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ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan could save more than $1 billion in gross fuel imports by adding 30,000 range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) annually for five years, according to industry analysts. The scenario envisages a fleet reaching 150,000 vehicles, cumulatively displacing 1.2 billion litres of petrol and avoiding around 2.7 million tonnes of operational carbon emissions compared with similar petrol vehicles. Outcomes would depend on mileage, charging sources and electric operation.
The broader economic case is supported by the “Future on Wheels”, a December 2024 policy viewpoint published by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), authored by Dr Usman Qadir, Mohammad Shaaf Najib and Saddam Hussein.
“With petroleum imports consuming 30% of Pakistan’s total import bill, the transition to EVs is a macroeconomic imperative. Accelerating EV adoption directly mitigates this fiscal vulnerability, shielding the current account balance from volatile foreign exchange drains caused by global oil shocks,” stated the quotation attributed to Qadir and Najib.
Industry insiders say REEVs offer a practical transition while Pakistan’s charging network develops. An electric motor drives the wheels, while an onboard fuel-powered generator supplies electricity when the battery requires support. Modern models can cover roughly 150-180 kilometres on battery power in suitable conditions. Home charging can therefore meet many daily travel needs, while the generator provides additional range for longer journeys.