Before dawn each day, Ahmed Ali starts his taxi and hits Islamabad’s roads, spending nearly half his day working just to cover fuel expenses. With 15 years behind the wheel, Ahmed’s experience reflects the reality for thousands of commercial drivers nationwide who devote a significant portion of their earnings to petrol amid rising prices. For those covering extensive distances daily, fuel costs have become one of the largest financial burdens in their profession.
In response, the federal government has introduced the National Electric Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-30, aiming to promote electric vehicle usage, reduce reliance on imported fuel, and lower harmful emissions. However, for many commercial drivers in Islamabad, the crucial question remains whether electric vehicles are genuinely affordable or still out of reach for those who need them most.
Taxi drivers, ride-hailing operators, and motorcyclists often spend long hours on the road, covering hundreds of kilometres weekly. Even slight increases in petrol prices directly impact their daily income. Ahmed notes that rising fuel costs force continuous driving despite the financial strain, as stopping work means losing income entirely. Beyond fuel, maintenance costs, oil changes, and rising spare parts prices further erode their earnings. While many drivers are aware of electric vehicles, the high initial purchase price makes ownership seem unattainable.
The government views electric mobility as a key strategy to curb Pakistan’s fuel import expenses and combat air pollution. The NEV Policy 2025-30 includes financial incentives to boost EV adoption, efforts to expand charging infrastructure, support for local manufacturing, and targets to increase electric vehicle usage over the coming years. Islamabad has become a focal point for these initiatives, with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) expanding charging stations and electric buses already operating on several routes.
Urban planners suggest Islamabad’s planned road network and relatively shorter travel distances make it an ideal city for large-scale electric mobility trials. Nevertheless, experts emphasize that infrastructure alone will not guarantee success. Ahtasam Ahmad, energy finance and climate tech lead at Renewables First in Islamabad, explains that electric vehicles are financially viable for commercial drivers who clock high daily mileage, though the benefits accrue over time rather than upfront.
He points out that electric two-wheelers cost 50% to 80% more initially than petrol motorcycles, but their operating costs are significantly lower—approximately Rs1.5 to Rs2 per kilometre compared to Rs6 per kilometre for petrol bikes. For commercial riders, these savings can accumulate rapidly, offsetting the higher purchase price within the vehicle’s lifespan. Ahmad estimates monthly savings of Rs5,000 to Rs8,000 for those switching to electric two-wheelers, depending on travel distance.
Despite these financial advantages, many drivers remain hesitant to adopt EVs due to concerns about battery life, charging availability, financing options, and maintenance. One ride-hailing driver questioned where and how quickly they could recharge if the battery ran low during work hours. Ahmad acknowledges that such worries are common across Pakistan’s EV market, where limited charging infrastructure and unfamiliar technology fuel range anxiety.
Currently, most electric motorcycles use graphene-coated lead-acid batteries, which are more susceptible to faults than newer battery technologies. Additionally, the servicing ecosystem is still evolving; EV maintenance requires specialized expertise and can sometimes cost more than servicing conventional motorcycles.
Another widespread concern is whether Pakistan’s electricity grid can handle the increased demand from thousands of EVs charging daily. Energy experts argue that EV adoption should be integrated into broader energy planning rather than treated solely as a transportation issue. Abdur Rehman, manager of power markets, explains that while the national grid has sufficient generation capacity to support near-term EV growth, the challenge lies in expanding charging infrastructure and upgrading local distribution networks.
He notes that Pakistan’s electricity generation fell from 154 terawatt-hours in FY22 to 135 terawatt-hours in FY25 due to rapid rooftop solar adoption. EVs could help create productive demand and improve utilization of existing power assets. However, practical EV adoption requires a robust network of home, workplace, and public chargers. Coordinated efforts among government, regulators, and distribution companies are essential to expand charging access, implement time-of-use tariffs, and enable smart charging that shifts demand to daytime solar hours and off-peak periods.
