China’s BYD to begin assembling EVs in Pakistan by 2026

ISLAMABAD: Chinese electric vehicle company BYD has announced its plan to launch its first car assembly plant in Pakistan by July or August 2026 to meet growing demand for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the region.

An official at BYD Pakistan said that the factory has been under construction since April near Karachi in a partnership between BYD and Mega Motor Company.

The development came after BYD is all set to launch its Shark 6 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) pickup truck in Pakistan on Friday, July 25.

“Mark your calendars for July 25, 2025. If you’re Hungry for Adventure, this one’s for you,” BYD announces in a social media post.

Reuters, citing Danish Khaliq, vice president of sales and strategy at BYD Pakistan, reported that the factory will initially operate on a two-shift system with an annual production capacity of 25,000 units.

The report further added that the plant will initially assemble imported parts, with the production of some non-electric components locally.

BYD Pakistan official added that it would initially produce vehicles for the domestic market, with the potential to export to right-hand drive countries in the region based on freight costs and business economics.

Khaliq said the market size of EVs and plug-in hybrid cars is expected to grow three to four times in 2025 from around 1,000 total units in 2024 in Pakistan.

Plug-in hybrids offer a more practical option in Pakistan as the country faces a lack of charging stations for all-electric vehicles. The government slashed power tariffs for chargers by 45pc in January to encourage EV uptake and private charging stations.