The Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) has called on the government to take immediate measures against the use of unsafe and outdated battery technologies in electric vehicles (EVs), warning that such practices could harm consumer confidence and derail Pakistan’s long-term environmental objectives. The association stressed that directing subsidies toward poor-quality EVs would not only waste public funds but also slow the adoption of reliable and sustainable electric mobility solutions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, PAMA Director General Abdul Waheed Khan said that despite the government’s financial incentives for EV adoption, many consumers still face high costs and are unknowingly investing in vehicles equipped with inferior battery systems. He emphasized that the market is being flooded with electric two-wheelers powered by lead-acid batteries coated with a superficial layer of graphene, marketed as “advanced technology” when they are not. “Over 90 percent of electric two-wheelers sold in Pakistan today use lead-acid batteries under misleading claims of graphene enhancement. This is nothing but a deception,” Khan said, adding that such practices are detrimental to both the industry and consumers.
The auto association’s warning comes shortly after the federal government announced the Pakistan Accelerated Vehicle Electrification (PAVE) Programme 2025–30. The initiative aims to support EV adoption through a revenue-neutral mechanism funded by up to a 3 percent levy on internal combustion engine vehicles. The programme includes Rs122 billion in subsidies to encourage the development of a greener auto ecosystem, with one key condition being that only vehicles powered by lithium or other advanced battery technologies would qualify for these incentives. PAMA expressed concern that misrepresentation in the local market could undermine the objectives of this policy, as unregulated products continue to circulate under false claims of technological advancement.
Globally, lithium-ion batteries are widely regarded as the standard for quality, efficiency, and durability, with warranties extending up to five years or more. In contrast, locally marketed “graphene-coated” batteries rarely carry warranties beyond 24 months, reflecting their lack of proven reliability. Khan also pointed out that no legitimate graphene battery product is commercially available worldwide, further underscoring the misleading nature of such claims. He criticized groups within the local market for spreading inaccurate data about EV adoption and global production statistics, noting that such misinformation could distort public perception and policy outcomes.
Urging the government to safeguard both consumers and industry standards, PAMA called for stricter enforcement and monitoring to ensure that subsidies and incentives are allocated only to manufacturers deploying internationally recognized, safe, and proven battery technologies. Khan emphasized that transparency and data accuracy are essential for sustaining trust in Pakistan’s electric mobility transition, warning that unchecked misinformation and substandard products could undermine years of policy progress toward sustainable transportation.
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