MG Motors is calling on the automotive industry to reevaluate its pricing strategies and focus on making hybrid and electric vehicles more accessible to ordinary Pakistanis, following the recent announcement of the government’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025–30. The policy, aimed at curbing emissions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, marks a significant step forward—but industry leaders warn that it risks falling short without meaningful changes in market approach.
Read More: JMEV Elight Set to Make Waves as Pakistan’s Latest All‑Electric Sedan
Syed Asif Ahmed, General Manager Marketing at MG Motors, welcomed the policy initiative but expressed concern over the affordability of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). “HEVs in Pakistan have become a luxury for a niche market,” said Ahmed. “Despite policy support, the real advantages have not trickled down to car buyers.”
He pointed out that even five-seater HEVs are priced between Rs 9.6 million and Rs 12 million, with seven-seater variants going up to Rs 16 million, making them out of reach for most consumers. “The industry must think seriously about affordability,” he said, suggesting a strategic pivot toward plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which he believes are “better suited for urban use and offer real electric range.”
Although the NEV Policy brings Pakistan’s classification of energy-efficient vehicles in line with international standards—covering EVs, PHEVs, and hydrogen-powered cars—Ahmed criticized the past implementation of incentives. He noted that earlier tax breaks allowed conventional hybrids to be labeled as NEVs, which “only benefited the principal companies and their local partners,” rather than delivering actual value to consumers or the environment.
Ahmed emphasized MG’s commitment to shifting the conversation with the launch of its locally assembled MG HS PHEV SUV. The vehicle features a 16.6 kWh battery offering over 52 kilometers of electric range, a 1.5-liter turbo engine producing 260 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.1 seconds—all for under Rs 10 million. He described it as “the best value‑for‑money vehicle in its class.”
MG Motors has already sold over 16,000 vehicles in Pakistan, including around 2,000 PHEVs, indicating growing consumer interest in economical and sustainable alternatives. Ahmed pointed out that globally, hybrids are financially viable only when priced within 10% of conventional petrol cars. In Pakistan, the price gap can be as high as 45%, with hybrid C‑SUVs often costing Rs 4 million more than their petrol counterparts.
Concluding his remarks, Ahmed cautioned the industry to stay focused on meaningful reform. “The potential is enormous,” he said. “But only if we prioritize real consumer value and environmental impact—over short‑term profits.”
