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The Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) has raised serious concerns over the quality of batteries used in electric bikes across the country, revealing that nearly 90% of e-bikes are powered by outdated lead-acid batteries disguised as “graphene batteries.”
In its statement, PAMA warned that such misleading practices not only endanger public safety but also undermine Pakistan’s transition toward clean mobility. Director General Abdul Waheed Khan said consumers are paying inflated prices for e-bikes that fail to deliver performance or reliability.
“Over 90 percent of electric bikes use lead-acid batteries with a thin graphene coating a deceptive and ineffective modification,” he noted, urging the government to stop allocating EV subsidies to obsolete technology.
The warning comes as the federal government rolls out its Pakistan Accelerated Vehicle Electrification (PAVE) Program 2025–30, a Rs.122 billion initiative funded by a 3% levy on petrol and diesel vehicles. The program aims to promote lithium-ion and advanced battery technologies, offering incentives only for models meeting global standards.
Globally, lithium-ion batteries remain the preferred choice for EVs due to their higher energy density, faster charging, and longer lifespan, typically backed by five-year warranties, compared to just two years offered for lead-acid alternatives in Pakistan.
Khan also alleged that certain manufacturers are manipulating EV production and sales data to mislead investors and policymakers. He cautioned that without urgent regulatory action, Pakistan risks “losing both credibility and momentum” in its electric vehicle transition.
“Unless the government cracks down on outdated technologies, Pakistan’s EV dream could stall before it truly begins,” said Abdul Waheed Khan, PAMA DG.
