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Electric Dreams:

 Can Pakistan Join The EV Revolution?

Electric Dreams

Pakistan's electric vehicle landscape is abuzz, but can the nation overcome infrastructure hurdles?

KARACHI:

Forget the familiar roar of exhaust pipes and the smog-choked streets. A different soundtrack is emerging in Pakistan's urban jungles – the gentle whir of electric motors and the soft hum of progress.

 The dust plumes on Pakistan's roads are slowly giving way to the whisper of electric motors. The nation, long accustomed to the rumble of gasoline engines, is witnessing a silent revolution on wheels.

 From humble electric rickshaws zipping through bustling bazaars to sleek electric buses gliding down newly paved avenues, the electric vehicle (EV) landscape is buzzing with possibilities.

This isn't just a technological shift; it's a cultural transformation for a country hungry for cleaner air and quieter streets. Pakistan's EV journey is picking up speed, with motorbikes buzzing past curious onlookers, and car showrooms showcasing futuristic electric sedans alongside rugged SUVs.

 But is the infrastructure ready for this green wave? Are charging stations sprouting like roadside chai stalls? Most importantly, are drivers prepared to trade petrol pumps for charging plugs?

The government of Pakistan approved an ambitious National Electric Vehicles Policy (NEVP) in 2019 with the goal of electric vehicles comprising 30 percent of all passenger vehicle and heavy-duty truck sales by 2030, and an even more ambitious target of 90 percent by 2040.

 For two- and three-wheelers, as well as buses, the policy set a goal of achieving 50 percent of new sales by 2030 and an impressive 90 percent by 2040. This forward-looking policy reflects a commitment to transitioning the country's automotive sector toward sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.

Two-wheeler manufacturers taking the lead

In the heart of Pakistan's electric vehicle (EV) surge, two and three-wheeler manufacturers have emerged as the vanguards of a new era of sustainable mobility. These local champions,

 armed with manufacturing licenses under the Electric Vehicles (EVs) Policy 2020–2025, are not merely assembling vehicles, they are laying the foundation of Pakistan's EV landscape.

One such trailblazer is Veltre, a dynamic E-Motorbike company fully committed to the local production of electric motorbikes. The co-founders Fatiq Bin Khursheed and Syed Raza Mohsin both moved from New York to launch a revolution in the motorbike sector in Pakistan. 

In an interview with The Express Tribune, the founders of Veltran talk about the intricate details of their manufacturing process, and what impedes the progress of the EV industry. From the humming assembly lines to the collaborative spirit driving innovation, Veltre embodies the spirit of a two-wheeled revolution.

Elektra established its manufacturing plant in 2020 but faced delays in commencing production due to challenges in obtaining a Letter of Credit (LC). The first manufacturing plant became operational in September 2023, with full-scale production starting at that time.

Mohsin explained his decision to move to Pakistan, stating, "We observed that the number of motorcycle owners worldwide is much higher than the number of car owners. Thus, we decided to return to our homeland and lay the foundation for E-Motorbikes in Pakistan."

According to statistics from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), 53 percent of households in Pakistan own a motorbike compared to nine percent who own a car. Khursheed mentioned that the official number of motorcycles on the road in Pakistan is around 27 million, while the unofficial number is even higher.

Vlektra drew inspiration from Tesla, aiming to emulate its success. Mohsin emphasized the significance of their research and development department, which, inspired by their experiences in the United States, has been exceptionally active. Over the past year, Elektra introduced more features than any other brand in Pakistan has achieved in five years.

Discussing the batteries used in their EVs, Khursheed noted the inadequacy of lead-acid batteries, highlighting their use in products with lower power requirements.

 He explained the advantages of lithium batteries, emphasizing their maintenance-free nature and robust performance capacity. Elektra claims to be the first to introduce lithium batteries in EVs, using technology similar to that employed by top global EV brands.

Despite challenges, Mohsin and Khursheed chose to establish their plant in Pakistan, recognizing the absence of major players in the E-Motorbike market. They aimed to change traditional motorbike designs and offer consumers premium products at affordable prices.

Elektra gained recognition at COP28, with their bikes listed among the top 10 attractions at the conference.

 Mohsin highlighted that every product of the motorbike is manufactured in Pakistan, except for the batteries which are imported due to the economic impracticality of setting up a lithium battery plant. “From design to every bike component, everything is made in Pakistan,” he said.

In the primary motorcycle market on Akbar Road in Karachi, Sabir Sheikh, the proprietor of several shops, has noted a shift in consumer behaviour.

"Purchasers of motorcycles are now expressing interest in electric bike, scooter, and scooter alternatives. I believe many have delayed the purchase of a conventional two-wheeler, anticipating the imminent arrival of an electric two-wheel model that better suits their requirements," stated Sheikh, who also serves as the Chairman of the Association of Pakistan Motorcycle Assemblers (APMA).

Sheikh plans to establish his own company to produce two-wheel electric vehicles, assemble them, and retail the electric bikes. Previously he operated a motorcycle manufacturing company named Sitara. Additionally, Sheikh has already introduced electric scooters for sale at his stores. This proactive strategy reflects the growing interest and demand for electric vehicles in the market.

Sheikh noted that there are presently approximately seven to eight companies engaged in completely knocked-down (CKD) imports, implying that they are assembling electric bikes in Pakistan.

"Currently, about 1,000 electric bikes are being assembled in Pakistan every month,” Sheikh stated. 

“The landscape is evolving rapidly, and I anticipate the number to increase to 4,000-5,000 by June 2024. I am acquainted with individuals who have purchased electric bikes, and they express satisfaction as it is saving them up to 15,000 rupees monthly on fuel expenses," he added.

In the sun-drenched heart of Karachi, where the salty breeze carries the scent of street food and laughter, Rashid, a delivery driver with calloused hands and a weathered smile, rests his dusty helmet on the handlebars of his old motorbike.

 The engine coughs and grumbles, a familiar symphony of wear and tear that has defined his days for years. But Rashid's gaze is drawn to a sight that raises his eyebrows – a sleek Elektra Bolt parked nearby, its silent engine a stark contrast to Rashid’s own sputtering beast.

"These electric bikes," he muses, tracing the Bolt's smooth curves with his blistered thumb, "they whisper stories of change, of cleaner air and pockets heavier than fumes." The allure of a silent ride on Karachi's bustling streets, free from the oily coughs and deafening roars, is undeniable. Yet, a shadow of doubt lingers in his eyes.

"Affordability, brother," he sighs, his voice tinged with the practical wisdom of a man who counts every rupee. "My gasoline motorbike might be a dinosaur, but it doesn't guzzle the money I earn with sweat. These electric beauties sing like sirens, but can they keep my family fed?"