Local production of electric bikes urged

Bike assemblers call for govt support to boost ‘Make in Pakistan’ for sustainability and cost-effective alternatives

KARACHI:

Bike assemblers and dealers are urging the government to formulate a policy on the localisation of Electric Vehicle (EV) motorbikes. They emphasise the need for attractive incentives to encourage e-bike companies to focus on “Make in Pakistan” electric scooters instead of importing 100% Completely Knocked Down (CKD) units. The aim is to provide top-quality, competitively priced, durable electric scooters with improved after-sale services.

The consensus among industry experts is that all assemblers should shift their focus from “Made in China” to “Made in Pakistan” and evolve into manufacturers soon. They should tailor their approach to local needs, focusing on diversity and customer mindset, as well as robust infrastructure including swappable battery stations, proper roads, and the like.

While talking to The Express Tribune, they highlighted that without full government support, achieving localisations could not be made possible. They acknowledge that the latest and cutting-edge technology is transferring in the form of 100% imported CKD currently, which is a good initiative at the initial level, but localisation must be mandatory for more sustainability soon. They stress that investors are entering this emerging EV bike industry quickly, encouraging customers by providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional gasoline-powered motorbikes.

They mention that the market study about the power of motor and battery of the bikes has been successfully completed after multiple surveys and responses from customers. EV bikes are calling for repair and proper infrastructure as customers are demanding day by day, with environmentally-conscious people, cost-savvy commuters, and tech enthusiasts adopting this new mode of transportation. Speaking about electric vehicles, they stressed that the government must give incentives, including supportive policies, tax relief, and subsidies, so that this industry may grow and provide relief to inflation-hit people who are unable to afford petrol version bikes these days.

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“100% imported CKD Scooters are not the future of the EV business in the country; we have to develop “Make in Pakistan” two-wheeler, electric scooters, etc. If localisation takes place, it will benefit both customers and the country, reducing prices of the motorbikes and import bill,” says Chief Coordinator of the Electric Two Wheelers Manufacturing Group-Pakistan, Muhammad Sabir Sheikh, who is also an EV bike dealer in Karachi. He notes that originally-designed electric scooters are available in Pakistan, with significant Chinese EV motorbike makers like YADEA, AIMA, TAILG, Huahai, and others showing interest and bringing their products to the local market. He reveals that more than three dozen licenses of EV motorbikes have been issued, indicating healthy investments in this industry by assemblers.

Sharing views, SIWA Industries Director Wahaj Zaki highlights that except for hilly areas, China has banned fuel motorbikes in their cities, with EV bikes now on roads everywhere in China. He notes that India is also growing quickly in this industry. He mentions that assemblers usually get a license from the Engineering Development Board (EDB) on the condition that they will work on CKD, and after five years, they will gradually go on localisation, but it is not implemented properly. He points out the wide variety of EV bikes available, catering to different needs such as bikes for women, long and short journeys, and kids. He notes that EV bikes do not usually require maintenance except for significant accidents, God forbid.

“We are not only opening the doors to a cleaner, greener future but also redefining the way Pakistan moves,” he concludes.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24^th, 2023.

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