Plan to electrify conventional vehicles

A day after announcing a reduction in power rates for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS), Pakistan on Thursday sought France’s support for access to its Green Fund to enable the transition of conventional small vehicles to electric technology to ensure a cleaner environment and savings in oil imports. Power Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari formally discussed the proposal with France’s Ambassador Nicolas Galey to support the transition of small vehicles to electric technology in Pakistan. The government estimates that about Rs50,000-150,000 investment could enable the conversion of bikes, three-wheelers and small vehicles of up to 800cc from fossil fuels to electric engines. About $6bn worth of petrol is reportedly imported annually to meet the requirements of around 10 million motorbikes alone.