Pakistan faces shortage of EV charging stations in major cities
Pakistan cuts EV charging tariffs by 45% to boost electric vehicle infrastructure. The Pakistani government has announced a significant 45 percent reduction in electricity tariffs for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, a move aimed at expanding the country’s EV infrastructure.
Federal Minister for Energy, Owais Ahmed Leghari, revealed the decision on January 15 at a press conference, announcing the country’s first electric vehicle charging policy under which the tariff will be reduced from Rs71.10 to Rs39.40 per unit.
Pakistan lacks a robust charging network for electric vehicles and there are only a few charging stations in major cities like Karachi and Lahore.
Leghari stressed the government’s commitment to making electric vehicles more accessible, saying that high electricity prices and lack of regulations are hindering the establishment of charging stations across the country.
The new tariff is expected to facilitate the setup of more charging stations, including at local shops.
Apart from the tariff reduction, Leghari highlighted that approvals for setting up charging stations will now be expedited through an online portal, taking just 15 days.
He also called on international financial institutions to help Pakistan with green financing, indicating that the move could result in the lowest electricity rates in the region for consumers and industries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the decision, saying it would bring in more investment in the electric vehicle sector and help conserve foreign exchange by reducing fuel imports.
The government also recently approved revised agreements with 14 Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which could further reduce electricity prices by Rs10 to Rs11 per unit, potentially saving Rs802 billion.
Overall, this initiative is being seen as an important step towards promoting the use of electric vehicles in Pakistan.
