BYD to enter Pakistan EV market; Build new factory in Karachi

The new factory will be set up near Karachi's Port Qasim area, where assembly plants of other manufacturers like Toyota, Suzuki and Kia are also located.

According to a media report, Chinese carmaker BYD is planning to capture a sizable share of Pakistan's EV market.

Reports suggest BYD plans to build a new factory in Karachi, Pakistan, with a local partner. The company will initially roll out 3 models to sell in Pakistan, which include a sedan and an SUV - although the exact models are yet to be announced. A person familiar with the matter also stated that additional models, including battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, could be introduced at a later stage.

A BYD spokesperson has also confirmed its plans to enter Pakistan with plug-in hybrids and BEVs. However, they did stop short of mentioning its factory investment plans and other details.

Reports state that BYD has teamed up with Mega Conglomerate Pvt. - Pakistan's largest business group. The partnership deal is said to go well beyond the usual dealership model seen in other markets. BYD will also form a JV with Mega Motors, a subsidiary of Hub Powers Co. - Pakistan's largest independent electricity producer.

The new factory will be set up near Karachi's Port Qasim area, where assembly plants of other manufacturers like Toyota, Suzuki and Kia are also located. The upcoming BYD factory is expected to be completed sometime in the first half of 2026.

Reports state that the company could start selling in the fourth quarter of this year, with BYD showrooms coming up in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

With Great Wall Motors, SAIC Motor and Chongqing Changan Automobiles already having entered the market in recent years, BYD won't be the first Chinese carmaker in Pakistan.

Source: Bloomberg