Chinese EV giant to establish car production facility in Pakistan

Lahore: Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD announced its plans to establish a car production facility in Pakistan.

This move marks BYD’s entry into the Pakistani market through a strategic partnership with Mega Motors, where they intend to introduce three vehicle models.

BYD is the first major new electric vehicle (NEV) manufacturer to enter the Pakistani market, which currently suffers from a limited charging infrastructure.

Liu Xueliang, BYD’s General Manager for the Asia Pacific region, emphasized that their entry into Pakistan is not just about offering advanced vehicles but also about promoting a broader vision of environmental responsibility and technological innovation.

At a launch event here, BYD revealed plans to open three “flagship stores and experience centers” in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The company intends to begin selling two SUV models and a sedan starting in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Mega Motors, a subsidiary of Hub Power Co Ltd (Hubco), Pakistan’s largest private utility company, will collaborate with BYD on this venture.

Hubco’s Chief Executive, Kamran Kamal, described the partnership as a “landmark investment,” adding that the first NEV assembly plant in Pakistan, dedicated to manufacturing BYD’s state-of-the-art new energy vehicles, will begin operations in 2026.

Hubco plans to establish fast-charging stations across major cities, motorways, and highways to improve the country’s EV charging infrastructure.