Pakistan auto industry braces for major shift as Electric and Hybrid vehicles surge

Pakistan’s automobile industry is heading towards a major transformation as electric and hybrid vehicles rapidly gain ground, signalling a gradual shift away from traditional petrol-powered cars, 24NewsHD TV reported on Sunday. 

According to industry estimates, around 23 new vehicle models are expected to be launched in the Pakistani market between June and December 2026, with 20 of them featuring some form of electric technology, including hybrid and range-extended systems.

Overall, nearly 87 percent of the upcoming models are expected to be powered by electric, hybrid, or alternative energy technologies, reflecting a sharp acceleration in the country’s transition towards cleaner mobility.

Industry experts said Chinese automobile manufacturers are playing a central role in this shift, expanding their presence in Pakistan through partnerships with local companies and introducing a growing range of electric vehicles.

Automotive analyst Shafiq Ahmed Sheikh said the transition began under Pakistan’s Automotive Industry Development and Export Policy 2021–26, which laid the foundation for new energy vehicle adoption in the country.

Officials and experts said the policy shift is aimed at reducing Pakistan’s dependence on imported oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), with the transition to electric mobility expected to save the country around $4.5 billion annually in energy imports.

The government is also offering various incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, including support measures for manufacturers and buyers.