Islamabad, Dec 21: The Climate Action Centre and Pakistan EV Oversight hosted the inaugural Pakistan Electric Vehicles Conference on December 21, 2024, at Avari Towers, Karachi. This landmark event aimed to bring together key stakeholders in the electric vehicle (EV) sector to align policies and financial frameworks with the industry’s growth aspirations ahead of the anticipated Energy Vehicle Policy 2025.
Senator Sherry Rehman, Chair of the Standing Committee on Climate Change, delivered the keynote address as Chief Guest. Highlighting the urgency of addressing urban pollution, she projected that the number of motor vehicles in Pakistan will double within a decade, exacerbating environmental challenges. Rehman emphasized the importance of local action to combat pollution and called for a cohesive effort from stakeholders to mitigate its impact.
Zafar Masud, President of the Bank of Punjab, served as the Guest of Honour, presenting innovative EV financing solutions for both consumers and projects. His presentation addressed the critical role of financing in accelerating the adoption of EVs in Pakistan.
Panel Discussions and Insights
The conference featured two key panel discussions that explored critical challenges and opportunities for the EV industry:
Panel 1: EV Financing Policy
Moderated by Dr. Aazir Khan from the University of Lahore, this panel included Rabeel Warraich (Founder and CEO of Sarmayacar), Zafar Masud, Muhammad Atif Hanif (CEO of Bank Al Baraka), and Dr. Naveed Arshad (Director of the LUMS Energy Institute and co-author of the EV policy draft).
The panel discussed financing gaps, policy alignment, and private-sector contributions to combating urban pollution. Warraich highlighted Sarmayacar’s $15 million climate fund, emphasizing a venture-backed approach to addressing climate challenges. Masud noted that vehicle emissions contribute significantly to air pollution, accounting for 40% of Lahore’s smog and substantial pollution in Karachi. The panel concluded that coordinated efforts from private and public sectors are crucial to reducing emissions and ensuring policy and financial support for the EV industry.
Panel 2: Industry and Innovation
Moderated by Bilal Hussain from Business Recorder, this panel included Kashif Riaz (Director of Dewan Motors), Sadullah Ejaz (GM Corporate Affairs of Atlas Honda), and representatives from InDrive and Mehran Auto Parts.
The panel underscored the economic and environmental advantages of transitioning to electric vehicles. Riaz highlighted that replacing a daily fuel cost of Rs. 3,000 with Rs. 900 for electricity could improve wages and economic mobility for workers. However, the panel stressed the need for broader industry participation and robust policy frameworks to support these initiatives.
They also discussed concerns about the Energy Vehicle Policy 2025 favoring imports over local manufacturing. The Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association raised objections to reduced duty structures for completely built units (CBUs), arguing that they could harm domestic production. Despite being invited, representatives from major importers like BYD and KIA were notably absent from the conference.
Key Takeaways
- The conference highlighted the urgency of transitioning to EVs, with a focus on reducing urban pollution and fostering sustainable growth in the automotive sector.
- Stakeholders called for banking incentives, local manufacturing support, and public-private partnerships to accelerate EV adoption.
- The Energy Vehicle Policy 2025 emerged as a critical point of debate, with concerns over its emphasis on imports at the expense of local industry.
- Successful initiatives, such as InDrive’s electrification of two-wheelers in Islamabad, demonstrated the viability of EVs as a business model and environmental solution.
The inaugural Pakistan Electric Vehicles Conference set a collaborative tone for shaping the future of EVs in the country, aligning stakeholders’ ambitions with sustainable development goals and laying the groundwork for robust policy and financial support.
