Last year it was reported that BYD, the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer from China, has joined hands with Pakistan’s Sapphire group for manufacturing & sales of of electric vehicles in the country.
The Federal Minister for Energy, Mr Hammad Azhar on Twitter, called it the outcome of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy announced by the federal government, saying that Pakistan is moving towards electrification of mass transit.
As a consequence of EV policy announcement by fed govt, Pak is moving towards electrification of mass transit. BYD, the largest global electric bus manufacturer along with Sapphire group have joined hands to develop market development & manufacturing of electric vehicles in Pak.
— Hammad Azhar (@Hammad_Azhar) May 20, 2021
Little was known about which vehicles actually Sapphire will be making here in collaboration with BYD, however just recently a first BYD vehicle has been spotted running on the roads of Rahim Yar Khan. The spotted BYD is identified as M3 7-seat electric vehicle which is owned by Sapphire Energy Pvt Ltd according to MTMIS Punjab.
BYD M3 spotted in RYK by Cabalo Valador
Interestingly the vehicle was a right hand drive unit, and with its emblems fully exposed, its hard to say whether its being purposely tested for a market launch or the company is using it for other purposes. However the mentioned price of PKR 5.9 million on MTMIS data should be much lower for end users if the vehicle is to be formally launched in the country.
BYD M3 spotted in RYK by Cabalo Valador
The BYD M3 gets a permanent magnet synchronous motor good for 134 hp (100 kW) and 180 Nm, with a top speed of 100 km/h. Juicing the motor is a proprietary BYD lithium-ion NCM battery with a capacity of 50.3 kWh, which offers the van a travel range of up to 300 km on a single charge.
Related: BYD to Help Toyota Build a Cheap EV Sedan
It is yet unknown at this stage whether Sapphire will limit itself to market commercial electric vehicles or will tap the passenger vehicle segment too with BYD sedans, hatchbacks, crossovers & MPVs. More on this development to be shared soon, stay tuned to CarSpiritPK.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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