Pakistan is looking to take a big leap in electric vehicle (EV) technology, and it’s doing all this collectively with China, the global leader in battery innovation. The emphasis is placed on sodium-ion batteries, an emerging substitute to lithium-ion technology, that could play a role in reshaping the future of sustainable transportation.
Why Sodium-Ion Batteries Matter
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal called sodium-ion technology is considered to be a strategic priority in Pakistan’s future partnership with China. He said all this during a press conference held in Beijing
Sodium-ion batteries are considered to be cheaper, safer, and more environmentally friendly compared to lithium-ion batteries. They also minimize dependance on scarce lithium reserves — it is a growing concern for countries that want to secure their energy future without overdependence on imports.
Impact: If adopted widely, sodium-ion batteries could significantly minimize EV costs in Pakistan, making clean transportation accessible to more people.
A Platform for Action — The Pakistan-China Business Conference
The Pakistan-China Business Conference, scheduled for September 4 in China, will be a critical launchpad for these ambitions. More than 250 Pakistani companies and 200 Chinese companies are expected to attend.
Iqbal explained that the conference will not just discuss ideas but also enable industry matchmaking — connecting EV manufacturers, solar energy providers, chemical producers, and agricultural innovators for joint ventures.
Impact: Such kind of networking is meant to attract direct investment, accelerate technology transfer, and create new EV manufacturing hubs in Pakistan.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Iqbal kept on emphasizing that Chinese investment in Pakistan’s EV sector is a win-win situation for both of the countries. Chinese firms are very happy as Pakistan is offering lower production costs, a growing consumer base, and easy access to regional markets. For Pakistan, it means new factories, skilled jobs, and progress toward energy efficiency and sustainable growth.
Pakistan’s National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025–2030 is intending for nearly 30 percent of all new vehicle sales to be electric before 2030 and a net-zero transport sector by 2060.
The policy offers tax incentives, subsidies and infrastructure support to attract both foreign and local manufacturers.
Impact: Achieving these goals could help in slashing
urban air pollution, minimizing fuel buying from abroad, and will build an image for Pakistan on the map as a regional leader in clean transport.
Chinese Players Already on the Ground
Several Chinese EV giants — including BYD and Chery — are already active in Pakistan. They are busy in \
- assembling vehicles locally
- building charging stations
- exploring new joint ventures
The introduction of sodium-ion batteries could accelerate their expansion while lowering production costs.
Way forward towards Cleaner Future
As EV adoption still in its early stages, Pakistan’s collaboration with China on sodium-ion batteries is not just a technology project — it’s assumed to be a statement of intent.
It is depicting that Pakistan is ready to eliminate itself from the usage of outdated technologies and has the desire to adopt the steps or technology that can ensure clean mobility.
If the partnership delivers, the benefits will not be limited to the auto sector, but it will extend touching the economy, the environment, and the daily lives of millions.