Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD doubles down on Pakistan with a new local plant and the rollout of the country’s most powerful hybrid pickup.
As China’s EV market enters a period of intense price wars and thinning margins, global leader BYD is betting big on emerging markets. This week, the automaker confirmed that it will begin assembling vehicles in Pakistan by July or August 2026, part of a broader strategy to localize production and capture the growing demand for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the region.
The new plant, under construction since April near Karachi, is a joint venture between BYD (Build Your Dreams) and Mega Motor Company, a subsidiary of Pakistani utility firm Hub Power. It will initially produce around 25,000 vehicles per year, operating two shifts, according to Danish Khaliq, Vice President of Sales and Strategy at BYD Pakistan.
“We do not foresee excess capacity in our system as demand in Pakistan will catch up,” said Khaliq in an interview with Reuters.
The facility will initially assemble vehicles from imported kits and include some localized production of non-electric components. All output will be directed to Pakistan’s domestic market at launch, with future exports to right-hand drive markets in the region under consideration, depending on logistics and economic feasibility.
Plug-in Hybrids over Pure EVs
While BYD began delivering fully imported EVs to Pakistan in March, Khaliq declined to specify sales figures. However, he noted that sales have already outpaced internal targets by 30%. In a country where public charging infrastructure remains scarce, BYD sees plug-in hybrids as a more practical option for consumers.
That bet seems to be paying off. Khaliq projects that the combined market for EVs and plug-in hybrids in Pakistan will grow three to four times in 2025, up from about 1,000 units sold in 2024. BYD is targeting a 30–35% share of that segment.
The company’s Q1 2025 performance reflected early traction, with BYD Pakistan reporting a profit of PKR 444 million ($1.56 million), according to a Hub Power filing.
BYD Shark 6: Pakistan’s first plug-in hybrid pickup
Coinciding with its expansion announcement, BYD launched the Shark 6, Pakistan’s first plug-in hybrid electric pickup. The vehicle blends off-road capability, urban comfort, and high-end tech features, positioning itself as a high-performance yet efficient alternative in the growing pickup segment.
With a 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine, dual electric motors, and a 60L fuel tank, the Shark 6 delivers 436 hp, 650 Nm torque, and a combined range of 800 km—including 100 km on battery power alone. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 5.7 seconds.
“The BYD Shark 6 is not just a new vehicle, it’s a leap forward for the entire NEV segment,” said Khaliq at the launch event. “It redefines what a pickup should be: powerful, luxurious, and intelligent.”
Lei Jian, Country Head of BYD Pakistan, added: “We are thrilled to introduce Pakistan’s first plug-in hybrid pickup. Backed by two decades of innovation and a vertically integrated R&D approach, BYD has redefined what plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology can achieve.”
Among its standout features, the Shark 6 includes terrain modes (Mud, Snow, Sand), vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, intelligent braking, and a voice-controlled cockpit. Inside, it boasts premium materials and spacious seating—an unusual mix of comfort and performance in the pickup category.
Key features of BYD Shark 6
- 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors delivering 436 hp and 650 Nm torque
- 0–100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds — fastest PHEV pickup in Pakistan
- 800 km total range, including 100 km full-electric (NEDC)
- Capable of reducing tailpipe CO₂ emissions by up to 62% (USEPA estimate)
- Cell-to-Chassis battery architecture for enhanced structural safety and handling
- Dual Mode Off-Road (DMO) hybrid system with terrain modes: Mud, Snow, Sand
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function to power tools, appliances, or camping gear
- Intelligent cockpit with voice control and advanced driver-assist features
- Fuel efficiency up to 50 km/l (SOC 25%–100%)
The BYD Shark 6 is now available for booking, priced at PKR 19.95 million ($70,482). Test drives will be rolled out across nationwide dealerships in the coming weeks.
Pakistan cuts EV tariffs, expands charging network
While PHEVs offer a practical bridge in markets with underdeveloped EV infrastructure, the government is also taking steps to support pure-electric adoption. In January, Pakistan slashed electricity tariffs for EV chargers by 45% to spur private investment in charging stations.
Hubco’s CEO Kamran Kamal confirmed the company’s commitment to building that infrastructure: “PHEVs like the BYD Shark 6 offer added convenience and peace of mind… Hubco Green has partnered with leading OMCs to establish a charging station every 200 km on the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway by the end of next year.”
BYD’s entry into Pakistan aligns with a broader shift in its global manufacturing strategy. The company is delaying full-scale production at its $4 billion plant in Hungary, now expected in 2026, and plans to run it below capacity for at least the first two years. Meanwhile, BYD is accelerating output at its facility in Turkey, where lower labor costs offer a more immediate return.
This shift may frustrate EU policymakers, who had hoped Chinese EV investments would bring high-skilled jobs to Europe. Meanwhile, BYD’s Pakistani venture—although smaller in scale—is moving ahead at full speed.
As BYD makes its push into Pakistan, it’s not just selling vehicles—it’s placing a long-term bet on an EV future in South Asia, built around regional assembly, hybrid technology, and a pragmatic approach to infrastructure gaps.
