Decoding Pakistan’s Drive: Hybrid or Electric Cars – A Pragmatic Choice?
Local Manufacturers Ponder Over Energy Mix and Climate Challenges for Vehicle Innovation
In a pivotal move amidst the global shift towards electric vehicles, Pakistan has recently introduced its maiden locally-manufactured hybrid electric vehicle, sparking debates regarding the most suitable path for the country’s automobile industry.
While advanced nations embrace electric cars, Pakistan’s foray into hybrid vehicles is seen as a pragmatic choice by proponents in the automobile sector, considering the country’s current energy landscape.
Advocates argue that the existing energy mix in Pakistan warrants a cautious approach towards electric cars. Ali Asghar Jamali, CEO of Indus Motor Company Limited, emphasized the need for an energy infrastructure overhaul before transitioning to electric vehicles.
“Pakistan’s energy mix resembles that of Poland. Electric vehicles thrive in countries like France and Norway, not in Pakistan, heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels for power generation. Moreover, building the necessary infrastructure poses significant challenges,” Jamali remarked at the 7th Journalists Summit in Bhurban.
With 62% of electricity generated through fossil fuels, coupled with considerable line losses of up to 30%, introducing electric vehicles would intensify electricity demand, primarily met by additional LNG, coal, and petroleum power generation.
Jamali stressed the necessity of enhancing renewable energy sources in Pakistan’s energy portfolio before advocating for electric vehicles. He underscored the importance of transitioning to hybrids until Pakistan achieves an improved energy mix.
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“Until then, fuel-efficient hybrids are the most viable option,” Jamali asserted, citing the 4th Generation Corolla Cross HEV’s efficiency, boasting a 50% reduction in fuel consumption, a significant decline in oil import expenses, and carbon emission regulation.
“Given the current economic climate, hybridization presents the most pragmatic solution to tackle climate change challenges,” Jamali concluded optimistically.
The discourse in Pakistan’s automotive industry navigates between the immediate benefits of hybrid technology and the anticipation of a future energy mix overhaul, hinting at a deliberate approach in determining the country’s vehicle innovation trajectory.
Source: 7th Journalists Summit in Bhurban, Pakistan
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