However, the downside is that hybrid vehicles still run on natural fuel, especially on highways, just like regular petrol vehicles. On the other hand, battery-less electric vehicles run entirely on electricity. It remains to be seen whether this will actually help us get rid of imported oil or just serve as a temporary feel-good solution for us.
On the other hand, a true electric vehicle runs entirely on electricity, and still around 59% of electric vehicles in Pakistan run on natural fuel. So we are not as green as we imagine ourselves to be. We are simply shifting our problems from vehicle engines to power plants running on imported coal and furnace oil.
When it comes to the cost of these vehicles, these electric vehicles are not cheap and while we all dream of a greener, more sustainable future, it is important to consider how many people in Pakistan will buy these vehicles. can Even with government incentives, these cars are still completely built-up cars and out of reach for most consumers, leading us to a solution that only benefits the elite while leaving the rest of the population. Abandoned in gas-guzzling cars.
And don’t forget the long-term savings aspect of the vehicle compared to the cost involved. Yes, electric vehicles are cheaper in the long run but let’s assume if you can afford to buy the vehicle for the first time.
Apart from all these, the energy crisis is also a major problem in Pakistan. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2023-24, the total electricity production from July to March of fiscal year 24 was 92 thousand gigawatts, while due to bad transmission lines, we only got 68 thousand gigawatts. 500 GW of electricity consumption, Pakistan continues to suffer from power outages and unreliable grids as a result, and now we are talking about adding thousands more electric vehicles to this demand.
Everyone is excited about electric vehicles as the transportation of the future, but there are some controversial aspects to consider. Are electric vehicles the best solution to Pakistan’s transport and energy problems, or are we merely imitating the West without considering the realities of our country?
It would be better if we first upgrade our existing infrastructure and invest in improving the public transport system, rather than indiscriminately moving towards electric vehicles. It’s important to ask yourself these questions before taking the plunge into electric vehicles.
