ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP):The Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) has launched Pakistan’s first indigenously developed Electric Vehicle (EV) technology, designed and engineered by its technology partner AGECO (Pvt.) Ltd., marking a significant milestone in the country’s shift toward clean and affordable mobility solutions.
The EV technology, introduced under the brand name ECONOMIA, includes locally developed Electric Conversion Kits for retrofitting existing petrol-based vehicles, particularly two-wheelers and rickshaws, into fully electric, zero-emission modes of transport.
The ceremony, held at COMSATS Secretariat, was graced by Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Romina Khurshid, as the chief guest. Ambassadors and High Commissioners of Ghana, Iran, Malaysia, Palestine, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, and Zimbabwe were also in attendance, alongside senior government officials, private sector representatives, and international organizations.
As part of the launch, COMSATS and AGECO delivered EV-converted rickshaws to M/S Imperial Engineering Company the first commercial deployment under a recently signed MoU, paving the way for large-scale adoption of retrofitted EVs.
In her remarks, Romina Khurshid said Pakistan remains among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, where air pollution is directly affecting health, productivity, and urban wellbeing.
She praised COMSATS and AGECO for presenting a practical solution that would “positively impact population health, the environment, and the economy.”
She commended the leadership for bringing indigenous innovation to the forefront.
ED COMSATS Highlights Cost Savings, CO2 Reduction, and National Benefits
Addressing the gathering, Executive Director COMSATS, Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Nafees Zakaria, emphasized that Pakistan’s transport sector contributes 52.8 million metric tons of CO2 annually, with 70% of emissions produced by 32 million motorcycles and motorcycle rickshaws.
He said indigenous EV conversion kits could drastically reduce fuel imports, currently costing Pakistan US$ 5.4 billion annually, of which two-wheelers alone consume US$ 3.78 billion.
EV adoption, he noted, will also reduce public health expenditures, create employment, boost innovation, and advance Pakistan’s progress on multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 7, 9, 11, 12 and 13).
Highlighting critical comparison, Ambassador Zakaria shared that the federal and provincial incentives for EV bikes could cost over Rs. 41.2 billion annually, the indigenous manufacturing plant proposed by COMSATS to produce 250,000 EV kits requires less than 10% of that amount.
“Producing these kits domestically can save more than US$ 30 million annually in petrol and generate US$ 2–15 million in carbon credits,” he said.
He paid tribute to AGECO’s CEO, Engr. Aslam Azad, praising his resilience and determination:
“I decided to support him at all costs. Today, we embark on a path toward a cleaner and technologically stronger Pakistan.”
Engr. Aslam Azad thanked the Executive Director for his unwavering support and COMSATS for enabling AGECO to reach this milestone, stressing that the partnership reflects a model of collaborative innovation aimed at national progress.
The launch of retrofitted EVs is expected to reduce operational costs for vehicle owners, unlock new economic and employment opportunities, and contribute to cleaner air in urban centers.
COMSATS announced plans to extend such collaborations to other Member States, promoting the adoption of affordable green technologies across the Global South.