Moving towards green energy through launch of EV policy.

Byline: Ahsan Nisar

The world is fast moving towards an electric mobility revolution. Some countries have gone as far as to announce plans to completely halt the sale of Fossil Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). Norway plans to ban sale of all FFVs by 2025, Netherlands plans to ban such sales by 2030, while France and UK plan to do the same by 2040. Other countries such as China, Germany, Sweden and many US States have announced ambitious plans for Electric Vehicle (EV) penetration in their respective domains.

Pakistan has been lagging behind in EVs as India rolled out its first fleet last October, while China has been running electric-driven vehicles for many years. The EV industry, given its assured success, is likely to create new jobs in the country. Similarly, the planned conversion of CNG stations into EV charging stations will offer the easy availability of battery charging facilities to motorists without much investment.

Previously, Pakistan has aimed for touching the figure of 64% in going green by the year 2025. The Pakistani government is devising ways to introduce hybrid plants, which will include wind and solar energy. Green energy means that energy is renewable and can be replenished. This includes biomass, hydel, solar, and wind energy. This ambitious target is a means to solve the energy crisis situation in Pakistan, which is persistent for a very long time. Under this scheme, the government is also aiming at reinvigorating the gas industry of Pakistan and to increase the presence of green renewable energy. Giving rise to exploration and production for gas is also on the priority list of the government. Gas is a cleaner fuel to burn compared to diesel and petrol.

The government aims at substituting carbon-based fuel like petrol and diesel with green energy as well. The recent approval by the federal cabinet to introduce electric vehicles in Pakistan can be seen as an extension to achieving this ambitious target. The Electric Vehicle (EV) policy will open doors for new employment and business opportunities in Pakistan and will help in curbing pollution. The government wants to convert 3,000 idle fueling stations into electric charging stations. The EV policy will also help in curbing pollution from the country. Battery run vehicles' spare parts will be charged with only 1 percent duty instead of the currently prevailing 25 percent duty. With the green revolution, Pakistan also hopes to reduce dependence on oil imports that could help save...