BEIJING, Aug. 4: Pakistan’s transition towards electric mobility is accelerating, with imports of Chinese plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) recording unprecedented growth during the first half of 2026, reflecting rising consumer demand and the country’s push for cleaner transportation.
According to trade statistics released by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), Pakistan imported plug-in hybrid station wagons with engine capacities of 1.0 to 1.5 litres worth US$191 million during January-June 2026, compared to US$16.3 million in the same period last year. The increase represents a 1,073% surge in import value, while the number of imported vehicles rose 857% to 12,513 units.
Imports of plug-in hybrid saloon cars in the same engine category also witnessed remarkable growth, increasing from US$9.2 million to US$90.3 million, with unit sales rising nearly tenfold, according to a report by China Economic Net (CEN).
The country’s growing appetite for new-energy vehicles has also expanded to other segments. Owais Mir, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dynamic Engineering & Automation (DEA) Group, said plug-in hybrid four-wheel-drive crossovers, which were almost absent from Pakistan’s market a year ago, generated imports worth US$123 million during the first six months of 2026 alone.
The electrification trend is also reshaping Pakistan’s two-wheeler market. Imports of Chinese electric motorcycles increased almost fivefold in value, rising from US$14.7 million to US$69.9 million, highlighting increasing adoption of electric bikes among urban commuters, where motorcycles remain the primary mode of transport for millions of Pakistanis.
“Every major new-energy vehicle category, including plug-in hybrid wagons, saloons, and four-wheel-drive crossovers, recorded triple- and quadruple-digit growth during the first half of 2026,” Owais Mir said.
Industry experts attribute the rapid expansion to improving affordability of Chinese-made electric and hybrid vehicles, growing consumer interest in fuel-efficient alternatives, and recovering demand following several challenging years for Pakistan’s automobile financing sector.
Omar Malik, Chairman and CEO of Kingsbridge, said the momentum is closely aligned with the government’s clean energy agenda led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which aims to convert 30% of Pakistan’s vehicle fleet to electric mobility by 2030.
He noted that strong government policy combined with China’s large-scale manufacturing capacity and competitive supply chains is making electric vehicles more accessible to Pakistani consumers while supporting the country’s automotive industry.
Malik added that rising fuel prices are making electric mobility an increasingly practical option for households. He said electric motorcycles, in particular, offer a quieter, safer, and more affordable mode of transport, especially for women, while contributing to Pakistan’s climate goals and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on clean energy, climate action, and gender equality.
Analysts believe the continued expansion of Pakistan-China cooperation in the electric vehicle sector will play a significant role in reducing transport-related emissions, lowering fuel import costs, and accelerating the country’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system.
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