BYD to enter into Pakistan’s EV market, plans to build facility in Karachi

BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle maker, plans to develop a facility in Karachi in conjunction with a local partner, to enter into Pakistan's growing EV market. During its brand launch ceremony, the business aims to reveal three vehicles, including an SUV and a sedan. According to reports, BYD plans to release other models in the future, including battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

A BYD spokesperson stated that the business plans to join the market with both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid automobiles. However, the information about investments or other facts n is yet to be known.  

Pakistan has recently seen the introduction of Chinese businesses such as SAIC Motors, Great Wall Motor, and Chongqing Changan Automobile, which will compete with local branches of Japanese firms such as Toyota Motor and Honda Motor. Despite this, EV sales in Pakistan continue to represent a small proportion of overall automobile sales. 

BYD has formed a cooperation with Mega Conglomerate, one of Pakistan's largest corporate groupings, that goes beyond the typical dealership model used in most countries, the report read. The Chinese business would enter into a joint venture with Mega Motors, a subsidiary of Hub Power, Pakistan's largest independent energy generator.

The new facility under the update will be built near Port Qasim in Karachi where assembly facilities of major automakers including Toyota, Suzuki Motor, and Kia are in operation. The report further says that the facility is projected to be finished in the first half of 2026. However, the specifics of the project are still being worked out. 

Further, BYD aims to establish showrooms in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, with sales starting in the fourth quarter of this year.

BYD, China's top automobile brand, which sold three million units in 2023, is rapidly extending its footprint, notably in Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America, to capitalise on its position as a premier EV and hybrid maker. The Shenzhen-based corporation, which operates in more than 80 countries, has signed agreements with Hungary, Turkey, and Brazil to commence EV production. Last month, it also opened its first manufacturing outside of China, in Thailand.