Govt ponders over electric cars to fight pollution
95
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday chaired a meeting on climate change and decided to introduce electric cars by setting up electric car plants for the first time in the country.
Adviser to Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam briefed the premier on the climate change.
The prime minister ordered the authorities concerned to ensure conversion of 30 per cent of all cars running in the country into electric vehicles by 2030.
PM orders conversion of 30pc cars into electric vehicles by 2030
On the issue of possibility of heavy rains and flood in Gilgit-Baltistan, the meeting was informed that Shisper glacier in Hassanabad village of Hunza was posing a serious threat to residents of the area with each passing day as it has surged by three kilometers.
The prime minister directed his team on climate change to expedite the process of installation of a glacier monitoring system to monitor all glaciers in the country.
Referring to the government’s plan to plant 10 billion trees across the country, the prime minister said that it was a national project and the matter should not be politicised.
Later, Mr Aslam told a press conference that the government planned to introduce electric cars in the country by 2030 and that the move would have far-reaching impact on the country’s environment.
“Most countries are opting for electric cars across the world and Pakistan is far behind in it and once introduced in the country, electric vehicles will help save Rs2 billion worth of oil imported into the country besides reducing the country’s air pollution,” Mr Aslam said.
The adviser said that smoke emissions from vehicles were a major source of air pollution in the country and it contributed heavily to smog during winter season in Punjab, especially in Lahore.
He said that electric cars would help lessen dependence on LPG and compressed natural gas stations, most of which were shut down because of gas closure on different days especially in winter in Punjab and these stations would be converted into charging docks for electric cars.
Referring to the smog issue in Punjab during winter, he said that last year crop burning, one of the major sources of smog in Punjab, was banned. This year, too, he said, crop burning would be prohibited and the government planned to purchase the crop waste to sell it to industrial units.
He also announced plans to launch Green Rickshaws in the country and for this purpose the government was holding talks with different stakeholders.
Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2019
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (95) Closed
May 18, 2019 08:10am
How the president going to provide electricity to charge those electric vehicles? Can’t provide enough electricity to run households yet.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 08:15am
Electric cars are expensive. In a country like the US, middle class buys electric vehicles primarily because government provides tax incentives and rebates in thousands of dollars. In a country like Pakistan, mostly the rich would be able to afford these vehicles which would not help the climate because the rich already drive new vehicles that do not contribute too much to pollution. Instead of electric vehicles, make annual smog checks mandatory, similar to how it is done in the US. If a car does not pass smog test, do not issue it the sticker until it is fixed and those who do not have valid stickers, penalize them. this is easier than trying to bring in electric vehicles.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 08:24am
May I know how they will charge them when they have power generation shortages?
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 08:24am
Logical step but needs to be supported by removing all taxes from solar photovoltaic products. Practically running rechargable cars on solar energy will be great for the environment and the balance of payments.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 08:41am
Fine, but how will they be charged when there is no electricity in the country?
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 08:43am
Get electric car tech from China and assemble in Pakistan. Li-on battery tech in China, the 18650 cells, are used in Tesla.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 08:45am
1) Where is the power to charge the electric cars?
2) The power required to charge these cars would be equally polluting and will require additional oil/gas.
3) isn't it better to impose standards on vehicle emissions and take those vehicles are actually polluting like 2 stroke engines or vehicles with worn engines off the road?
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 08:46am
Another scam after CNG. There wasn’t any gas yet the powerful earned fortunes and failed the middle class. Now it’s another scheme to loot and run.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 08:51am
The thought is commendable. But we are seeing increasing number of commendable thoughts and no action from PTI. They want to manufacture EVs and so far EVs can’t even be imported because the govt hasn’t come up with duty rates for EVs.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 08:53am
Indeed a good decision by government. Short term results in next few years can also be achieved at large by managing current transportation network. Government should invest or ask universities to carry out R & D in transportation sector. Investing for betterment of public transport should also be considered.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 08:55am
Nero is well and truly playing the flute and he cannot see the city of Rome going up in flames. Without battling an eyelid the PM is talking of converting 30% cars to electric, when the the infrastructure to convert is not affordable in developed countries itself.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 09:06am
Does he even realise that between now and 2030 we have 11 years roughly .we dont have the money, no electricity,no infrastructure to produce car and he gave a figure of 30% .is he copying angela merkel.but she have that figures years back and 2030 was germany target.leta be realistic and truthfull for once Mr imran
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 09:13am
2030 ?
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 09:15am
PM orders !!! Is this a magic??
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 09:30am
I like this decision on electric car
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 09:43am
@Nabeel Z, Well said
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 09:44am
PM and other policy maker must understand market mechanism well when making such statements. Otherwise they will get famous for making all sorts of tall claims without any results, already going into there
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 09:47am
Why not develop more efficient public transport systems that allow people convenient travel without having to own a car?
