"BYD Pakistan is offering a fully electric vehicle at a price point which is cheaper than the competition's hybrid models. And the running cost is one-fourth, because there is no engine to consume fuel. Your cost of maintenance also goes down to about one-third. These are essential savings. This is an exciting time for the Pakistani customer."

In this episode of State of Play, we sit down with Danish Khaliq, Vice President of Sales & Strategy for BYD Pakistan to discuss the company's entry into the Pakistani market, the future of new energy vehicles (NEVs), and more.

BYD is the world's largest NEV producer, with backing from Warren Buffett's $230 million investment. Driven by its young, ambitious team and a global network of 100,000 R&D engineers, BYD continues to push technological boundaries with innovations like 360-degree-turning cars, self-parking systems, and amphibious vehicle capabilities. Now, some of BYD’s vehicles are coming to Pakistan.

Danish Khaliq shares how this happened: as head of the New Ventures division at HUBCO, he identified electric vehicles as a way to increase demand for the power generated by the company. This led to a successful partnership between HUBCO and BYD to introduce BYD to Pakistan.

Khaliq explains the selection process for the right vehicle: they seek accessible, competitively priced products with features appealing to early adopters—car enthusiasts who could influence the broader market.

BYD Pakistan has already made inroads with two models in the SUV and Sedan markets—offering fully electric vehicles at prices often lower than their competition’s hybrid vehicles. Khaliq also explains that charging NEV batteries is typically 75% cheaper than traditional fuel expenses, with even greater savings for those using solar power. Since fully electric vehicles do not have an engine, they also cut maintenance costs by two thirds.

BYD is also a market leader in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Unlike standard hybrids, PHEVs have no speed limit forcing a switch from battery to engine. The company is set to launch Pakistan’s first plug-in hybrid pickup truck, the Shark 6, featuring an 800km combined range and advanced driving modes, showcasing BYD’s technological edge.

However, Khaliq acknowledges that cost-saving and advanced features alone are not enough—range anxiety remains a key barrier to NEV adoption. To address this, BYD is building charging infrastructure: they have launched charging centers in their own dealerships and are collaborating with oil marketing companies like PSO and Attock Petroluem to establish a national charging network.

Another major milestone comes next year when BYD plans to complete a local assembly plant in Pakistan, marking the first time BYD is establishing a plant in partnership with a company. Khaliq sees this as a significant vote of confidence in Pakistan's market potential.

That potential is enormous: Pakistan’s auto market is recovering from an economic downturn, consumers are well-informed, and there is a significant gap between the country’s population and future vehicle demand.

The Pakistani government has also set an ambitious target of 30% NEV sales by 2030, and it is providing business incentives to support this shift.

BYD’s launch event in August 2024 was attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb who offered BYD the government’s support and requested BYD to make Pakistan an export destination as well.

In our State of Play conversation, Danish Khaliq emphasizes the need for the government to create consistent, consumer-focused policies that ensure a level playing field.

He also explains how banks can support NEV adoption, citing the State Bank of Pakistan’s green financing for solarization as a successful model that has created measurable impact in Pakistan.

Looking ahead, Khaliq is excited about Pakistan’s NEV market growth.

“I greatly welcome that we have other competition coming in the market, which tells us that everybody acknowledges that this is the right time to introduce NEVs in Pakistan.”

— Danish Khaliq, VP, Sales & Strategy, BYD Pakistan

As charging infrastructure expands and local production begins, BYD is positioning itself as a key player in Pakistan's automotive future, offering solutions from entry-level to premium segments while contributing to the country's energy efficiency goals.

Have you bought or would you consider buying an EV? Let us know why or why not in the comments.