By The future of electric vehicles (EVs) in Pakistan is gaining traction, especially in the ride-hailing and taxi services sector. Driven by rising environmental awareness, recent natural disasters, and strong government policy, companies are moving swiftly to adopt sustainable transport solutions.
At the forefront of this EV revolution is inDrive, a global ride-hailing platform leading several eco-friendly initiatives. These efforts align with the Pakistani government’s ambitious target of achieving 30% EV adoption by 2030 as part of its climate change and emissions reduction agenda.
Electric Bikes & Battery Swapping: A New Era for Taxi Drivers
inDrive is pioneering electric two-wheeler adoption by collaborating with local startups to retrofit petrol motorcycles into electric bikes. These retrofitted vehicles use swappable battery technology, supported by a growing network of 21 battery swap stations in Islamabad.
In just six months, 60 electric bikes have already covered over 400,000 kilometers, saving approximately Rs1.4 million in fuel and maintenance costs. Drivers have reported an impressive 40% monthly cost reduction compared to petrol bikes.
To ease the transition, inDrive has introduced a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) model, making it financially viable for drivers to own electric bikes with low upfront investment.
Scaling Up: Electric Cars in Major Cities
Looking beyond two-wheelers, inDrive is set to deploy 50 electric cars each in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, expanding electric taxi services in Pakistan. These EVs will further reduce emissions in urban areas while offering a cleaner, quieter ride for passengers.
Smart Technology and Local Partnerships Drive Growth
inDrive’s use of AI and machine learning enhances dispatch efficiency, detects fraud, and improves customer satisfaction. According to Muhammad Awais Saeed, Country Head for inDrive Pakistan, the company is actively forming partnerships with local EV manufacturers like Honri to expand infrastructure and retrofitting capabilities.
While bureaucratic challenges and regulatory hurdles remain, inDrive’s holistic strategy reflects a growing national momentum toward green transportation in Pakistan. With strategic investments and local collaborations, Pakistan’s ride-hailing sector is positioned for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
