Call for affordability as NEV Policy unveiled

As Pakistan rolls out its long-awaited New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-30 — aimed at cutting emissions and reducing fuel dependency — industry voices are calling for a rethink on how new technologies are priced and marketed to consumers. Speaking to the media in Lahore, Syed Asif Ahmed, General Manager Marketing Division at MG Motors, welcomed the policy as a step in the right direction but criticised the local hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) market for remaining largely unaffordable and inaccessible to the average consumer. “HEVs in Pakistan have become a luxury item for a niche market,” he said. “Despite policy support, the real benefits have not trickled down to car buyers.” Mr Ahmed noted that the most expensive hybrid-electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) in the country — a seven-seater — carries an ex-factory price tag of Rs16 million, while five-seater variants are priced between Rs9.6m and Rs12m.