The Auto Association of Pakistan has called on the government to take urgent steps to stop the use of unsafe and outdated battery technologies in electric vehicles (EVs).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Auto Association warned that allowing poor-quality EV batteries in the market could harm consumers and undermine the country’s environmental goals. The group emphasized that large subsidies for unreliable battery technologies would not only waste public funds but also damage public trust in electric mobility.
PAMA Director General Abdul Waheed Khan said that despite government incentives, EV buyers continue to pay high prices for vehicles equipped with outdated batteries. “The government should ensure that consumers are not forced to buy EVs with poor-quality batteries marketed as advanced technology,” he stated.
According to the Auto Association, more than 90% of electric two-wheelers sold in Pakistan use lead-acid batteries falsely advertised as “graphene-coated” or “advanced graphene” batteries. Khan described this as a deceptive practice that misleads consumers and damages the reputation of the local EV industry.
The federal government recently introduced the Pakistan Accelerated Vehicle Electrification (PAVE) Programme 2025–30 to promote EV adoption. The scheme offers Rs122 billion in subsidies and specifies that only EVs using lithium or other advanced battery technologies will qualify for support.
The Auto Association highlighted that lithium-ion batteries are globally recognized for their safety, performance, and longevity. However, local EV manufacturers often rely on older, less durable technologies that offer limited warranties compared to lithium-based systems.
Khan also criticized misleading claims about global EV production, saying such misinformation confuses consumers and investors. He urged the government to ensure that national funds are directed only toward reliable and proven technologies.
He concluded that promoting transparency and enforcing safety standards would help Pakistan build a stronger, more sustainable EV market.
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