Renowned automobile expert Sunil Sarfraz Munj, co-founder of PakWheels, has expressed skepticism about Pakistan’s ability to achieve its target of electric vehicles (EVs) making up 30% of the total vehicle market.
In a recent podcast, Munj cited the lingering electricity crisis in many parts of the country as a major obstacle. He emphasized that EVs are not a viable option for long-haul travel globally, due to the lack of charging facilities.
Munj noted that while EVs are suitable for urban areas with accessible charging stations, their adoption in Pakistan is hindered by:
- Widespread electricity shortages, particularly in small cities, towns, and villages
- Limited public charging facilities (less than 10 in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad)
- High costs, with the cheapest electric car in Pakistan being one-and-a-half times more expensive than the new Suzuki Alto
However, Munj identified two-wheelers and three-wheelers as a promising market for EV adoption in Pakistan, with affordable electric bikes available in the price range of Rs 200,000 to Rs 350,000. He suggested that retrofitting conventional motorcycles to electric bikes could be a cost-effective solution to reduce fuel import costs and protect the environment.
Other key points from the podcast include:
- The global trend of EV adoption is slowing down due to limitations in charging infrastructure
- Even in developed countries like Singapore and Canada, EV adoption is hindered by charging facility constraints
Munj’s insights highlight the challenges Pakistan faces in achieving its EV targets and emphasize the need for a more realistic approach to promoting sustainable transportation in the country.
