As the automotive industry continues to shift toward sustainability, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly popular choice for drivers worldwide. With advancements in technology, many believe that EVs offer a more efficient and eco-friendly driving experience.
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Geely Holding Group’s head of global communications, Ashley Sutcliffe, highlighted this growing trend, stating that once car drivers switch to electric vehicles, “they won’t go back to petrol.”
“It’s like buying a car and then going back to a horse. It’s really uncomfortable. I easily drove 3,000 kilometers on a road trip, and the electricity bill was 415 yuan (around Rs 16.000). In a petrol car, that would have been at least 1,500 yuan (around Rs 58,000).”
In Pakistan, if one needs to travel 3,000 km in a 1,300cc car with an estimated highway fuel efficiency of 15 km/l, the required fuel will be around 200 liters. And considering the per liter price of around Rs 255, the total cost would be somewhere around Rs 51,000 for the trip (petrol in China is more expensive than in Pakistan).
According to Sutcliffe, electric vehicles have recently made up 53% of monthly vehicle sales in China, translating to about two million units sold each month. This growth is attributed to the rapid public acceptance and increasing demand, fueled by widespread charging infrastructure and competitive pricing.
Early examples of electric vehicles which were priced between 500,000 yuan and 600,000 yuan could now be purchased from 30,000 yuan, which makes them more accessible to a broader market and increases their popularity, Sutcliffe added.
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This highlights the need for electric vehicles to be more affordable and accessible to the general public for rapid adoption. Unfortunately, while Pakistan has started to embrace EVs, they are currently marketed as premium products, priced at levels that only a few elites can afford. Hopefully, this will change in the future, making quality EVs more accessible and affordable for the masses.
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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