BYD to start EV production in Pakistan by 2026 as regional demand grows

Dubai: Chinese electric vehicle powerhouse BYD will begin local assembly of its electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Pakistan by July or August 2026, as the company looks to tap into surging demand in emerging markets, according to reports from Reuters and Bloomberg.

The world's leading EV manufacturer has partnered with Mega Motor Company Pvt., a subsidiary of Hub Power Company, Pakistan’s largest independent power producer, to set up a joint venture. The facility will be located near Port Qasim in Karachi, close to the assembly plants of major automakers like Toyota, Suzuki and Kia.

Danish Khaliq, Vice President for Strategy and Sales at the joint venture, said the company is banking on long-term government support to ensure success. “I’m coming as an investor looking at the next 20 years,” he said, calling for consistent and sustainable policy support to help the auto industry flourish.

Pakistan has set an ambitious target to make electric vehicles account for 30% of car sales, imports, and production within five years. Incentives include lower electricity tariffs at EV charging stations and easier import duties on parts and equipment, which make the country more attractive to global EV players.

BYD’s local lineup will include both electric and plug-in hybrid models, with the Shark 6 pickup truck expected to be among the first to launch. The company has already seen strong demand for its imported models in Pakistan.

More than half a dozen car brands, especially Chinese automakers, have entered Pakistan’s EV market over the past year. BYD’s entry into local production is seen as a strategic move to maintain global growth momentum, especially as sales slow in its home market amid ongoing price wars.

This move aligns with BYD’s broader expansion plans beyond China, as it seeks to establish a foothold in South Asia’s evolving auto landscape.