July 25, 2025

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has put plans in motion to assemble its vehicles in Pakistan starting in July or August 2026. This strategic initiative aims to leverage the increasing demand for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the region. BYD executives highlighted that their entry into Pakistan's market comes in response to a surge in interest and the incentives offered by the local government to promote electric vehicles. The assembly plant is being constructed near Karachi in partnership with Mega Motor Company, which is a subsidiary of Hub Power, a prominent Pakistani utility firm. According to Danish Khaliq, vice president of sales and strategy at BYD Pakistan, the factory is designed to have an initial production capacity of 25,000 units per year, operating on a double shift schedule. While the exact timeline for achieving full capacity has not been disclosed, the company is optimistic about meeting local market demands efficiently. Initially, the plant will focus on assembling imported components while also integrating some local production for non-electric parts. This strategic decision underscores BYD's commitment to catering to local needs first while keeping options open for future exports to right-hand drive markets in the region, contingent on economic viability. In March of this year, BYD began delivering imported electric vehicles to Pakistan. Although specific sales figures were not provided, Khaliq noted that initial sales had surpassed internal expectations by 30%, suggesting a strong market response. Looking ahead, BYD anticipates a significant market expansion for EVs and plug-in hybrids in Pakistan, projecting growth from approximately 1,000 units sold in 2024 to three to four times that number by 2025. The company aims to capture a 30-35% share of the emerging electric vehicle segment. A recent financial filing revealed that BYD Pakistan made profits of around 444 million rupees ($1.56 million) in the first quarter of 2025, indicating a positive economic outlook as the company solidifies its presence in Pakistan. Additionally, BYD is set to launch its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid pickup truck shortly, joining a competitive landscape that includes other brands like MG and Haval, who are also introducing plug-in hybrid models to cater to consumer preferences. The practical appeal of plug-in hybrids is particularly relevant in Pakistan, where the infrastructure for fully electric vehicles is still developing, with a notable scarcity of charging stations. In efforts to facilitate the transition to electric mobility, the Pakistani government has previously slashed power tariffs for EV charging stations by 45%, which is expected to encourage increased adoption of electric vehicles across the country. With these strategic initiatives and the backing of government incentives, BYD's entry into Pakistan's automotive sector promises to reshape the landscape of transportation in the region, aligning with global trends towards sustainable energy and electric mobility.

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Tags: Byd, Electric vehicles, Pakistan, Plug-in hybrids, Automotive industry,