By Capital Smart Motors (CSM) has officially announced that it is moving into the local manufacturing and assembly phase for electric vehicles (EVs) in Pakistan. The company confirmed that it is establishing one of Pakistan’s earliest New Energy Vehicle (NEV) CKD production facilities, marking a major step forward for the country’s shift toward localized electric vehicle production.
This development comes as Pakistan’s automotive market gradually pivots toward cleaner and more efficient mobility solutions, driven by rising fuel costs, environmental concerns, and growing demand for modern transport alternatives.
Two-Phase Manufacturing Strategy
According to the official statement, the assembly rollout will occur in two phases:
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | CSM will take over an existing local production facility for interim assembly to begin operations quickly. |
| Phase 2 | Construction of a dedicated, state-of-the-art CKD manufacturing plant for long-term NEV production capacity. |
This phased strategy allows the company to enter the manufacturing stage much faster, while gradually scaling up to meet growing market demand.
Brands Introduced by Capital Smart Motors in Pakistan
Although relatively new to Pakistan’s EV market, Capital Smart Motors has already partnered with four major Chinese EV brands, including:
- Riddara – All-electric pickup truck brand
- Zeekr – Luxury high-performance EVs
- Forthing – Introduced Friday, Pakistan’s first Range-Extended Electric C-SUV (REEV)
- JMEV – Maker of Elight, a fully electric compact sedan
Until now, these vehicles were imported as CBU (Completely Built-Up) units. With local NEV assembly, prices are expected to decrease, making EVs more competitive for Pakistani buyers.
Context: Growing NEV Industry in Pakistan
CSM’s announcement follows other notable developments in the local EV industry:
- Seres 3 became Pakistan’s first NEV assembled locally
- Hub Power Company (Hubco) and BYD recently revealed plans to build a large-scale NEV assembly plant, expected to begin operations by 2026
This indicates increasing confidence in Pakistan’s EV manufacturing potential and a shift toward domestic production instead of relying solely on imports.
Expected Market Impact
Local assembly is expected to:
- Lower vehicle prices
- Create automotive sector jobs
- Support EV infrastructure expansion
- Promote cleaner transportation and fuel independence
As Pakistan aims to increase the adoption of EVs, initiatives like CSM’s NEV CKD plant play a crucial role in advancing the country’s sustainable mobility roadmap.
