Pakistan expands EV market with GAC deal
Lucky Motor plans local assembly of Chinese EVs by 2026
Lucky Motor Corporation has partnered with China’s state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) to introduce electric vehicles to Pakistan and aims to begin local assembly as early as December 2026, the company’s CEO said. The launch, which brings GAC as Lucky’s third automotive brand alongside Kia and Peugeot, follows a sizable initial import of Aion and Hytec models that the CEO expects to sell out within weeks. Lucky Motor is positioning EVs as an attractive alternative amid sharp fuel‑price increases that have accelerated consumer interest in lower‑running‑cost vehicles.
Company executives say rising rooftop solar adoption strengthens the case for EV uptake in Pakistan, where home solar systems now supply a significant share of electricity and make overnight charging feasible for urban buyers. EVs remain a small slice of four‑wheeler sales nationally, though electrification has progressed faster among two‑wheelers, where EV market share has nearly tripled to roughly 5% of bike sales. Lucky Motor plans to leverage its Karachi assembly plant expertise and dealer networks to scale EV distribution and eventual local assembly, aiming to combine imported units with progressive localization.
Analysts and industry sources view the tie‑up as part of broader Chinese engagement in emerging‑market EV rollouts, bringing cost‑competitive platforms and battery supply chains to partners. Observers note key hurdles: affordability for many Pakistani consumers, grid and charging infrastructure outside major cities, and the need for supportive policy on duties and incentives to spur mass adoption. If Lucky Motor moves to local assembly on schedule, the initiative could accelerate the country’s shift from fuel‑dependent transport toward electrified mobility, reshape competition in the domestic auto market and reduce exposure to fuel‑price shocks linked to regional supply disruptions.
