Pakistan plans to establish approximately 3,000 public electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities nationwide by 2030 under its New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-30, the Ministry of Industries and Production has informed the National Assembly. The target is part of the government’s efforts to develop the infrastructure required to support electric mobility and encourage wider adoption of electric vehicles. In a written response to a question from Malik Shakir Bashir Awan, the ministry outlined plans to begin with 40 fast-charging stations along motorways and selected sections of the National Highway (N-5). Charging facilities are also planned at intervals of approximately 50 kilometres along major highways to support longer journeys between cities. The wider network is expected to include fast chargers, Level 2 and Level 1 charging facilities, as well as battery-swapping infrastructure for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. The plan addresses one of the practical challenges facing EV adoption in Pakistan, where limited access to charging facilities can affect vehicle usability, particularly for drivers travelling outside major urban centres. Establishing a more accessible network would be intended to make electric mobility more convenient for private users and businesses.
The government is also planning measures to attract private investment in charging infrastructure. According to the ministry, a dedicated commercial electricity tariff for charging stations, expedited electricity connections and public-private partnerships will form part of the strategy. Viability gap funding arrangements are also being considered to help make projects financially feasible where investment costs or expected revenues could discourage private operators. Existing fuel stations are expected to play a role in expanding the network, allowing charging facilities to be introduced through established locations across cities and highways. The proposed mix of charging technologies is intended to serve different needs. Fast-charging stations can support drivers who require shorter stops during intercity travel, while Level 2 chargers may be suitable for workplaces, commercial sites and longer parking periods. Level 1 charging can provide slower charging options, particularly for smaller vehicles and parking locations. Battery-swapping facilities are planned for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, potentially allowing users to exchange depleted batteries instead of waiting for a full recharge. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on implementation, suitable locations, electricity supply and the commercial viability of individual charging projects.
The NEV Policy also includes financial incentives intended to make electric mobility more accessible. The ministry said subsidies of Rs80,000 are planned for electric two-wheelers, while buyers of eligible electric three-wheelers may receive subsidies of Rs400,000 under the policy and the Pakistan Accelerated Vehicle Electrification (PAVE) programme. The government has acknowledged that the high initial purchase price of electric vehicles remains a barrier for many consumers. It is also engaging financial institutions to improve access to financing for eligible buyers. Alongside demand-side support, the policy seeks to encourage domestic manufacturing, technology transfer, joint ventures and the development of local supply chains. Potential areas for local production include electric motors, battery packs, power electronics, charging equipment and wiring systems. The Engineering Development Board is facilitating industry development through regulatory support and monitoring local value-addition commitments. Greater domestic production could help reduce reliance on imported components over time, although the impact on vehicle prices will depend on investment, production volumes and the availability of locally manufactured parts. These measures link the charging-station target with a wider effort to develop Pakistan’s electric mobility industry.
Battery management is another part of the government’s plan, with provisions for collecting, transporting, reusing, dismantling and recycling batteries at the end of their useful lives. The framework is particularly relevant to lithium-ion batteries, which require appropriate handling to recover valuable materials and reduce environmental risks. The ministry said work was under way on regulations and a nationwide network of battery collection and recycling facilities. Developing these arrangements will be important as the number of electric vehicles grows and more batteries eventually reach the end of their service life. The planned charging infrastructure is therefore only one element of the broader transition towards electric mobility. Its success will also depend on reliable electricity connections, accessible charging locations, affordable vehicles, financing options and effective battery disposal systems. The government’s target of 3,000 public charging facilities by 2030 sets a clear direction for infrastructure development, but progress will depend on how quickly the initial stations and subsequent phases are implemented. For consumers and businesses considering electric vehicles, the availability and reliability of charging facilities will remain a key factor in determining whether electric mobility becomes a practical alternative to conventional transport.
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