year.
To encourage local automotive manufacturers and promote localization, the government is reducing taxes on cars in this year’s federal budget.
According to Mansoor, the EV’s manufacturing plant will be established for the first time in Lahore, and the vehicle’s price will be under PKR 1 million, making it affordable for consumers transitioning from motorcycles to cars.
The EV, built entirely from locally-produced components, will have a range of 180 to 200 kilometers per charge. Under the new automotive policy, the Prime Minister has pledged full support to local auto manufacturers, with plans to eventually export 100% localized vehicles at low cost.
Mansoor also noted that the dominance of major automotive companies in Pakistan is diminishing, as reflected by the trend of decreasing vehicle prices. Two to three Pakistani companies have expressed interest in manufacturing the “Made-in-Pakistan” cars. Additionally, the Prime Minister has approved price reductions for electric motorcycles to facilitate exports.
