Lahore: Pakistan’s transportation sector is undergoing a notable shift toward electric vehicles (EVs), spurred by technological innovation, strategic collaborations, and an increasing national focus on environmental sustainability.
At the forefront of this transformation is global ride-hailing platform inDrive, which has rolled out several initiatives aimed at accelerating the country’s transition from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric alternatives.
These efforts are in alignment with the government’s goal of achieving 30% EV adoption by 2030 as part of its broader climate change and carbon emissions reduction strategy.
Aman Alekseev, Impact Projects Manager at inDrive, told media that the EV market in Pakistan is ripe for expansion.
He noted that local manufacturers are emerging while Chinese firms are entering the market, providing a solid foundation for scalable growth.
One of inDrive’s key approaches involves collaboration with local startups to retrofit existing petrol motorcycles into electric ones, a move that significantly lowers the cost barrier for drivers looking to switch to EVs.
These retrofitted bikes, which use swappable batteries, are supported by an expanding network of 21 battery swap stations in Islamabad.
Over just six months, 60 such bikes have logged over 400,000 kilometers, collectively saving drivers around Rs1.4 million in fuel and maintenance costs. On average, users are seeing a 40% monthly savings compared to traditional petrol bikes.
To further enhance affordability, inDrive and its partners have introduced a ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ (BNPL) model, enabling drivers to purchase new electric bikes with minimal upfront financial pressure.
In addition to two-wheelers, the company is also setting its sights on electric cars.
It has announced plans to deploy 50 electric cars each in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, expanding EV adoption in the four-wheeled ride-hailing segment.
Alekseev emphasized that these steps help to build public trust and awareness, making the EV shift tangible and beneficial for everyday users.
Muhammad Awais Saeed, inDrive’s Country Head for Pakistan, highlighted the company’s pioneering use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the local ride-hailing space.
According to Saeed, inDrive has incorporated machine learning to enhance dispatch accuracy, detect fraud, and improve customer service.
He also confirmed that inDrive is actively engaging with stakeholders to introduce additional sustainable mobility options.
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Current projects under development include the expansion of bike-swapping infrastructure, broader retrofitting services, and potential partnerships with local EV manufacturers such as Honri.
However, Saeed pointed out that despite the progress, the company continues to face bureaucratic hurdles that could slow down the pace of transformation.
These challenges reflect broader systemic issues in implementing EV policies and streamlining regulatory frameworks needed to support long-term sustainable transport solutions.
Also Read: EVs to Reach 50% of Auto Sales by 2030
Nonetheless, inDrive’s multi-pronged strategy and early traction signal growing momentum in Pakistan’s transition to cleaner, more cost-effective transportation.
