LAHORE – At the time when developed nations are shifting towards electric cars, Pakistan has launched the first locally-manufactured hybrid electric vehicle.
For advocates of electric cars, Pakistan continued the decades-old practice of falling behind other nations when it comes to the acceptance of technological advancements.
People in the automobile sector, however, believe that going for the hybrid vehicles is the right choice due to the existing energy mix.
They suggested improving energy mix before looking towards electric cars for controlling environmental hazards.
“Pakistan’s energy mix is similar to Poland. Electric vehicles are good options for France and Norway and not for Pakistan which is heavily relying on imported fossil fuel for power generation. Moreover, development of required infrastructure is also time consuming,” Indus Motor Company Limited Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ali Asghar Jamali said while speaking at 7th Journalists Summit in Bhurban.
Pakistan is producing 62 per cent of the electricity through fossil fuels with up to 30 per cent line losses. The use of electric vehicles will increase the electricity demand, which will be fulfilled by additional power generation through the liquefied natural gas (LNG), coal and petroleum.
Jamali stressed the need of increasing the share of renewable resources in the energy mix before going for electric vehicles.
“Till then, fuel efficient hybrids are the right option,” he added.
“Hopefully, Pakistan will have better energy mix after the completion of dams and development of other renewable energy resources in near future. During the period, we can develop infrastructure for electric vehicles,” he said.
“At present, hybrid vehicles are the right option. We have brought the most efficient 4th Generation Corolla Cross HEV. This vehicle can serve all the objectives, including 50 per cent less fuel consumption and as such reduction in the oil import bill and cap on carbon emissions,” he noted.
“Based on the prevailing economic situation, hybridisation is the best option for meeting the challenges of the climate change,” Jamali added.
