What the EDB Chief Said About the Rs1 Million EV
Pakistan could soon see a locally manufactured electric car priced around Rs. 1 million, according to Hammad Mansoor, Chief Executive of the Engineering Development Board (EDB). Speaking to journalists during an Iftar dinner, Mansoor said the vehicle would be a fully electric “Made-in-Pakistan” car and could enter the market by June.
If this happens, the price point would be a major shift for Pakistan’s EV space, where most electric and hybrid options are still costly for average buyers. A locally made model at roughly Rs1 million would clearly target entry-level users and could reshape expectations for affordability—especially if local parts and local battery supply reduce costs further.
Budget and Taxes: Why Prices Could Move Lower
Mansoor also indicated that vehicle taxes may be reduced in the upcoming federal budget. If the government lowers taxes or adjusts duties, it could make hybrid, electric, and even conventional vehicles more affordable. In Pakistan, taxes and duties often contribute a large share of a car’s final on-road price, so small changes in policy can have a noticeable impact on what buyers pay.
He also pointed to a broader market change: the long-standing dominance of a few major automobile manufacturers is beginning to weaken as new companies enter the market and localisation increases. According to Mansoor, stronger competition and local manufacturing could reduce car prices by up to Rs. 2.5 million in some segments. The key takeaway is that policy support plus competition can work together—tax relief can cut prices immediately, while localisation can reduce costs over time.
Local Battery Production: May and September Targets
A major factor for EV affordability is battery supply. Mansoor said Pakistan’s first lithium battery manufacturing plant is expected to begin production by May, while another battery plant is likely to start operations in September.
He added that around 74% of battery components will be produced locally. Local production can reduce EV costs because imported batteries are expensive due to foreign exchange costs, freight, and taxes. If battery packs and components are made in Pakistan, manufacturers can source parts more cheaply and buyers may see more stable pricing even when the rupee fluctuates.
For consumers, local battery manufacturing also matters for after-sales support. Wider availability of battery parts and trained technicians can improve maintenance, repairs, and replacement options, which are common worries for first-time EV buyers.
Range Claims and What Buyers Should Watch Before Launch
Mansoor said locally developed electric vehicles are expected to offer a range of around 180 kilometers on a single charge. For city driving and short intercity travel, 180 km can cover typical daily needs, especially if home or workplace charging is available. However, real-world range often depends on speed, air-conditioning use, passenger load, road conditions, and battery health.
He also mentioned that some advanced models may reach up to 1,200 kilometers. That figure is unusually high for most EVs and may refer to future technology, special configurations, or different categories of electrified vehicles. Buyers should focus on verified range figures in real conditions, warranty terms for the battery, and charging support rather than headline numbers.
If a Rs1 million local EV arrives by June, the next questions will be practical: who is manufacturing it, what safety and quality standards it meets, what charging solution it uses, and how service and spare parts will be handled. If those pieces are in place, local EVs could become a serious option for Pakistani families looking to cut fuel costs and reduce dependence on imported petrol and diesel.
