BYD Plans First EV Assembly Plant Near Karachi for 2026 Launch

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is set to launch its first locally assembled electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Pakistan by mid-2026 through a partnership with Mega Motor Company, a subsidiary of Hub Power. The new assembly plant near Karachi will have an initial capacity of 25,000 units annually, operating on a double shift, and will start by assembling imported parts with some local production of non-electric components. BYD aims to capture a 30-35% market share in Pakistan's rapidly growing EV market, which is expected to expand three to four times in 2025 from around 1,000 units in 2024, supported by government incentives such as a 45% reduction in power tariffs for EV charging. The company plans to serve the domestic market first, with potential exports to right-hand drive countries depending on market conditions. BYD's Shark 6 plug-in hybrid pickup truck is among the upcoming launches targeting consumer interest in practical hybrid models due to limited charging infrastructure. This local assembly initiative challenges the dominance of Japanese automakers in Pakistan and aligns with BYD's broader strategy to grow in emerging markets amid slowing sales in its home market.