Punjab eyes EV future after Shanghai Auto Show as Punjab is keen on its commitment to achieving eco-friendly transport.
The 2025 Shanghai International Auto Show has received global recognition for its technological advancements, with Punjab’s Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan describing it as a clear display of China’s leadership in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.
Minister Khan shared that although he was aware of China’s EV developments prior to attending, the scope and innovation at the show far exceeded his expectations. From high-end EVs to commercial trucks, Chinese manufacturers are offering comprehensive solutions that place them significantly ahead of international competitors.
The eight-day event, running from April 25 to May 2, features state-of-the-art automotive technologies from nearly 1,000 companies representing 26 countries.
The Punjab delegation’s visit coincided with the New Energy Vehicle Procurement Conference organized by Pakistan’s Consulate General in Shanghai on April 29. The event drew around 60 leading Chinese automakers, including BYD, Geely, and Skyworth.
Highlighting the urgency to embrace EV technologies, Minister Khan reiterated Punjab’s commitment to eco-friendly transport. He noted that 27 electric buses are already operating in Lahore and that the government is finalizing a deal to purchase 500 more, with five companies shortlisted. The target is to have all units operational by mid-year.
Punjab plans to add another 600 electric buses starting in July, extending services beyond urban centers to enhance rural connectivity. Khan stressed that improving rural transport is just as critical. Additionally, new metro lines are being planned for Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala to curb emissions.
The province is also launching new EV initiatives, including the deployment of 1,100 electric taxis in Lahore, each batch of 25 supported by dedicated charging stations. Private investors are being encouraged to build charging infrastructure, with the government offering land. Under the Punjab Clean Air Program, 120,000 electric two- and three-wheelers will be distributed over the next three years, alongside 10,000 electric bikes for women in education and healthcare sectors.
Khan emphasized that Punjab is undergoing a major transformation and concluded that the Shanghai Auto Show underscored the global shift toward electric vehicles, a future Punjab is eager to be part of.
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