Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are emerging as a leading entry point for electrified mobility in Pakistan and other developing markets, as infrastructure constraints and cost considerations continue to limit the widespread adoption of fully electric vehicles (EVs).
The trend aligns with a broader global shift led by China, which has surpassed Japan and Germany to become the world’s largest automobile exporter, driven largely by new energy vehicles, including EVs and hybrid models.
Transitional Shift in Pakistan’s Auto Market
The surge in interest highlights a broader shift in emerging markets. While fully electric vehicles (EVs) face hurdles due to limited charging infrastructure and grid reliability, PHEVs are emerging as the preferred entry point for electrified mobility.
Chery Master Pakistan has reported more than 2,000 bookings for its Tiggo plug-in hybrid SUV lineuplineup, including the Tiggo 7, 8, and 9 models within a short period of market entry.
“The bookings span the company’s Tiggo PHEV range, including the Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9, reflecting strong initial traction in multiple segments, from urban commuters to family and premium SUV buyers,” a company official stated.
Market analysts suggest this trend is driven by fuel economics. With petrol prices remaining elevated, conventional vehicles averaging 10 kilometers per liter face significantly higher operating costs compared to hybrids. PHEVs offer a “best of both worlds” solution: electric power for daily city commutes and a conventional engine for long-distance travel.
Tiggo 8 PHEV – Performance and Technology
Positioned as Pakistan’s only 7-seater plug-in hybrid in the D-SUV segment, the Tiggo 8 PHEV is powered by Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) technology.
The vehicle delivers a formidable 496 horsepower and 735 Nm of torque. It offers an electric-only range of up to 90 kilometers, with a total combined driving range of approximately 1,200 kilometers.
The vehicle was opened for advance bookings in January 2026 at an introductory price of Rs 10,999,000. Due to overwhelming demand, the price was revised to Rs 11,299,000 effective February 1, 2026.
The SUV includes a three-row cabin layout, an advanced infotainment system, and a Sony sound system. Interior features include a “Queen Co-Pilot” zero-gravity passenger seat with massage functionality, heating and ventilation options, and a cabin composed of 78.9% soft-wrap materials. A driver-focused audio system is also part of the package.
On safety, the Tiggo 8 PHEV holds a five-star global safety rating and is equipped with 10 airbags along with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), placing it among the most feature-rich vehicles in its segment.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Powertrain | Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) Technology |
| Horsepower | 496 hp |
| Torque | 735 Nm |
| Electric-Only Range | Up to 90 km |
| Combined Driving Range | Approximately 1,200 km |
| Seating Capacity | 7-Seater (D-SUV Segment) |
Introductory Price: Rs 10,999,000 (For pre-registered customers in January 2026).
Current Market Price: Rs 11,299,000 (Effective February 1, 2026).
Expansion Plans and Global Backing
To support its rollout, Chery Master Pakistan has established a nationwide 3S dealership network with 10 operational outlets, with plans to expand to 20 locations by 2027 as part of its long-term strategy.
Chery entered the Pakistani market through a partnership with Master Auto Engineering, part of the Master Group – an industrial player with over six decades of manufacturing experience. The collaboration agreement was signed in May 2025.
Globally, Chery operates in more than 120 countries, with a user base exceeding 18.5 million. The company has remained China’s largest automobile exporter for 23 consecutive years and accounts for one in every four vehicles exported from China.
Infrastructure Challenges Continue to Limit EV Adoption
Despite increasing global momentum toward fully electric vehicles, structural challenges persist in Pakistan. Limited charging infrastructure, concerns about grid reliability, and range anxiety, especially outside major cities, continue to influence purchasing decisions.
These factors have positioned PHEVs as a transitional solution, allowing drivers to rely on electric power for daily commutes while retaining a conventional engine for longer journeys. This dual capability is increasingly seen as better aligned with current market conditions.
Industry stakeholders note that China’s export strategy is evolving in response, with a growing emphasis on scalable hybrid technologies suited to markets with varying levels of infrastructure readiness.
Recent activity in Pakistan’s SUV segment reinforces this trend, with newly launched PHEV models generating notable consumer interest and strong initial order volumes.
Market observers believe this signals a phased transition toward electrification in Pakistan, where plug-in hybrids are expected to play a leading role in the near to medium term. Consumer behavior, shaped by fuel prices, running costs, and practicality, is likely to remain a key driver of this shift, alongside future policy developments and infrastructure investment.
Gradual Transition Toward Electrification
Recent developments in Pakistan’s SUV segment indicate a phased transition toward electrified mobility, with plug-in hybrids expected to play a central role in the near to medium term.
Market observers note that consumer behavior, driven by fuel prices, running costs, and practicality, will continue to shape adoption trends, alongside policy measures and infrastructure investments.
As the market evolves, PHEVs are increasingly seen as a bridge between conventional vehicles and fully electric mobility, offering a solution tailored to current economic and infrastructural realities.