Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD announced on Saturday plans to open its first car production plant in Pakistan. This move marks BYD as the inaugural major new electric vehicle (NEV) entrant in the Pakistani market, which currently faces a shortage of charging infrastructure.
The company will collaborate with Mega Motors to introduce three EV models in Pakistan, including two SUVs and a sedan. These models are expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2024. As part of its expansion, BYD will also establish three flagship stores and experience centres in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
Liu Xueliang, BYD’s general manager for Asia Pacific, emphasised that the company’s entry into Pakistan goes beyond just offering advanced vehicles. “It’s about driving a broader vision of environmental responsibility and technological innovation,” he said.
The new plant, set to begin operations in 2026, will be Pakistan’s first NEV assembly facility. Kamran Kamal, CEO of Hub Power Co. Ltd., Mega Motors’ parent company, called the deal a “landmark investment.” Hubco will also support the initiative by setting up fast-charging stations across major cities, motorways, and highways to boost the country’s EV infrastructure.
Attribution: Reuters
Subediting: Y.Yasser