PAVE Electric Vehicle Registration Pakistan 2026 — Complete Guide
PAVE Electric Vehicle Registration Pakistan 2026 — Complete Guide
Pakistan’s Electric Vehicle Policy (PAVE — Pakistan Automotive and Value Engineering) framework has been progressively implemented since its announcement in 2019, with significant updates in 2023 and 2026. This guide explains how to register an electric vehicle in Pakistan, what incentives remain available, and what the registration process looks like for EV buyers in 2026.
Comparing electric vehicles to petrol cars? Check the current fuel prices in Pakistan to calculate your potential savings by switching to an EV.
What Is Pakistan’s EV Policy (PAVE)?
Pakistan’s National Electric Vehicle Policy was approved in 2019 under the Pakistan Automotive and Value Engineering (PAVE) framework, with the Ministry of Industries and Production overseeing implementation. The policy targets 30% EV penetration in new vehicle sales by 2030, and 90% by 2040 — ambitious goals given the current market reality of less than 2% EV share in 2026.
Key policy pillars:
- Reduced customs duty on EV components (from 25–100% to 1–5%)
- Reduced sales tax on EVs (from 17% to 1% in Reduced Rate category)
- Exemption from Federal Excise Duty for EVs under 50 kWh battery
- Simplified registration process for EVs versus internal combustion vehicles
EV Tax Incentives Available in Pakistan 2026
| Tax/Duty | Standard ICE Vehicle | EV (Policy Rate) | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST / Sales Tax | 17% | 1% | 16% |
| Federal Excise Duty | 2.5–7.5% | 0% (under 50 kWh) | Full exemption |
| Customs duty (CKD components) | 10–25% | 1% | Up to 24% |
| Registration fee | Standard rate | 50% concession (most provinces) | 50% |
| Token Tax (Annual) | Engine-based | Rs 800–2,500 flat | 60–80% lower |
EV Models Currently Registered/Available in Pakistan 2026
| Model | Type | Battery | Range | Price (Rs M) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Seal | Sedan BEV | 82.56 kWh | 570 km | 16.5–20.5 |
| BYD Atto 3 | SUV BEV | 60.48 kWh | 420 km | 14.5–17.0 |
| MG ZS EV | SUV BEV | 50.3 kWh | 320 km | 9.5–12.0 |
| Proton e.MAS 7 | SUV BEV | 66.8 kWh | 430 km | 15.0–18.5 |
| Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV | PHEV | 19.27 kWh | 85 km EV only | 12.5–15.0 |
| SAZGAR BAIC X25 EV | SUV BEV | 38.6 kWh | 280 km | 6.8–8.5 |
How to Register an Electric Vehicle in Pakistan — Step by Step
Step 1: Purchase and Invoice
Obtain the official invoice from the authorised EV dealer. The invoice must clearly state the vehicle is an EV and include the battery capacity. This document is required for all subsequent steps.
Step 2: Type Approval Certificate
For locally assembled EVs, the manufacturer obtains Type Approval from the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) or PAMA. For imported CBU EVs, the importer must have a Type Approval Certificate issued by Engineering Development Board (EDB). Buyers should verify this document before purchase.
Step 3: Excise and Taxation Department
Visit your provincial Excise and Taxation office with:
- Original purchase invoice
- Type Approval Certificate
- CNIC (original and copy)
- Proof of residence
- Customs clearance documents (for imported EVs)
- Payment of registration fee (50% of standard rate in most provinces)
Step 4: EV-Specific Number Plate
Pakistan introduced green licence plates for electric vehicles starting in 2022. EVs receive green-background number plates to distinguish them from ICE vehicles. These plates also grant access to certain priority lanes being piloted in Lahore and Islamabad.
Step 5: Annual Token Tax
EV token tax is significantly lower than ICE vehicles. Most provinces charge a flat rate of Rs 800–2,500 per year regardless of battery size, compared to engine-based rates of Rs 5,000–35,000 for ICE vehicles. Learn more about token tax rates in Pakistan.
EV Charging Infrastructure in Pakistan 2026
| City | Public Chargers (AC) | Fast Chargers (DC) | Motorway Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lahore | 85 | 12 | M-2 selected spots |
| Karachi | 62 | 8 | Limited |
| Islamabad | 45 | 9 | M-1 selected spots |
| Faisalabad | 18 | 3 | None |
EV vs Petrol: Real Cost Comparison in Pakistan
At current petrol prices around Rs 275/litre, a petrol car averaging 12 km/L costs approximately Rs 22.90 per km in fuel alone. An EV in Pakistan charges at Rs 40–70/kWh (home charging), giving approximately Rs 5–9 per km for electricity — a saving of 60–78% in running costs. The full comparison depends on purchase price difference and financing. Read our complete electric cars in Pakistan guide for the full analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a green number plate for EVs in Pakistan?
Yes. Pakistan introduced green-background licence plates for electric vehicles in 2022. These green plates are issued automatically when registering an EV at the Excise and Taxation office.
What tax exemptions do EVs get in Pakistan 2026?
EVs benefit from 1% GST (versus 17% for petrol cars), zero Federal Excise Duty for batteries under 50 kWh, reduced customs duty on components, and 50% reduced registration fees in most provinces.
How much is the annual token tax for an electric car in Pakistan?
Most provinces charge a flat annual token tax of Rs 800–2,500 for EVs, significantly lower than the engine-based token tax for ICE vehicles which can reach Rs 5,000–35,000.
Can I register an imported EV in Pakistan?
Yes, but the vehicle must have a Type Approval Certificate from EDB, and all customs duties must be fully paid. The importer must also ensure the model is on the approved EV list maintained by Engineering Development Board.
How many public EV charging stations are in Pakistan?
As of 2026, Pakistan has approximately 250+ public AC charging stations and 35+ DC fast chargers, concentrated in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. The network is growing rapidly with NEPRA-regulated tariffs for EV charging.
