Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is reportedly set to launch its first Pakistan-assembled car by July or August 2026, aiming to tap into the growing demand for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the region. According to a report in Reuters, the move comes as BYD expands its global footprint amidst an intense price war in its home market. The new plant in Pakistan not only addresses the rising demand from emerging markets but also leverages incentives provided by the Pakistani government.Danish Khaliq, vice president of sales and strategy at BYD Pakistan, informed Reuters that the plant, a joint venture between BYD and Mega Motor Company (a subsidiary of Pakistani utility Hub Power), has been under construction near Karachi since April.Initially, the facility will boast an annual production capacity of 25,000 units on a double-shift basis, Khaliq stated. He did not specify when the plant would reach full capacity or when mass production would commence.
What will be assembled at BYD Pakistan plant
As per Reuters report, Khaliq detailed that the plant would begin by assembling imported parts, with some non-electric components produced locally. Production will initially cater to the domestic market, with the potential for exports to right-hand drive countries in the region, contingent on freight costs and business economics.“We do not foresee excess capacity in our system as demand in Pakistan will catch up,” Khaliq affirmed.Looking ahead, Khaliq anticipates the market size for EVs and plug-in hybrid cars in Pakistan to grow threefold to fourfold in 2025 from approximately 1,000 total units in 2024. BYD is targeting a 30-35% share of this expanding segment, he added.In a further sign of its commitment to the Pakistani market, BYD is scheduled to launch its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid pickup truck in Pakistan. The segment is also seeing competition, with China’s MG already selling a PHEV SUV and rival Haval set to join soon.Plug-in hybrids are seen as a more practical option in Pakistan due to the country’s limited charging infrastructure for all-electric vehicles. To encourage EV adoption and private charging stations, the government has reportedly slashed power tariffs for chargers by 45% in January.
