Pakistan’s transportation landscape is experiencing a transformative shift as ride-hailing platforms like inDrive take the lead in promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption. With a strong commitment to sustainability and tech-led innovation, inDrive has unveiled a series of impactful projects aimed at reshaping urban mobility, reducing emissions, and aligning with Pakistan’s national EV goals.
The company is at the forefront of Pakistan’s push toward electric mobility, complementing government’s target of achieving 30% EV penetration by 2030. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Aman Alekseev, Impact Projects Manager at inDrive, highlighted the growth potential of the local EV market, pointing to the rise of domestic manufacturers and increasing participation of Chinese companies. “We are building collaborations to make this transition inclusive and scalable,” he said.
One of inDrive’s most innovative projects revolves around retrofitting petrol motorcycles into electric ones, drastically cutting conversion costs and making EV ownership feasible for gig economy workers and everyday commuters. Instead of purchasing a brand-new electric bike, drivers can convert their existing petrol models and power them with swappable batteries, which are now supported by a growing network of 21 battery swap stations in Islamabad alone.
In just six months, 60 converted motorcycles have travelled more than 400,000 kilometres, resulting in a collective saving of approximately Rs1.4 million in fuel and maintenance costs. According to inDrive, riders are reporting monthly savings of up to 40% when compared to traditional petrol bikes — a compelling incentive amid rising fuel prices.
To further reduce the financial barriers to EV adoption, inDrive and its partners are testing a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) scheme. This model enables drivers to acquire brand-new electric bikes with minimal upfront payments, making clean mobility more accessible to a broader segment of the population.
But the company’s ambitions aren’t limited to two-wheelers. inDrive is also working on rolling out electric cars for ride-hailing services in major cities. The company plans to deploy 50 EVs each in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, further strengthening public trust and visibility around electric vehicles. “Initiatives like these build trust and awareness,” Alekseev emphasized. “They show EVs aren’t just a concept — they’re a reality benefiting everyday people.”
Beyond EV deployment, inDrive is also pioneering artificial intelligence integration in Pakistan’s ride-hailing industry. According to Muhammad Awais Saeed, inDrive’s Country Head in Pakistan, the company has adopted AI and machine learning tools for optimized ride dispatching, fraud detection, and enhancing the overall rider and driver experience. This makes inDrive the first ride-hailing platform in Pakistan to embed AI into its core operations.
Saeed further shared that inDrive is actively engaged in ongoing discussions with key stakeholders to scale sustainable mobility initiatives. These include expansion of bike swapping stations, broader adoption of the retrofitting model, and potential collaboration with local automaker Honri to introduce their upcoming EV model.
However, despite strong momentum, inDrive acknowledges a few bureaucratic hurdles that may hinder the full-scale execution of some of its projects. Saeed pointed out the need for smoother regulatory pathways to enable quicker rollout of EV infrastructure and supportive policies for startups operating in the green mobility sector.
Through a blend of local partnerships, cutting-edge technology, and a mission-driven approach, inDrive is not just participating in Pakistan’s EV transition — it’s helping define it.