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 09:54am
Good aim high!
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 09:54am
2030 is a long way away. At least set challenging goals.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 09:57am
Unfortunately this visionary philanthropic leader inherited a debt ridden bankrupt economy and the people still don't realize.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 09:58am
India has already taken baby steps here - electric vehicles are already being manufactured in India.
Pollution will reach staggering vehicles if governments don’t take steps to control it by the end of next decade.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 09:58am
@Nabeel Z, you do nt charge car in peak hours but in low demand time.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 10:13am
@kamal , Who will be there to challenge in 2030?
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 10:24am
On one hand we want to reduce the import bill and on the other hand we want to import billions of worth of electric vehicles. This government has no direction whatsoever.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 10:26am
Wow. People don’t have basic electricity and this government thinking electric CAR. U turn is coming sooon
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 10:57am
@fairplay, Cheapest Tesla is $35000, that much money is not available in your foreign reserve forget buying cars
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 10:58am
It looks like PM Khan is simply trying to copy the reforms Modi is trying to bring. I think learning is great thing but I feel given the economic situation of Pakistan, he will also learn to prioritize which reforms to bring first. In my head, given the lack of global investment in Pakistan, he should focus on developing better ties with other countries to boost FDI and really focus on optimization of CPEC investments. I know lot of Pakistanis think Indians have some sort of jealousy with Pakistan over CPEC, but truth is that given our fast growth there is nothing to feel jealous about and in fact, most Indians wish best for Pakistan as stability and growth there as well as hopefully better trade ties of not political will help both countries too
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 11:00am
In Pakistan there is no value if democracy and the PM because they really only either “order” or “take notice” and nothing beyond that. What they say cannot be taken seriously. Like all the game changers and the latest one “soon to be” found oil and gas. Where is it? Why make this statement without any ground. Wait till it happens. That’s what mature leaders specially Prime Ministers do.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 11:10am
Cycle is the best mode of travel and Chinki for more than one. Let's be realistic and that is what we Pakistanis can afford.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 11:16am
And how exactly will these vehicles be charged? We do not have a stable supply of electricity. Fix the basics first.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 11:18am
@AXH, only if I could retweet ur comment thousand times to be heard somewhere it matters.why our rulers are so clueless?why can't they do some homework?
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 11:19am
@AXH,
I agree with your thoughts...
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 11:27am
@AXH, work with manufacturers and reduce duties to encouage production. Will need more electricity though.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 11:31am
An average all ellectric in US is $30000/- $ 80000/- Where as Hybrid ranges in 25k to 40k depending upon the luxury
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 11:32am
Pakistan gets a lot of sun energy which can be used to charge electric cars for free.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 11:32am
@AXH, so many car companies have EV in mind that i think by 2023 the prices will drop
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 12:04pm
When Pakistan cannot pay for imported fuel, pollution will automatically come down.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 12:15pm
It's bold decision of Pakistan PM..
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 12:18pm
@AXH, very well said bro, they should come out of the fools paradise
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 12:41pm
Do the Hon Prime Minister and his advisors know that electric cars require electricity to recharge the batteries? Electricity will come from power generators that use Oil, Gas, Coal or nuclear. At present electric cars are more expensive than normal petrol fuel cars. How will buyers be motivated?
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 12:48pm
Here the idea of electric cars in the country is at present nothing more than an idea in the air, because of the lack of right infrastructure both electric and operational.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 12:57pm
I think it is the right direction we should be heading into but at the same time we have to build dams to produce more electrical energy to provide enough energy for all consumers.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 01:10pm
For all those questioning on availability of electricity need to understand that once CPEC is completed, there will be excess electricity and this electricity can be used to charge electric cars.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 01:11pm
Where is the charging infrastructure? How much investment will be done for recharging? Electric vehicles need recharge stations at every 10 km or so.
Are there any Budget allocation and govt policy for recharge infrastructure and subsidy for electric vehicles as they are costlier than petrol /diesel vehicles. Without subsidy no one will buy them.
Range of the electric vehicles is shorter than diesel vehicles.
Unless Government invests in Recharge infrastructure, there will not be any electric vehicles?
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 01:12pm
Where is he going to borrow dollars to buy the electric car since Pakistan economy is based on import license for elite member of Pakistani society.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 01:14pm
Ban sale of all vehicles, unless they confirm to Euro-6 standards as in India.
This will reduce pollution to a great extent. Though effect will take time to show, as old vehicles will run for 15 years minimum.
If Pakistan, declares that from 2022, only Euro-6 standard vehicle will be sold and registered in Pakistan, real effect can be seen from 2035 onwards - as old vehicles go off the road.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 01:18pm
@fairplay, you are missing the basic point of affordability!
