Latest news with #AtlasHonda
Business Recorder
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
National EV Policy: Atlas Honda to launch electric scooter in Pakistan this fiscal year
Atlas Honda announced on Tuesday of launching an electric scooter tailored for Pakistani consumers in the current fiscal year. As per an official notice sent to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company announced its intention following the government's announcement of the National Electric Vehicle Policy. As per Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, the new EV policy was aligned with the prime minister's vision of promoting clean, sustainable, and affordable transportation while encouraging local industry and protecting the environment. Akhtar said one of the major targets under the policy was to ensure that 30% of all new vehicles sold in Pakistan by 2030 would be electric. The transition is projected to save 2.07 billion litres of fuel annually, amounting to nearly $1 billion in foreign exchange savings. Meanwhile, Honda said that it was working closely with regulatory bodies to secure permissions and approvals to ensure a smooth rollout. 'After completing the necessary quality and road tests, the company plans to launch the product in the current financial year,' the company wrote to PSX. Honda has tested Electric Vehicle (EVs) in the past. In 2023, the company unveiled its electric scooter 'BENLEY e' during a 'soft' launch at its Sheikhupura factory. Chief Officer of Motorcycle and Power Products at Atlas Honda Noriaki Abe said at the event that 'BENLY e' will be offered for test marketing while new products will be offered based on feedback.
Express Tribune
21-03-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Atlas Honda plans to launch electric bike by June
Listen to article In a strategic move poised to reshape Pakistan's evolving electric vehicle (EV) landscape, Atlas Honda, the country's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, is gearing up to launch its first electric bikes by June 2025, according to industry sources familiar with the development. The decision underscores the company's ambition to maintain its dominance in Pakistan's motorcycle market, where it currently commands over 85% share and also exports to several countries. Currently, Pakistan's electric two-wheeler market is in its infancy, with its adoption hampered by high costs, limited charging infrastructure and consumer scepticism. Despite government incentives like reduced taxes on EVs, electric bikes accounted for less than 1% of total motorcycle sales in 2024. Yet, industry insiders suggest Atlas Honda's entry could be a game changer by leveraging its decades of brand trust and extensive local manufacturing network. The company's massive setup, which produces around 1.3 million motorcycles annually, relies on a deeply localised supply chain, with over 95% of components sourced domestically. This infrastructure, combined with an in-house research and development wing, positions Atlas Honda to tailour electric bikes suited to Pakistani conditions. Globally, sales of electric two-wheelers are surging, particularly in Asian markets like India and China, where affordability and government subsidies have spurred adoption. However, rapid advancements in EV technology, such as BYD's 'Blade Battery' and ultra-fast 1,000kW charging systems for four-wheelers, highlight the risks of relying on imported units. Though this technology has yet to involve the two-wheeler category, industry sources say companies importing pre-assembled electric bikes will soon be at risk as battery technology evolves. "Atlas Honda must invest heavily in localising production rather than importing kits," said an industry source, citing the volatility of EV innovation. The company's electric bikes will reportedly feature a 48-watt battery, with a six to seven-hour charging time and an estimated range of 65 kilometres per charge. While the portable charger allows home or office charging, the range remains contingent on factors like rider weight, terrain and driving habits. Though pricing details remain undisclosed, sources indicate Atlas Honda's electric bikes will have a slight premium compared to existing local options, reflecting higher-quality components. Competitors like Jolta Electric and SkyElectric currently offer bikes priced between Rs150,000 and Rs350,000. Atlas Honda's initial production is estimated at 25,000 units after which the company will produce around 8,000 units annually, a fraction of its total output, signifying cautious optimism.
