KARACHI: The sharp rise in petroleum prices across Pakistan has sparked a notable increase in consumer interest towards plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), industry experts revealed on Monday. As the cost of petrol climbs beyond 320 Pakistani rupees per litre, the financial burden of operating conventional sports utility vehicles (SUVs) has become increasingly unsustainable for many drivers, pushing them to seek more cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation options.
The escalating fuel prices have made it clear that owning and running traditional petrol-powered SUVs is no longer economically viable for a large segment of the population. This shift in consumer behavior is not only driven by environmental concerns but also by the direct impact on household budgets. Syed Asif Ahmed, Director of Sales and Marketing at Chery Master Pakistan, emphasized that the surge in fuel costs has transformed the issue from a mere environmental debate into a pressing financial challenge for everyday commuters.
Industry data highlights the stark contrast in operating expenses between conventional and hybrid vehicles. For instance, a typical petrol-fueled C-segment SUV, which averages around 10 kilometers per litre, now incurs a cost of approximately 32 rupees per kilometre. Meanwhile, traditional hybrid vehicles, offering better fuel efficiency at about 18 kilometers per litre, still face rising fuel expenses, costing roughly 18 rupees per kilometre. However, the most significant savings are seen with plug-in hybrids and range-extended electric vehicles, which combine the benefits of electric driving with petrol backup.
These advanced vehicles allow most urban journeys to be completed solely on electric power. A fully charged modern plug-in hybrid SUV can cover nearly 170 kilometres on electricity alone. Considering the average electricity tariff of 50 rupees per unit, a full charge costs around 1,700 rupees, translating to roughly 10 rupees per kilometre. This represents a substantial saving of about 22 rupees per kilometre compared to traditional petrol SUVs, making PHEVs and REEVs highly attractive for cost-conscious consumers.
Adding to this trend is the increasing adoption of solar energy solutions across Pakistan. The implementation of net metering policies and the growing installation of household solar panels are enabling many consumers to generate their own electricity, thereby reducing their overall energy bills. This development further lowers the effective cost of charging electric vehicles, enhancing their appeal as a sustainable and economical choice for daily transportation.
Ahmed pointed out that plug-in hybrids and range-extended electric vehicles are particularly well-suited for the Pakistani market. Unlike fully electric vehicles, which depend entirely on charging infrastructure that is still developing in many parts of the country, PHEVs and REEVs offer the flexibility of petrol engines for longer trips. This hybrid approach provides peace of mind to drivers concerned about range limitations and charging availability.
From a broader economic perspective, experts underline the potential benefits of this shift towards more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles. Pakistan’s heavy reliance on imported oil makes the national economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global fuel prices. Official estimates indicate that a 20 percent increase in international oil prices could add hundreds of billions of rupees to the country’s trade deficit, exacerbating fiscal pressures.
Encouraging widespread adoption of plug-in hybrids and range-extended electric vehicles could help mitigate these economic risks by reducing the demand for imported petroleum products. This transition not only promises to lower individual transportation costs but also has the potential to ease the strain on Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and improve the overall balance of trade.
With fuel prices reaching unprecedented levels, the growing popularity of plug-in hybrid and range-extended electric vehicles presents a practical and financially sensible alternative for Pakistan’s SUV owners. As the market evolves, these vehicles are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the country’s automotive landscape and energy consumption patterns in the years ahead.
