Pakistan plans 3,000 public EV charging stations by 2030

Pakistan plans to establish around 3,000 public electric-vehicle charging stations nationwide by 2030 under its New Energy Vehicle Policy 2025–30. The Ministry of Industries and Production disclosed the target in a written response submitted to the National Assembly following a question from lawmaker Malik Shakir Bashir Awan.

The first phase envisages installing 40 fast-charging stations along motorways and selected sections of the N-5 national highway. Charging points are planned at intervals of approximately 50 kilometres on major routes, an arrangement intended to make intercity journeys more practical for electric-vehicle users.

The proposed network will not be limited to one charging technology. The government intends to promote fast chargers as well as Level 2 and Level 1 facilities, allowing infrastructure to serve different vehicle types and charging requirements. Fuel stations will also be encouraged to add electric-vehicle charging units to their existing operations.

Battery-swapping facilities are planned for electric motorcycles and three-wheelers, two categories that account for a large portion of Pakistan’s urban transport. Swapping could reduce waiting times for commercial riders and commuters, although the policy’s success will depend on compatible battery standards and adequate coverage in high-demand locations.

To attract private investment, authorities plan to offer a dedicated commercial electricity tariff for charging businesses and accelerate the process of securing electricity connections. The policy also allows public-private partnerships and viability-gap funding for stations that may initially struggle to become commercially sustainable because of limited demand.

The programme extends beyond charging infrastructure to the handling of batteries after their useful life. Officials are developing rules for the collection, transportation, reuse, dismantling and recycling of electric-vehicle batteries, particularly lithium-ion units. A nationwide network of collection and recycling facilities is also envisioned.

The 3,000-station figure is a policy target rather than a count of facilities already built. Achieving it will require coordinated implementation by federal agencies, provincial authorities, electricity distributors, fuel retailers and private investors. Reliable technical standards, transparent approvals and predictable electricity pricing will be essential for maintaining investor and consumer confidence.

A sufficiently broad charging network could address one of the main barriers to electric-vehicle adoption while helping Pakistan reduce its dependence on imported fuel. The next measurable steps will be the commissioning of the initial motorway and N-5 chargers, publication of implementation timelines and confirmation that the promised tariff, connection and investment arrangements are operating in practice.