Latest news with #NEV)Policy2025-30
Express Tribune
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Industry demands shift in hybrid vehicle market
Listen to article As Pakistan unveils its long-awaited New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-30, aimed at reducing emissions and fuel dependence, voices from within the auto industry are calling for a shift in how new technologies are priced and positioned in the market. In a recent interaction with media in Lahore, Syed Asif Ahmed, General Manager Marketing Division at MG Motors, said that while the policy is a step in the right direction, the local Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) market remains largely unaffordable and does not pass on the benefits of technological advancements to the average Pakistani consumer. "HEVs in Pakistan have become a luxury for a niche market," Ahmed remarked. "Despite policy support, the real advantages have not trickled down to car buyers." He noted that the most expensive HEV SUV in Pakistan – a seven-seater – carries an ex-factory price tag of Rs16 million while five-seater variants range from Rs9.6 to Rs12 million. "The industry must think seriously about affordability," he added, "and consider shifting towards Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), which are better suited for urban use and offer real electric range." Unveiled by the Ministry of Industries, the NEV Policy 2025-30 introduces the official classification for EVs, PHEVs and hydrogen-powered vehicles as "New Energy Vehicles", in line with global standards. Ahmed was also critical of how earlier tax incentives were structured, allowing traditional hybrids to be labelled as NEVs, primarily to benefit large automotive players. "Unfortunately, these subsidies neither helped the environment nor the people. They only benefited the principal companies and their local partners." In contrast, PHEVs offer a more meaningful alternative, with pure EV driving capabilities for daily urban commutes and hybrid flexibility for long routes, helping tackle the range anxiety often associated with EVs. MG Motors has introduced Pakistan's first locally assembled Plug-in Hybrid SUV – the MG HS PHEV. It features a 16.6 kWh lithium-ion battery offering over 52 km of electric-only range, combined with a 1.5L turbocharged engine to deliver 260 HP and 370 Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in just 7.1 seconds. Priced under Rs10 million, Ahmed described the MG HS PHEV as "the best value-for-money vehicle in its class," offering advanced tech, performance and fuel economy. He informed the media that MG has sold more than 16,000 vehicles in Pakistani market so far out of which approximately 2,000 were PHEVs.
Express Tribune
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Govt launches National Electric Vehicle Policy
Listen to article Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Thursday officially launched the National Electric Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-30 and called it a historic and transformative step in Pakistan's journey towards industrial, environmental and energy reforms. Speaking at a press conference, Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that the new EV policy was aligned with the prime minister's vision of promoting clean, sustainable and affordable transportation while encouraging the local industry and protecting environment. Transport sector is a major contributor to carbon emissions and "reform in this area is imperative". The PM aide said that one of the major targets under the policy was to ensure that 30% of all new vehicles sold in Pakistan by 2030 were electric. This transition is projected to save 2.07 billion litres of fuel annually, amounting to nearly $1 billion in foreign exchange savings. Additionally, the policy is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 4.5 million tons and cut health-related costs by $405 million per year. He announced that an initial subsidy of Rs9 billion had been allocated for fiscal year 2025-26, under which 116,053 electric bikes and 3,171 electric rickshaws would be facilitated. Some 25% of this subsidy is reserved for women to provide them with safe, affordable and eco-friendly mobility. He said that a fully digital platform had been introduced to ensure transparent online application submission, verification and disbursement of subsidies. Furthermore, the policy outlines the installation of 40 new EV charging stations on motorways, with an average distance of 105 kilometres.
