EV boom gives Rawalpindi, Islamabad a charge

October 12, 2026 (MLN): Electric vehicles are gaining ground in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi as high fuel prices, linked to tensions in the Middle East, and environmental concerns push more residents towards a cheaper, cleaner alternative to petrol-run transport.

Electric bikes, scooters, cars and rickshaws are increasingly visible on the roads, especially among students, office-goers and delivery riders, helped by low running and maintenance costs and government support for charging infrastructure, with several charging stations now operating at fuel stations and commercial areas.

Islamabad resident Sohail Tanveer, who recently bought an electric bike, said his monthly petrol bill of around Rs 12,000 has dropped to less than Rs 1,500 in charging costs.

He added that the bike is easy to handle and quiet, spares him petrol pump queues, and is well suited to students given its minimal upkeep, noting that he charges it at home overnight and uses it all day, APP reported.

Ride-hailing and delivery rider Sultan said fuel used to eat up half of his earnings, and that switching to an electric bike has nearly doubled his savings, as a three-hour charge gives him about 100 kilometres of riding.

Saba Ahmed of Rawalpindi, who switched to an electric car, said it offers a smooth, smoke-free and comfortable drive in city traffic, with no trips to petrol pumps or workshops.

She said her initial worries about battery life and maintenance proved unfounded, as she has faced no maintenance cost after a year.

She called on the authorities to expand charging stations, bring down EV prices and offer easy instalment plans to make electric vehicles more accessible to the common man.

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