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 01:20pm
This is a huge achievement by PMIK that by 2030 we will only be driving electric cars.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 01:31pm
It's ridiculous, opting for new technology and not fixing the current state of cars.
highly polluting old bangers are allowed to be driven on the roads, with zero safety features.
No yearly health check of the cars is compulsory, old cars are equally expensive as the new cars.
We don't have the complete technology to even fix current petrol and diesel cars properly, roadside mechanics are possibly good to get the old cars going but electric cars, a big question mark?
First force the local manufacturers to produce the cars with European standards, get rid of old scrap then people will start investing in newer technology cars.....
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 01:35pm
this is long overdue, I realise there will be resistance form the existing vehicle manufacturers in the country but quite frankly the way to get them building electric vehicles in to import some (not all), when the manufacturers sense losing sales change will come.
In Norway more than half of all new cars sold are electric, Norway is an oil producing nation.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 01:37pm
@What about me, if you read the article they want to convert the CNG stations into charging points. The electric issue is mostly resolved, and there is more coming on line from Thar in Sindh.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 01:47pm
Pakistan can learn several lessons from India which is targetting only electric vehicles by 2030 - even ahead of the developed nations. Also, the conversion of agro waste to power is better in India than anywhere else in the world. A series of small interconnected power plants can do wonders. China does not really have this technology, only India has. Will Imran show common sense and work on mending relations with India and getting the benefit for the common man or will they continue to get high cost, poor quality technology from China ?
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 01:48pm
But major part of pollution is due to trucks, buses and tankers, cars are a very small component plus these electric cars will be expensive to run and cannot go for long distance driving .
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 01:51pm
The biggest polluters on the roads are buses, first convert these into electric, then talk about cars.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 01:52pm
Good start... those who say how will we charge... how you run your Acs and Pakistan wont be short of energy all the time...
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 01:54pm
Electric cars are not free of pollution as the heat causes global warming as well. This is why Green Technology is being promoted. Anyway I do not know who provides such BRILLIANT ideas to our well enlightened PM.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 01:54pm
@Taha, no electricity ....dont you have tv , ac and fans working???
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 01:57pm
@Awan, please read... vehicles are said to be manufactured locally...
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 02:08pm
Given that majority drives very tiny and light weighted vehicles in Pakistan - compared to west. It would be a no brainier to move towards electric vehicles. Small and lighter vehicles will not face a whole lot of charging issue. And, more importantly, since Pakistan is full of SunLight throughout of the year, adding Solar panel on top of the vehicle would continuously charge the battery; thus minimizing the need to charge in an electrical outlet. Ideally, they Imran Khan's govt should establish an (R&D) department which employs engineers, scientists to figure out ideal (Local+Electric+Fuel) based vehicles. I can recall even in 80's there were local university engineers working on making solar cars. Unfortunately, corrupt governments had other priorities. Its never too late to get back on track; if there's a will.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 02:16pm
@SARANG JOKHIO, EV/Hybrid autos., are charged by building Power Banks where Li-Ion batteries are stored for charging by PV Solar which would charge batteries during the sun eclipse. After sunset the stored power would be enough to charge batteries in the Power Bank. Your idea about public transport particularly in Karachi should be for EV/Hybrid from China. Other wise it would be a wastage of resources, to buy new current model glorified junk to pollute the cities with diesel/CNG. The first thing to do is seek international proposals worldwide for buses on EV. Volvo from Sweden is one of the best in the world with life cycle. The EU loan could possibly be arranged. Simple EV bus with no AC, Heater. Norway is far ahead in Electric cars despite being one of the richest in oil. There is no regulatory authority for public transport. Mazda Coach/Mini deployed on roads 1977 are operating now convered to CNG. Their foot board stair to enter is 3 ft., Please check RTA head, doesnt exist.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 02:16pm
We could not supply penal in Govt hospitals who could it order 30% electric can do we have load shading
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 02:21pm
This car would only be for the rich .. what about the poor people who cannot afford it ..
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 02:21pm
Seriously when all your Advisors are foreigners, you can never really relate to the people who actually suffer and go through the hardships of life!
This news is a key example of this!
