Abstract
This second article in the series on EVs in Pakistan: Driving the Green Shift chronicles the various pillars that qualify power for the ambitions of electric mobility in Pakistan: charging infrastructure, renewable energy integration, smart grid modernization, and battery recycling. It going onward discusses the current status: 40 chargers on the motorway, compared with global best practices benchmarked against 49,300 expressway bay in China and 25,202 public charging stations in India; past solar energy applications in Pakistan (4.1 GW of net metered capacity); and suggests a phased road map for achieving 30% EV penetration by 2030.
Introduction
The first article laid down a strategic roadmap for Pakistan’s EV introduction, setting ambitious targets under the NEVP 2020 and identifying barriers in the marketplace. This time, let us talk about the how: how will we build a ubiquitous charging network, harness clean energy, digitize the grid, and circle battery life back in? Strong infrastructure and circular practices are key for overcoming range anxiety and ensuring resilience in the grid as EVs scale throughout urban and rural Pakistan.
1. Current Infrastructure Landscape
1.1 Motorway Charging Rollout
The government approved in November 2024 the establishment of 40 fast-charging stations along the national motorways (M1-M5), approximately every 120 km apart, giving preferential tariff to the operators at PKR 39.75/unit for the motivation of operators.
1.2 Framework of the Restructuring
For EV-ready parking and chargers in all new or renovated buildings, NEECA’s ECBC 2024 is oldest on the list.
With an attraction of making higher than one hundred percent improvement, NEVP 2020 encourages converting more than 3,000 legacy CNG/fuel stations into EV charging hubs.
| Matric | Value |
| Approved Motorway Stations | 40 |
| Planned Public Stations (2025–26) | 50 |
| Legacy CNG Stations (Conversion Pool) | 3000 |
2. Global Benchmarks: Inspiration for Pakistan
| Country | Stations | Key Initiative |
| China | 49,300 (expressway bays) | Mandatory EV zones, public–private rollouts |
| India | 25,202 (public chargers) | FAME‑II & PM E‑DRIVE, highway & urban focus |
China’s expressway network now features charging bays at 97% of service areas, driving a 45% year‑on‑year surge in EV sales . India aligned infrastructure with demand, deploying 25,202 public chargers by December 2024 under FAME‑II .
3. Renewable Energy Integration
3.1 Solar Capacity Surge
- Net‑Metered Solar: Expanded from 1.3 GW (mid‑2023) to 4.1 GW (Dec 2024) .
- Panel Imports: 22 GW of solar modules imported in 2024, ranking Pakistan among the top global markets .
3.2 Deployment Recommendations
- Rooftop Solar Canopies: Over public parking lots in Lahore and Karachi.
- Highway Solar Farms: Co‑locate ground‑mounted arrays with BESS‑backed fast chargers.
4. Smart Grid Modernization
4.1 Grid Challenges
- T&D Losses: 18.31% of generated power lost in transmission & distribution .
- Load‑Shedding: Rural areas face 6–12 hours/day of outages .
4.2 Digital & Demand‑Side Solutions
| Technology | Application | Benefit |
| AMI & IoT Sensors | Real‑time load monitoring | Rapid fault detection |
| Time‑of‑Use Tariffs | Off‑peak charging incentives | Flattened demand curves |
| Vehicle‑to‑Grid | EVs supply power back to grid | Peak‑load support |
Pilot AMI deployments (2025–26) and V2G trials with fleets (2027–28) will enable a fully digital grid by 2030 .
5. Battery Recycling & Circular Economy
Prototype EV battery recycling plant.
As EV volumes grow, sustainable end‑of‑life management for high‑value batteries is critical:
- Global Leaders: Li‑Cycle’s new facility in New York will process enough material to support production of 180,000 EVs/year .
- Circular Practices in Pakistan:
- Battery Buy‑Back Programs: Incentivize return of spent packs to certified recyclers.
- Local Material Recovery: Develop pilot plants in SEZs for mechanical & hydrometallurgical processing.
- Second‑Life Batteries: Repurpose EV packs for stationary storage, supporting grid stability and renewable integration.
6. Strategic Roadmap & Policy Enablers
7. The Emergence of Local EV Manufacturing
Electric vehicle assembly in Pakistan.
The domestic EV manufacturing sector is gaining momentum:
Licenses Granted: The government has issued licenses to 57 EV manufacturers, introducing tax exemptions and reducing charging tariffs to stimulate growth.
Entry of BYD: The Chinese EV giant BYD is set to establish a plant in Karachi by 2026 and will scale that plant to produce 100,000 electric vehicles annually by 2030.
8. Investment Outlook and Public Private Partnerships
In view of the emerging collaboration between public agencies and private firms for EV station promotion.
Realize aggressive EV objectives that involve Pakistan in the pursuit of:
- Joint ventures between local manufacturers and foreign EV technology leaders (e.g., MG Motors, BYD, JAC Motors).
- SEZs for EV Ecosystem: SEZs set up for EV start-ups and battery recycling units with customs and tax exemptions.
- Mobilization of international financing under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and climate tech bonds is needed for green financing and climate funds.
9. Roadmap from now to 2030:
The Way Forward Based on trends now unfolding and findings from the second article, here is a three-phased rollout proposal for EV infrastructure development:
Phase 1 (2024-2025): Foundational – Pilot launch of fast-charge corridors in the Lahore-Islamabad-Karachi triangle. – Roof-top solar and EV charger pilot projects in public institutions. – Modify the Building Code of the ECBC for EV-readiness in all buildings.
Phase 2: Expansion (2026-2028) Roll out 1000 additional chargers on urban territories and highways. Activate 3 battery recycling hubs and localized cell testing labs. Extend V2G pilot programs with DISCOs Supporting.
Phase 3: Maturity (Readings on EV adoption)- 2030: 100% digital metering for the EV grid integration; 30% conversion of two- and three-wheelers to electric; launch of a national EV monitoring and sustainability dashboard.
Conclusion
Pakistan is now on the verge of a transportation revolution. As it addresses the challenges of energy and emissions in this country, a focused effort into infrastructure expansion, renewable energy integration, as well as smart grid transformation will serve to clear some of the roadblocks in that vision. This vision’s success will depend not just on policies and technologies but on cohesive partnerships, public participation, and future-ready investments. This infrastructure development is not simply putting up chargers; rather, it is about charging the country to energy independence and environmental resilience.
References
- NEECA Energy Code 2024 – neeca.gov.pk
- NEPRA EV Tariff Update 2025 – profit.pakistantoday.com.pk
- TEC Spectrum EV Infrastructure Report – tecspectrum.com
- World Bank Renewable Integration Report 2024
- Ministry of Industries, Pakistan – EV Manufacturing Licenses
- BYD Pakistan Joint Venture News – dunyanews.tv
This exclusive article has been written by @Hamid Tariq and published in Automark’s May-2025 printed/digital edition.