LUMS symposium aims to propel Pakistan toward Electric Vehicle Revolution

Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) hosted the second Symposium on Battery Electric Vehicles in Pakistan, in partnership with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, World Bank, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

With a theme of ‘Accelerating the Electric Mobility Transition in Pakistan,’ the symposium convened senior leaders, policymakers, academics, and industry experts to delve into the burgeoning field of electric vehicles.

Dr. Shakeel Sadiq Jajja, Chair of the Symposium and Associate Professor at Suleman Dawood School of Business at LUMS, emphasized the growing significance of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) globally and their potential environmental benefits.

Speaking on the scope of BEVs in Pakistan, Dr. Jajja shared that, “The electrification of transportation is rising in the last few years much more rapidly all over the world. The key environmental benefit attributed with BEVs is that they have zero tail-pipe emissions along with the low cost of operation. The environmental benefit is fully harnessed if these vehicles are powered through sustainable sources of electricity.” Additionally, he highlighted the opportunity for Pakistan to develop new industries like batteries, robotics, big data, and analytics.

Ms. Jen Jungeun Oh, Practice Manager, Transport, South Asia, at the World Bank, noted the symposium’s significance in rallying key stakeholders within Pakistan’s EV ecosystem. She emphasized the need for concerted action to drive EV adoption, focusing initially on electric two and three-wheelers and buses. Key strategies include policy reinforcement, local procurement to reduce capital costs, and facilitating affordable commercial financing.

The symposium served as a comprehensive platform covering various aspects of the Electric Vehicle (EV) landscape in Pakistan, international best practices, and industry perspectives on demand, supply, charging infrastructure, and financing.

Alongside insightful discussions, an exhibition showcased EV-related products and services, underscoring the symposium’s role as a catalyst for dialogue and collaboration among government and industry stakeholders.

Neubolt LUMS
LUMS Spin-off project Neubolt Energy Services and Euro Oil collaborated on a ‘Battery-Swapping Station’ for 3-wheeler rickshaws in July 2023. (Image Credit: LUMS)

Zeeshan Sheikh, IFC’s Country Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan, reiterated IFC’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s EV transition. “Globally, in recent years, IFC has invested over USD 3 billion in e-mobility-related initiatives, and we are committed to drawing on our experiences to support the private sector and the Government of Pakistan in fostering an enabling environment for enhanced adoption and investment in BEVs in Pakistan,” Sheikh said.

The symposium showcased LUMS, HEC, the World Bank, and IFC’s dedication to innovation and addressing societal challenges through collaboration. By harnessing collective expertise and insights, the event aimed to steer Pakistan towards a greener, more sustainable future in transportation.

In January 2024, an e-Mobility Research and Development Center was inaugurated at the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering at LUMS. The e-mobility center, jointly funded by the United States government and LUMS, aims to drive local advancements in electric vehicles, batteries, electronics, and technical standards. The facility aims to support innovations in locally designed electric vehicles, and refining battery solutions.

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