BEIJING – In a move to advance its electric mobility ambitions, Pakistan has formally expressed interest in partnering with China to develop sodium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs), replacing traditional lithium-ion cells.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal made the announcement at a press briefing at the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing, calling EV technology a vital growth area for the country’s transport and energy sectors.
He said sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to lithium-ion technology, and Pakistan aims to leverage China’s leadership in the field.
Iqbal highlighted the upcoming Pakistan-China Business Conference on September 4, which will bring together hundreds of companies from both countries to explore partnerships in EVs, renewable energy, agriculture, and chemicals.
Under the National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025–2030, Pakistan aims for 30% of all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030, offering tax breaks, subsidies, and infrastructure support to attract investment. The long-term target is net-zero transport emissions by 2060.
Several Chinese automakers, including BYD and Chery, are already present in Pakistan’s EV sector, investing in local assembly, charging infrastructure, and research collaborations.