• BYD plans to launch its first locally assembled EV in Pakistan by July or August 2026.
• The new plant near Karachi will initially produce 25,000 units per year on a double shift.
• BYD aims for a 30-35% market share in Pakistan's growing EV and plug-in hybrid market.
• The government has reduced tariffs by 45% to boost charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
• The first model to be launched is the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid pickup truck.

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD plans to roll out its first car assembled in Pakistan by July or August 2026. This initiative is part of BYD's strategy to capture the growing demand for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the region, according to Dawn and Reuters.

The new plant, located near Karachi, has been under construction since April and is a joint venture between BYD and Mega Motor Company, a subsidiary of Hub Power. The initial production capacity is set at 25,000 units per year on a double shift, although details on reaching full capacity are not yet available, as stated by India Times and Reuters.

Initially, the assembly will focus on imported parts with some local production of non-electric components. Danish Khaliq, BYD’s vice president of sales and strategy in Pakistan, expressed confidence in the local market, stating, "We do not foresee excess capacity in our system as demand in Pakistan will catch up," according to Dawn and India Times.

BYD anticipates that the market for EVs and plug-in hybrids in Pakistan will expand three to four times by 2025. Currently, the estimated market size is around 1,000 units for 2024, and BYD aims for a market share of 30-35%. Furthermore, BYD is set to launch its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid pickup truck shortly, enhancing competition in the sector, as other brands like China's MG and Haval are also entering, according to Reuters and India Times.

Plug-in hybrids are particularly appealing in Pakistan due to the current lack of charging infrastructure for all-electric vehicles. In response, the government has cut power tariffs for charging stations by 45% to encourage the adoption of EVs, as outlined by Dawn and Reuters.