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 02:23pm
Sindh, Karachi blessed with no public transport regulatory authority. Mazda Coach/Mini 1997 model, no ticket issued by any coach to passenger. No tariff chart displayed. No Route plan. The Bus owner is not a tax filer. I can assist/volunteer for Karachi public transport with e-ticketing from home from smart phone for the Mazda Coach which will operate on timings. No passenger beyond capacity would be issued digital tickets. Ticket would mean adherence to Road Safety adherence which UN Road Safety Week organised worldwide last week. I suggest our honorable PM would also sit in the Mazda Coach to assess the miserable condition of public transport in Karachi, alongwith the Minister Transport, and Secretary Transport. They will climb in the coach which stair starts 3 ft from the ground.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 02:27pm
Simultaneously government should also announce adoption of higher emission norm like Euro 6.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 02:27pm
Solar powered cars may be.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 02:37pm
@AXH, thats why government is going to abolish import duties on these cars. yes indeed the charging infrastructure is required on fuel stations and motorway service areas.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 02:57pm
You mean chinese imoorted electric vehicles.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 02:58pm
The countries like Pakistan can't afford electric cars, rather we should focus on alternatives to reduce carbon emissions. Government should focus on banning high carbon emission fuels specially in rural areas. Like in brickwork, the people use plastic and tyres as fuel in brick furnaces, which results in high emission of CO and CO2. I myself observed these practices in rural areas of Sindh & Punjab.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 02:59pm
While electricity is made from coal based stations.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 03:09pm
Electric cars are a scam and expensive and environmentally unfriendly
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 03:25pm
I think he knows for sure that he wont be around till 2030.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 03:27pm
Our kings are habitual of ordering something without any study and planing. We are behind in education, technology and science not electric cars. We are trying to save 2 billion doller oil bill by spending 3 billions on car batteries. Day by day I am smelling NS in IK
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 03:31pm
PM should establish contacts with Tesla/Elon Musk. Or any other company.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 03:37pm
Government should ponder over controlling population as a complementary measures as well.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 03:51pm
5 year, 10 year goals don't work. Take immediate actions to convert cars...Need immediate actions like what Modi did - demonetisation and GST. There will be short term difficulties but the long term benefits are worth the difficulties.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 04:25pm
At present, the most urgent work for the government is to fix the fast collapsing economic situation.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 04:46pm
Dreamy talks.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 04:57pm
Another fake promise, we neither have resources nor have technology to do so, just when they learn to prioritize things.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 05:43pm
Electric cars when you don’t enough electricity. Brilliant.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 06:00pm
Govt ponders over electric smoke-free IEDs to fight pollution
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 07:10pm
It will be a lot better to move back to horses, donkeys and bicycles. And, at the rate things are going under the current government we will probably just have to do that.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 07:55pm
Can the lights in my house come one first please?
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 08:30pm
Setting up electric car plants. Piece of cake so long as we begin making Chinese electric cars in Pakistan. Or Japanese. We can't design them ourselves without violating patents held in the US, Japan and China. We cannot even retool to make electric cars on our own. This would have to be a Pakistan/China project. Why doesn't he ask China to build electric cars here. It is the only way. -- Pakistan cannot build electric cars from scratch. China has already built more electric cars than any other country.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 08:39pm
@Aranya, ... .... Pakistan needs honesty, and the ability to face the facts first. Otherwise progress is impossible.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 08:40pm
@Vikas , ..... You said it brother.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 08:44pm
@NK, ... In the US a person with good credit can lease a $30,000 new electric car with the option to buy it. Leasing is cheaper.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 08:51pm
Industrial manufacturing and ocean shipping and aviation are the major contributors in pollution road transport is around 5% to 10% of the total emissions. E-cars are good, should be introduced but Pakistan's environmental laws are lax and their implementation is seen no where. Rather the govt should try to implement emission and enviromental laws. Local industry is least bothered about emissions. And the govt authorities are hand-in-glove with them, hence, there is no action against the pollutors.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 08:59pm
Why not focus on improving public transportation so that cars can be removed from the roads? You still need to produce electricity to charge these batteries and coal is probably going to be the fuel of choice. So electric cars only shift the pollution problem from the point of energy consumption to the point of production.
Recommend
0
May 18, 2019 09:02pm
The government must provide subsidies for this to be successful. Also, why by 2030. Why not immediately?
Recommend
0
May 19, 2019 02:00pm
@Tahir, 1) Where is the power to charge the electric cars? 2) The power required to charge these cars would be equally polluting and will require additional oil/gas.
Absolutely correct. Electric cars has only moved the source of the pollution farther away such as a coal plant. Investing in solar energy is the way to combat climate change
Recommend
0
May 19, 2019 02:03pm
@AKB, Cycle is the best mode of travel and Chinki for more than one. Let's be realistic and that is what we Pakistanis can afford.
IK should think of Electric cycle or scooters.
This will consume less energy
Recommend
0
May 19, 2019 07:54pm
@Lahore Vivek, "PM orders !!! Is this a magic??" If fails, he could pass the blame claiming his order was ignored.
Recommend
0
May 19, 2019 08:49pm
Another ambitious rather unrealistic target of 30% electric cars by 2030 in a country where 30 year old vehicles are still operating on roads and there is no system of certification of road fitness for vehicles. It would be more realistic and practical to make the current vehicles in Pakistan comply with the environmental standards to reduce pollution.
Recommend
0
