Karachi emerges as a Hub for Electric Scooters and Motorbikes

 - By Suhail Nasir

Karachi’s rapid rise as a hub for electric scooters and motorbikes is a reflection of the broader transformation of Pakistan’s two-wheeler industry. The expansion of electric vehicle stores and the growing production numbers are clear indicators that the future of transportation in Pakistan is increasingly electric. As new brands continue to enter the market, competition will drive further innovation and improvements in the sector, helping to make electric vehicles an accessible and viable option for a wider audience.

The bustling metropolis of Pakistan is quickly becoming a key center for electric scooters and motorbikes. As you travel along Main Shahrah-e-Faisal, a major road stretching from the Airport to the FTC, you will encounter an increasing number of electric vehicle stores. The area has become home to nine electric scooter and motorbike brands, signaling the city’s growing role in the country’s shift toward eco-friendly transportation.

Traveling from the Airport toward the FTC, six stores are located on the left-hand side of Shahrah-e-Faisal. Three of these stores are situated near Awami Markaz, where prominent brands like Evee, Benling, and Vlektra have set up shop. Further along, near Kawish Crown, Luyuan also operates a store. Two more stores, representing brands Jolta and Revoo, are positioned near the Nursery. These locations highlight a concentrated effort to promote electric two-wheelers in a strategic part of the city.

In the opposite direction, from Faysal House toward the Airport, there are three more stores, with brands like Metro, Ramza, and Super Star Amigo already established or preparing to open soon. Another significant development is the upcoming store of a Lahore-based electric scooter company, which is expected to open in the coming months. This expansion points to Karachi’s emerging role as a leading hub for electric two-wheelers in Pakistan.

In just two years, the electric vehicle (EV) sector in Pakistan has witnessed tremendous growth, with 42 companies entering the market. These companies collectively produce a wide range of 115 distinct products, including 57 motorbikes and 58 scooters. The growing interest in electric vehicles is also reflected in the number of manufacturing plants located in 12 cities across Pakistan. This marks the country’s significant steps towards adopting green and sustainable transportation solutions.

Among these new electric vehicle brands, there is a combination of multinational corporations and homegrown companies. Seven of these brands are international, while 39 are local startups. This blend has led to a competitive environment where innovation thrives, resulting in better product quality and more choices for consumers.

Karachi has become a focal point for this shift. Local industry representatives highlight that no other location in Pakistan, including major cities like Lahore and Islamabad, has as many electric scooter and motorbike brands concentrated in one area as Shahrah-e-Faisal. This makes Karachi an important market for the electric two-wheeler industry.

 

One significant trend is that companies like Revoo, Metro, and Vlektra have opted to operate their own company-run stores, while other brands like Ramza and Evee have gone the dealership route. However, the success of the dealership model has been mixed, with some brands reporting less-than-satisfactory results. This shift in marketing strategy indicates that companies are experimenting with new methods to gain traction in a rapidly evolving market.

Looking at production numbers, the growth of the EV sector in Pakistan is evident. In the fiscal year 2022-23, the country produced 14,190 electric vehicles, and this number jumped to 25,136 in the following year. As of now, there are over 39,000 electric scooters and motorbikes on the roads of Pakistan, further demonstrating the growing acceptance of these environmentally friendly vehicles.

The electric two-wheeler market is also diverse in terms of motor power options, offering vehicles with motors ranging from 600W to 4000W. This variety caters to a broad spectrum of consumer needs, from those looking for low-powered scooters to individuals seeking higher-performance electric bikes. 

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