Rising Petrol Prices Drive Popularity of Plug-In Hybrid and Range-Extended Vehicles in Pakistan

Karachi: Soaring petrol prices in Pakistan have led to a surge in demand for plug-in hybrid and range-extended vehicles, as consumers seek more economical and practical transportation options.

With petrol prices exceeding PKR 320 per liter, the cost of operating traditional SUVs has risen sharply, prompting many vehicle owners to reconsider their choices. Experts and industry insiders say that modern plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) are emerging as financially viable and suitable options for Pakistani consumers.

According to Syed Asif Ahmed, Director of Sales and Marketing at Cherry Master Pakistan, current petrol prices have severely impacted the economics of conventional vehicles. “This is no longer just an environmental concern—it directly affects consumers’ monthly expenses,” he said.

Data shows that a typical petrol-powered C-segment SUV, averaging 10 km per liter, now costs around PKR 32 per kilometer. Traditional hybrid vehicles, averaging 18 km per liter, reduce the cost to about PKR 18 per kilometer, though they are still affected by rising fuel prices. The real shift, however, is occurring with plug-in hybrid and range-extended vehicles, which can complete most urban trips entirely on electricity.

For example, a modern plug-in hybrid SUV can travel up to 170 km on a full battery charge. Assuming an electricity cost of PKR 50 per unit, a full charge costs around PKR 1,700—equivalent to roughly PKR 10 per kilometer—making daily operating costs about PKR 22 per km cheaper than conventional petrol vehicles, resulting in significant monthly savings for consumers.

Energy experts note that Pakistan’s growing adoption of solar energy further supports this trend. The rise of net metering and residential solar systems allows households to reduce electricity bills while powering vehicles at lower costs.

Syed Asif Ahmed highlighted that PHEVs and REEVs are especially suitable for Pakistani users because, unlike fully electric vehicles, they do not rely solely on charging infrastructure and provide petrol backup for long-distance travel.

Economists point out that this shift could have broader benefits for the national economy. Pakistan’s dependence on imported oil makes it vulnerable to global price fluctuations, which can significantly increase the fiscal deficit. A 20% rise in international oil prices could raise losses by hundreds of billions of rupees.

Experts conclude that if a significant portion of consumers adopts fuel-efficient or electric vehicles, it will not only reduce individual expenses but also positively impact the country’s import bill. The current trends indicate that plug-in hybrid and range-extended SUVs are emerging as a practical and cost-effective solution in Pakistan’s era of expensive fuel.