Transitioning to EV is the way to go - If we'll do it is another question entirely

Pakistan has been proactive in forming an EV policy and has gotten much acclaim for it. But does the government have plans beyond just saving the environment, and will they be able to pull it off?

- Furqan Malik

The current debate in the United States is whether or not they are going to be able to cut down carbon emissions completely by 2030. The climate crisis dominating the world and causing global changes in politics, refugee movements and global relations has rung the alarm bells late. Within the ongoing democratic race for the American Presidency, Senator Bernie Sanders’ Green New Deal promises an end to 71% of emissions within the US, and a 36% cut to emissions in less industrialized nations in the world. His opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden, claims that no leading scientist in the world agrees with the Vermont Senator’s plan.

Pakistan has a 2030 goal too. In its first-ever electric vehicle policy, approved by the federal cabinet back in November 2019, the incumbent Pakistan Tehreek i Insaaf (PTI) government announced that it aims to convert 30% of the vehicles out there into electric vehicles by the year 2030.

It is a goal that no one could logically disagree with. Electronic vehicles would not just be good for the ailing environment, but also a possible way to revive the bruised and beaten auto industry. The goal is, no doubt, a commendable one to pursue. Commendable, but ambitious, and ambition can be a grievous fault.

For the first time, the government seems to be serious about climate change. But the electric vehicles and the electric vehicle policy is being seen as more than just a tool to combat climate change – at least by the government. Pakistan faces multiple problems today and the proponents of the electric vehicles believe that they present a solution to a number of those problems.