Daewoo Express, a prominent name in inter-city transport, is gearing up to revolutionize travel with Pakistan’s first-ever Electric Vehicles (EVs) based service. The company has announced its ambitious plans to introduce 200 electric buses, along with a fleet of 1000 EV rickshaws for Karachi and Lahore.
Expected to hit Pakistani roads in the coming years, these EVs are not just a leap in transport technology but a significant step towards enhancing air quality. Sheriar Hassan, the General Manager at Daewoo Express, expressed that embracing green technology is not only futuristic but also contributes to improving the Air Quality Index (AQI) for commuters.
Daewoo Express is actively seeking funding from an Asia-based development agency, aiming for multi-million dollar financing for these groundbreaking projects by January-February 2024.
The company envisions rolling out the EV buses by the summer of next year. However, these electric buses will be initially deployed on shorter routes, with a maximum distance of 225 kilometers. This strategic decision is to ensure seamless operation without the need for frequent charging stops, avoiding inconvenience for passengers.
The short routes include key destinations such as Karachi to Hyderabad, Peshawar to Rawalpindi, Lahore to Faisalabad, and Lahore to Sialkot. As for fares, Daewoo Express is yet to finalize pricing details, considering the fluctuating nature of electricity prices. Charging stations will be set up at all terminals to support the EV fleet.
While Daewoo is in talks with several Chinese bus manufacturers for the supply of electric buses, the choice of the manufacturer remains undecided. If successful, Daewoo Express might even venture into electric bus manufacturing.
In addition to the EV bus project, Daewoo Express is set to launch its Electric Rickshaw ride-hailing service in Karachi and Lahore. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sazgar Engineering for the production of 1000 electric rickshaws.
Financing agencies, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), are expected to contribute around $24 million to support this eco-friendly initiative. While the Ministry of Climate Change approves the project for its positive impact on reducing pollution, it also recommends the use of renewable energy sources for charging electric buses, promoting sustainability in the transport sector.
