EV Policy History
Pakistan EV policy timeline — 2019 to 2026
From Pakistan's first EV Policy in 2019 through the PAVE subsidy scheme, CM Punjab e-bike initiative, and the 2026 Parwaaz Card launch — every major milestone in Pakistan's electric vehicle journey, in one place.
Chronological Record
Key EV policy milestones
Pakistan's first EV Policy approved
Federal cabinet approves Pakistan's first Electric Vehicle Policy. Sets EV share targets: 30% of new vehicles by 2030. Provides customs duty exemptions on EV components and battery imports. EDB tasked with certification framework.
EDB registration framework established
Engineering Development Board establishes the registration process for domestic EV manufacturers and assemblers. Sets minimum technical standards for e-bikes seeking EDB certification — prerequisite for subsidy scheme eligibility.
First wave of EDB-certified e-bike manufacturers
Multiple domestic assemblers obtain EDB certification. Pakistani e-bike market begins growing as petrol prices rise. Early government employee schemes pilot in limited provincial departments.
Petrol price crisis — EV interest surges
Removal of fuel subsidies pushes Pakistani petrol to PKR 209/L (May 2022) then PKR 248/L — a 100%+ spike within weeks. E-bike demand surges as consumers seek alternatives. Waiting lists form at EDB-certified dealers across Lahore and Karachi.
Punjab Chief Minister e-bike scheme announced
Punjab provincial government announces CM Punjab e-bike scheme targeting students, women, and daily commuters. Provides zero-interest installment financing through Bank of Punjab over 24–36 months. Initial allocation: 50,000 bikes.
Punjab Teachers E-Bike Scheme launched
Punjab government launches dedicated e-bike scheme for public school teachers through Punjab Teachers Foundation (PTF). Teachers eligible for subsidised zero-interest bikes — disbursed through school coordination mechanisms.
PAVE (Federal E-Bike Scheme) rollout
Federal PAVE program (Promoting Adoption of Vehicles via E-bikes) begins disbursements. PKR 80,000 subsidy per bike for eligible applicants. Targets 100,000 bikes in initial phase. EDB-certified bikes only. Application through designated financial institutions.
E-bike registrations cross 100,000 milestone
Cumulative EV registrations in Pakistan surpass 100,000 — predominantly electric motorcycles. NEPRA introduces special EV tariff slab to reduce nighttime charging costs and encourage off-peak charging. Multiple new EDB-certified manufacturers enter the market.
Federal Employee E-Bike Scheme expands
Federal government employees scheme expands with new allocations. BPS grade-based eligibility confirmed. Scheme offers payroll deduction financing — a more accessible model for salaried government workers. More than 30,000 federal employees benefit.
Punjab Parwaaz Card launched
Punjab government launches the Parwaaz Card — an overseas employment facilitation scheme, not an e-bike scheme. Provides PKR 300,000 interest-free (Qarz-e-Hasna) loans to Punjab youth for pre-departure overseas employment costs: visa, ticket, skills training. Administered by PSDF and Bank of Punjab.
Parwaaz Card Job Portal launched
Punjab launches the Parwaaz Card Job Portal — connecting Punjab youth with verified overseas employment opportunities (Gulf, Malaysia, Europe). Features job listings vetted through BEOE-licensed OEPs, preventing predatory recruitment fraud. Separate from but linked to the Parwaaz Card financing.
Petrol at PKR 342.79/L — EV case stronger than ever
OGRA-notified petrol price reaches PKR 342.79/L (September 2026). At this price, a 20 km daily commute on a petrol 70cc bike costs over PKR 4,400/month in fuel alone. The equivalent e-bike charging cost is PKR 350–600/month — making the economic case for e-bikes unambiguous.
Common Questions
EV policy timeline FAQs
When did Pakistan first announce an EV policy?
Pakistan's first formal Electric Vehicle Policy was approved by the federal cabinet in November 2019. It set out targets for EV penetration by 2025 and 2030, provided customs duty exemptions for EV components, and established the regulatory framework for EV manufacturing and certification through the Engineering Development Board (EDB).
When did the PAVE (PM's Initiative for E-Bikes) scheme start?
The PAVE (Promoting Adoption of Vehicles via E-bikes) program under the Prime Minister's Initiative was launched in 2023–2024 as part of the federal government's efforts to reduce fuel import bills and encourage EV adoption. It provided an PKR 80,000 subsidy per e-bike for eligible applicants including students, government employees, and daily commuters.
What is the most recent major e-bike scheme launch in Pakistan?
The most recent major scheme launches as of September 2026 are the Punjab Parwaaz Card (launched January 28, 2026) — which provides PKR 300,000 interest-free loans for overseas employment pre-departure costs and includes a job portal launched August 29, 2026 — and ongoing CM Punjab e-bike scheme installment disbursements. The Parwaaz Card is not an e-bike scheme but a skills/employment scheme; it is a separate Punjab initiative under PSDF and Bank of Punjab.
The subsidy schemes are live — check your eligibility now
From 2022 to 2026, over 150,000 Pakistanis have received subsidised e-bikes. Check if you qualify for the current open schemes.