Master Changan Motors Limited (MCML) is gearing up to introduce its first pure electric vehicle brand in Pakistan, according to a credible source familiar with the matter.
While the company has neither confirmed nor denied this information, a senior official, while not disclosing the specific model, confirmed that the launch of an electric vehicle (EV) is under consideration.
As part of the Vast Ocean Plan, Changan, the parent company, has unveiled three new EV brands tailored for distinct customer segments – Avatr, Deepal, and Nevo.
Syed Shabbiruddin, Director Sales and Marketing at MCML, revealed to Business Recorder that the company is poised to introduce one of these pure electric vehicle brands in Pakistan in the near future.
Insiders privy to the development disclosed that MCML is in the advanced stages of introducing the Deepal S07, a mid-size crossover SUV, and the Deepal L07, a Fast-back sports sedan. These models are produced by Deepal, Changan’s electric vehicle subsidiary, since 2023.
Changan collaborated with Huawei and CATL to develop its EV-first platform and recently launched the Deepal L07 sedan and Deepal S07 SUV in Thailand, a right-hand drive market akin to Pakistan.
Shabbiruddin expressed optimism about the potential for EV growth, citing factors such as the burgeoning young population’s demand for vehicles, estimated to reach an additional 360,000 by 2030, and the declining cost of EV batteries.
However, he also highlighted challenges facing EV adoption in Pakistan, including the current auto policy’s classification of EVs based on battery capacity, and pricing regulations at charging stations, which hamper investment in charging infrastructure.
To overcome these hurdles, Shabbiruddin proposed revising the classification criteria for EVs, incentivizing all types of pure EVs, facilitating easy financing, and launching mass awareness campaigns.
Furthermore, he underscored Changan’s commitment to facilitating EV adoption by supplying home chargers with all electric cars and promoting zero-carbon emissions by encouraging the use of solar panels.
In the subsequent phase, Changan plans to invest in the entire EV value chain, including the establishment of nationwide charging infrastructure, to foster the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in Pakistan.