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In a significant boost to Pakistan’s energy efficiency drive, more than 30,000 hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) added to local roads over the past two years have helped save 30 million litres of fuel, reducing the oil import bill by nearly $27 million, according to Lucky Motor Corporation (LMC) CEO Mohammad Faisal.
Pakistan’s heavy reliance on fuel imports has long strained its foreign exchange reserves. With oil prices remaining volatile and the rupee under pressure, the rise in hybrid adoption offers a much-needed financial and environmental cushion.
Faisal revealed that hybrids now dominate over half of the SUV segment in Pakistan’s auto market, which sells around 180,000–200,000 units annually. Since 2021, 13 new hybrid and electrified models have launched locally, backed by major Japanese, Korean, and Chinese automakers.
He noted that consumer interest in hybrids continues to rise due to better fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and stronger resale value compared to fully electric or plug-in models.
“If hybrids make up 25–30% of all vehicle sales, Pakistan’s annual fuel savings could multiply significantly,” he added.
Faisal also highlighted that local production is gaining pace, with LMC achieving 35% localisation in its Sportage and Picanto hybrid variants. He emphasized that smaller battery packs make hybrids less dependent on imports and more resilient to challenges like power outages and urban flooding.
Globally, around 30% of ride-hailing fleets in Asia use hybrid vehicles a trend Faisal believes Pakistan can emulate for cost-effective urban transport. He estimated that hybrids can cut carbon emissions by up to 40% compared to conventional petrol cars.
Experts agree that hybrids provide a realistic transition toward cleaner mobility until full EV adoption becomes viable, helping Pakistan reduce oil dependency and environmental damage simultaneously.
