Electric buses in a green Pakistan, symbolizing sustainable urban transport.

Electric Buses in Pakistan: Are They the Future of Urban Transportation?

Mira Elwood in Climate & Environment June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A case study reveals how transitioning to electric buses can cut costs and improve air quality in urban Pakistan, but challenges remain."

The global transportation sector is a major contributor to air pollution, prompting a shift towards electric buses and greener transport solutions. While developed nations have embraced Battery Electric Buses (BEBs), developing countries like Pakistan are just beginning to explore their potential. The promise of lower fuel costs, higher efficiency, reduced maintenance, and enhanced energy security makes BEBs an attractive option.

However, mass BEB deployment faces significant obstacles, including high initial costs, charging infrastructure needs, range limitations, and technological unfamiliarity. Stakeholders in Pakistan, from policymakers to private company owners, must carefully consider these factors before introducing BEBs. Strategic network and fleet planning is crucial for profitable operation, ensuring the right number of buses are deployed at the right time.

This article investigates the feasibility of replacing conventional city buses with electric bus technology in Pakistan. By examining a detailed case study, we'll explore the potential benefits, challenges, and policy recommendations for electrifying urban transportation and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The Promise of Electric Buses: Cleaner Air and Cost Savings?

Electric buses in a green Pakistan, symbolizing sustainable urban transport.

A recent case study conducted in Pakistan simulates and financially analyzes the operation of a Public Transport Infrastructure using a green solution: electric buses. The results are promising, indicating that despite the high upfront investment in BEB infrastructure, the system can become profitable within 6-7 years. This profitability leads to a decreased Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of approximately 30% compared to conventional diesel buses.

Pakistan is already feeling the effects of climate change. Pakistan contributes less than 1% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. The country faces a climate emergency with increasing weather incidents. The country is committed to a greener future, as indicated by their National Electric Vehicle Policy (NEVP), which aims to have 50% of new bus sales be electric by 2030 and 90% by 2090.

Government Support: Transition to electric buses is possible with backing from government entities.
Infrastructure Challenges: Establishing infrastructure and national-level policies for electric vehicles is a major hurdle.
Public Interest: Authorities must actively incentivize electric vehicle adoption to capture public interest, especially when compared to diesel vehicles.
Charging Infrastructure: Prioritizing regulations for advanced charging infrastructure is essential.

The study underscores that careful planning and policy support are essential for successful BEB implementation. By addressing the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities, Pakistan can pave the way for a cleaner, more efficient, and economically sound urban transportation system. Electric buses look physically like regular gasoline buses, but their operating mechanism is entirely different. One of the biggest operational challenges is range anxiety due to limited battery capacity and long charging times.

Moving Towards a Greener Future

The transition to electric buses in Pakistan holds immense potential for reducing emissions, improving air quality, and achieving long-term cost savings. While challenges remain, a clear policy pathway, strategic infrastructure development, and public awareness campaigns can pave the way for a sustainable urban transportation system. As Pakistan continues its journey towards a greener future, electric buses can play a pivotal role in creating healthier, more livable cities for all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2407.20139,

Title: Emission Reduction In Urban Environments By Replacing Conventional City Buses With Electric Bus Technology: A Case Study Of Pakistan

Subject: econ.gn cs.sy eess.sy q-fin.ec

Authors: Muhammad Haris Saleem, S. Wajahat Ali, Sheikh Abdullah Shehzad

Published: 29-07-2024

Everything You Need To Know

What are the primary benefits of Electric Buses (BEBs) in Pakistan, as highlighted in the context?

The context emphasizes several benefits of Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) in Pakistan. Primarily, BEBs offer potential for cost savings due to lower fuel costs, higher operational efficiency, and reduced maintenance needs compared to conventional diesel buses. They also enhance energy security. Moreover, BEBs contribute to improved air quality by reducing emissions, which is particularly important given Pakistan's climate challenges and commitment to a greener future, as seen with the National Electric Vehicle Policy (NEVP).

What are the main challenges associated with adopting Electric Buses (BEBs) in Pakistan's urban transport system?

The major hurdles for implementing Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) in Pakistan involve high initial costs associated with acquiring the buses and setting up the necessary infrastructure. Another significant challenge is the need for extensive charging infrastructure to support BEB operations, alongside limitations in driving range and technological unfamiliarity. Policymakers and private companies must carefully address these issues through strategic planning and policy development to ensure successful deployment.

How does the National Electric Vehicle Policy (NEVP) of Pakistan support the adoption of Electric Buses (BEBs)?

The National Electric Vehicle Policy (NEVP) in Pakistan is a key driver for the adoption of Battery Electric Buses (BEBs). This policy sets ambitious targets, aiming for 50% of new bus sales to be electric by 2030 and 90% by 2090. This policy framework indicates the government's commitment to a greener future and provides a supportive environment for BEB deployment by incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles.

Beyond cost savings, what are the broader environmental and societal implications of using Electric Buses (BEBs) in Pakistan?

Beyond cost-effectiveness, the use of Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) in Pakistan has significant environmental and societal benefits. BEBs help reduce emissions and improve air quality in urban areas, combatting pollution that can negatively impact public health and contribute to climate change mitigation. Furthermore, as Pakistan faces increasing climate emergencies, the adoption of BEBs aligns with the country's broader goals for sustainability and a cleaner environment. The shift to BEBs helps create healthier, more livable cities.

What specific policy and infrastructural considerations are crucial for the successful integration of Electric Buses (BEBs) into Pakistan's urban transportation network?

Successful integration of Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) into Pakistan's urban transport requires several strategic policy and infrastructural considerations. Firstly, government support is essential, including financial incentives and supportive regulations. Secondly, prioritizing the development of advanced charging infrastructure and addressing its associated regulations is critical. Strategic network and fleet planning is also essential, ensuring that the correct number of buses is deployed at the right times for profitable operation. Moreover, addressing challenges like initial high costs, range limitations, and promoting public interest through awareness campaigns is equally crucial.