KARACHI: Master Changan Motors Ltd (MCML), a joint venture between Master Group of Industries and Changan International, intends to convert its newly launched imported electric vehicles into a completely knocked down (CKD) project within a year.

Currently, the existing plant is fully operational, and after the upgrade, it will be converted to roll out locally assembled EVs.

MCML unveiled its two imported EV models — Deepal L07 (sports luxury sedan) and S07 (SUV) — at Dolmen Mall, Clifton, on Friday.

On the event’s sideline, MCML Director Sales and Marketing Shabir-ud-Din said the company is targeting an overall investment of $50 million for rolling out three to four CKD models in the next two to three years.

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He said the company aimed to provide a pure electric vehicle at the right price with a travelling range of over 500km, like the recently launched imported Deepal vehicles, which can go from Lahore to Islamabad on a single charge or move within the city at least for one week.

Mr Shabir said all the 23 after-sales countrywide networks would also be converted into EV workshops.

MCML Chief Executive Danial Malik said the company would ensure charging infrastructure in 17 cities compared to the current availability in five cities.

He said 41pc of Pakistan’s energy mix is based on non-fossil fuel energy generation. On the other hand, the $15-16bn oil import bill is the largest imported commodity burdening the country’s foreign reserves.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2024