Government To Convert 3000 CNG Stations Into EV Charging Stations

In a bid to promote electric vehicles in Pakistan, the government has set its eyes on converting as many as 3000 CNG stations into the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

The government is keen to bring electric vehicles in the country through its first-ever National Electric Vehicle Policy (NEVP). Prime Minister Imran Khan aims to convert 70% of the vehicles in the country into electric by 2030. In a recent development, the government has decided to convert 3000 CNG stations in the country into EV charging stations. By doing so, the culture of electric vehicles in the country will be promoted immensely. Currently, there is no infrastructure in Pakistan for the charging of these electric vehicles. The government wants to carry forward its campaign of ‘Clean and Green Pakistan’ by introducing electric vehicles in Pakistan. The air pollution in the atmosphere has already increased tremendously, a large portion of which is contributed by the combustion engine vehicles. However, the government is still facing criticism by the auto industry regarding the formulation of EV policy. According to the adviser to PM on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam, the policy will be revised with a few amendments to resolve the issues of the stakeholders.

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The PTI government also aims to convert 100,000 passenger cars and as many as 500,000 motorbikes and rickshaws into electric in the coming 4 years period. However, there are several other challenges for the government including the establishment of an infrastructure to make electric vehicles a popular choice for the general public. Without the availability of EV charging stations, the people will have to charge their automobiles at their home which will significantly overload the local power transformers. Most importantly, the government will have to establish a cost-effective charging infrastructure to achieve its target in the next 10 years.

In the initial stages, the price of battery-powered vehicles will also be a defining factor for the future of EVs in Pakistan. Nonetheless, it will substantially improve the quality of air that has been adversely affected by carbon emissions. The government also wants to bring affordable transport for the general public soon. Moreover, the PM adviser on Climate Change also believes that shifting to electric vehicles will reduce the annual oil import bill of the country by nearly $1 billion. To attract new investment in this sector, the government is also offering several tax-based incentives. Perhaps it will be interesting to find out whether the government succeeds in turning its aim of bringing EV culture into reality or not.

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