Dewan Farooque Motors Limited, a Karachi-based automobile importer and manufacturer, is set to locally assemble and launch Chinese electric trucks in Pakistan by the first quarter of 2025. The project is part of the company’s efforts to introduce sustainable transportation solutions under Pakistan’s evolving electric vehicle (EV) landscape.
The new truck, named Kama, is based on the robust structure of the diesel-powered Shehzore model. According to Kashif Riaz, Director of Projects at Dewan Farooque Motors, completely built units (CBUs) of the Kama have already arrived in Pakistan for local assembly and testing. “This light commercial vehicle features a 300-kilometer electric range and supports rapid charging, offering significantly reduced operating costs compared to traditional fuel-powered trucks,” Riaz said.
A Step Toward Sustainability
The launch aligns with Pakistan’s National Electric Vehicles Policy (NEVP), which aims to have EVs constitute 30% of all passenger vehicles and heavy-duty truck sales by 2030 and 90% by 2040.
Riaz highlighted the broader implications of adopting EV technology, stating that it could reduce reliance on fuel imports, enhance domestic manufacturing, and even secure carbon credits from the World Bank. “With abundant lithium resources and the potential for in-country battery production, Pakistan has the capability to achieve 100% localized EV manufacturing,” he added.
By localizing production and eliminating the need for traditional engines and transmissions, Pakistan could become a global exporter of electric vehicles, Riaz suggested, underscoring the importance of government support for accelerating this transformation.
Pakistan’s EV Policy at a Glance
Hybrid electric vehicle sales in Pakistan have surged over the past year, with global and local companies stepping up their EV commitments. Chinese EV giant BYD, in partnership with Mega Motors, entered the Pakistani market in August and aims to electrify up to 50% of all vehicles in the country by 2030.
The government has introduced several measures to promote EV adoption, including:
- Subsidies of Rs50,000 for electric motorcycles and Rs200,000 for three-wheelers.
- Financing options with reduced interest rates, allowing consumers to pay as little as Rs9,000 per month.
- Reduced duties on EV components to boost local manufacturing.
Additionally, Pakistan is developing a charging infrastructure with collaborations between companies like BYD and oil marketing firms, planning to establish up to 30 charging stations initially.
Expanding EV Horizons
Dewan Farooque Motors plans to assemble electric vehicles under the completely knocked down (CKD) license, reducing import costs compared to fully assembled units. The company’s efforts complement broader initiatives to transform Pakistan into a leader in sustainable mobility.
This launch of the Kama truck signals a significant leap forward for Pakistan’s automotive industry, paving the way for cleaner, cost-effective, and locally manufactured transportation solutions.
