Karachi based automobile manufacturers had developed successful Electric Vehicle (EV) conversion kits which will allow conventional vehicles to run on electric power. This was informed by Adviser to Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam who was addressing a press conference along with Pakistan Electric Vehicles and Parts Manufacturers Association in Islamabad.
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According to Amin Aslam, the Electric Vehicle Policy will boost battery manufacturing industry in the country as the charged vehicles completely run on lithium batteries. China is manufacturing 90% of the world’s technology comprising lithium on batteries and Pakistan will definitely benefit from their experience in this regard, he said.
Amin told that during his recent visit to Karachi it was encouraging to know that the auto-manufacturers had successfully developed conversion kits for fuel run vehicles.
“A motorcycle can be converted for Rs 20,000 to Rs 35,000 and the price for retrofitting of three-wheeler rickshaws and four-wheeler cars varies from vehicle to vehicle.”
The adviser highlighted that there were 4 key reasons behind adapting the electric vehicle policy that had been approved by the federal cabinet.
“First, transport emissions comprise 40% of our total air pollution where electric vehicles are going to reduce it to 70%. Second, electric vehicles are going to provide cheap transport as its expenditure cost will be 30% less than fuel based automobiles. Third, Pakistan’s import is largely occupied by oil bill as successful conversion on electric vehicles would help the country save US$ 2 billion and lastly, electric vehicles are going to bring a new revolution for eco-friendly industrial development which is necessary for the country to beat climate change.”
Amin said the aim is to get 5 lac rickshaws and motorbikes to be converted on electrification including 100,000 cars in the next 4 years. He said that discussions have also been made with the Japanese Ambassador to collaborate with Pakistan for electric vehicle conversion whereas Japan has vowed to assist us with Honda and Suzuki to shift on electric vehicles. He mentioned that in India, Suzuki and Honda have jointly developed first electric vehicle which is an encouraging precedent for Pakistan to take advantage from these leading companies.
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The adviser said that negotiations to convert 250 buses on electric technology are also underway where 100 buses under Karachi Metro would have conversion on electric batteries where BRT Peshawar would get electric hybrids.
Electric Vehicle policy would help in establishing electric motorbike and rickshaw manufacturing industries as in Lahore a prototype model of two-wheeler electric motorbike had been developed successfully. Malik Amin Aslam said the aim is to convert 30% of the total transport over electric vehicles by 2030.
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