BYD has partnered with Pakistan’s Mega Motor Company (MMC) and Hub Power Company (HUBCO) to launch the country’s largest EV charging network. The partnership will see around 128 DC chargers installed across Pakistan over the next three years, with 50 installations planned by December 2025.
Despite ambitious government targets, EVs have so far made minimal inroads into Pakistan – with ICE vehicles and two or three-wheeled petrol vehicles still dominating the market. Part of the problem has to do with lack of infrastructure, with much of this being concentrated in urban areas.
This announcement by BYD therefore marks a major step forward for the country’s EV infrastructure. The partnership will see charging points installed every 150-200km along highways and motorways plus at shopping centres, hotels and hospitals.
In a statement BYD said: “This nation-wide rollout of infrastructure marks one of the most significant developments in the country’s shift towards electric mobility by addressing a critical gap in Pakistan’s EV ecosystem and establishing the most extensive NEV charging network. As part of this strategic and groundbreaking roadmap, HGL will install approximately 128 DC fast chargers across the country over the next three years, with 50 installations planned by December 2025.”
BYD Pakistan’s VP of Sales, Danish Khaliq, added: “Range anxiety remains one of the most significant barriers to NEV adoption across Pakistan. Through this groundbreaking partnership with HUBCO Green, we are not just addressing a logistical issue but shaping the entire mobility landscape of the country.”
It follows an announcement earlier this year that energy tariffs were going to be reduced by 44-per cent. Alongside this, Pakistan’s government introduced a 15-day fast track registration system for charging stations, as well as plans for a financing scheme for e-bikes and the conversion of two- and three-wheeled petrol vehicles to battery power.
And, for BYD, it marks a further expansion of its activities into Pakistan. Last year, it announced plans to build the country’s first BEV assembly plant as well as three flagship stores in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
arabnews.com
