Govt Requests NEPRA to Lower EV Charging Prices by 45%, Aiming for 30% EV Adoption by 2030

Islamabad: The government has formally requested the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to revise electricity rates for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Under the proposed plan, electricity could be supplied at Rs. 23.57 per unit. However, the ultimate cost of charging stations is anticipated to be Rs. 39 per unit after tax adjustments are made, which is a significant 45% decrease from the current tariff.
The government has proposed the implementation of a cross-subsidy mechanism to address the disparity between the current and proposed tariffs. The objective of the strategy is to guarantee that by 2030, 30% of Pakistan’s automobiles will be electrified.

EV charging stations now charge Rs. 45 per unit, but after taxes, the cost rises to Rs. 71.10 per unit. The government believes that the increased tariff rates will assist to boost EV adoption. All relevant taxes and modifications will be included in the amended pricing.

A hearing on this request was held before NEPRA’s chairman. During the hearing, the case officer informed that the government has recommended reducing the basic rate from Rs. 45.54 to Rs. 23.57 per unit. Currently, EV owners pay up to Rs 70 per unit for charging services.

The Power Division emphasised that Pakistan’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is still insufficiently developed, with only eight charging stations in operation throughout the nation. The government aims to address the challenges of climate change by attracting more investors to the EV sector and opening the market.

The regulatory framework was revised by the authorities after consultations with stakeholders. In order to increase the affordability of electric vehicles, the Cabinet has authorised a decrease in the base tariffs for EV charging stations. It is anticipated that the reduced cost of charging will motivate an increased number of individuals to transition to electric vehicles.

The commercial electricity tariff is approximately Rs. 94 per unit, according to officials from the Power Division, although it is not fully implemented. Consumers are currently paying approximately Rs. 70 per unit. The total number of EV consumers in Pakistan is estimated to be between 7,000 and 8,000, and EV charging stations consumed a mere 94,000 electricity units in the past year.

The government’s proposed tariff reduction is a strategic step toward fostering EV adoption, making electric mobility more accessible while encouraging investment in Pakistan’s evolving EV infrastructure.