China’s electric vehicle giant BYD plans car plant in Karachi as part of Pakistan entry

KARACHI: Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD on Saturday announced plans to open a car production plant in Pakistan, where it will also start selling three models through a partnership with Mega Motors. #BYDKarachiPlant

BYD is the first major new electric vehicle (NEV) entrant in the Pakistani market, where there is a lack of charging infrastructure.

“Our entry into the Pakistani market is not just about bringing advanced vehicles to consumers,” said Liu Xueliang, BYD’s general manager for Asia Pacific.

“It’s about driving a broader vision of environmental responsibility and technological innovation.”

BYD plans to open three “flagship stores and experience centers” in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The company announced this at a launch event in Lahore. Additionally, BYD will start selling two SUV models and a sedan from the fourth quarter of 2024.

Mega Motors is a unit of Pakistan’s largest private utility Hub Power Co. Ltd, known as Hubco.

“We will establish Pakistan’s first NEV assembly plant… dedicated to producing BYD’s cutting-edge new energy vehicles,” said Hubco Chief Executive Kamran Kamal, who described the deal as a “landmark investment.”

The new plant will begin operations in 2026, Kamal told Reuters.

Hubco will setup fast-charging stations across major cities, motorways and highways to enhance Pakistan’s charging infrastructure. #BYDKarachiPlant

Moreover, the BYD Karachi plant reflects broader trends in global automotive investments. As electric vehicle demand rises, BYD’s decision to set up in Karachi highlights their commitment to global expansion. Overall, this initiative will likely influence the industry dynamics in Pakistan and beyond.
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