Pakistan launches first-ever environment friendly electric bike

While addressing a ceremony in connection with launch of Pakistan's locally produced electric bike, the Premier said that government has given a new roadmap to protect the future generations from global warming, encourage wealth creation and enhance tax collection.

Imran Khan said our electric vehicle policy is part of government's Clean and Green Initiative.

Terming the manufacturing of electric bikes a futuristic and positive step, he said, “We have to manufacture electric buses and cars in order to address the issue of pollution in big cities where the pollution level has reached the dangerous levels”.

“We are also executing ten billion tree Tsunami project and preparing master plans for cities to deal with the issue,” he added.

As regards the wealth creation, Imran Khan said it will be ensured that auto parts including that of motorcycles and other raw materials are locally manufactured.

Khan further added, “A mineral map is also being prepared which will show how rich the country in natural resources”.

Imran Khan said the economy is on the upward trajectory and steps are being taken to ensure sustainable growth.

Following the occasion, Minister for Industries and Production Khusro Bakhtiar stated that a new auto policy will be presented before the cabinet next month for approval.

He said the policy will focus on local production of vehicles and make the auto industry export oriented.

He said under the electric vehicle policy, three licenses have already been given whilst licenses for seventeen more manufacturers are in the line.

“The development of charging infrastructure will also be encouraged which will provide job opportunities to the youth,” he added.

The Minister further added that Pakistan has a good motorcycle manufacturing industry and it is eyeing their exports to Afghanistan, Central Asian States and Africa.

The launching of e-bike is part of the present government’s five-year Pakistan Electric Vehicles Policy 2020-2025, approved last year and envisaged targeting a robust electric vehicle market having a 30 percent and 90 percent share in passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks by 2030 and 2040 respectively.

The salient features of the policy include a phased transition of the automobile industry, as it will be covering two and three wheelers and heavy commercial vehicles providing incentives to manufacturers.

Manufactured by a Pakistani company Jolta Electric, the e-bike is a major step towards electrifying the country’s automobile industry.

The e-bike, to be available in various models including JE-70, JE-70 L, JE-70 D, JE-100 L, JE-125 L, JE-Scooty, JE-Sports Bike, is energy-efficient and can be charged overnight with other features such as no clutch and gear and low maintenance.

Various models of Jolta e-bikes have different speed specifications from 10 to 60 kilometers per hour and can cover a distance after full charge from 60 to 100 kilometers.