Beijing Auto Show 2026: Will Chinese EVs Replace Petrol Cars in Pakistan?

By Azka Ali On Apr 21, 2026

As the Beijing Auto Show 2026 kicks off, it’s no longer about distant concept cars; it’s about the specific models that will be affecting the resale value of traditional petrol SUVs by next year.

With petrol prices hovering around Rs. 458/liter, the question for the Pakistani driver is no longer ‘Average kya hai?’ but rather, ‘How soon can I get a plug?’

Chinese PHEVs That Pakistanis Should Be Excited About

Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) are the true middle-ground for the Pakistani market. They allow for 80–150 km of pure electric city driving while retaining a mechanical connection to a petrol engine for stability at high speeds on motorways.

Here are the heavy hitters from Beijing 2026 that we expect to see on Pakistani roads:

BYD Sealion 8

Initially teased as the Sealion 08, the production Sealion 8 is BYD’s flagship 7-seater PHEV, which boasts a combined 640 hp and a massive 820 Nm of torque.

It is expected to offer an EV-only range of 152 km. That’s enough to get from Bahria Town to central Lahore and back twice without burning a single drop of petrol. When the battery dips, the 1.5L turbo takes over, offering a total cruising range of 1,100 km.

Haval HX

Positioned above the H6 PHEV that we already see in local showrooms, the Haval HX is GWM’s answer to the rugged luxury demand, all with a 2.0L turbocharged engine paired with dual electric motors.

Unlike its smaller siblings, the HX is built for the Northern Areas trips. It features a squared-off, adventure-ready frame and a sophisticated AWD system designed to handle the rocky terrain of Gilgit-Baltistan with the quiet efficiency of an electric motor.

Chinese REEVs That Pakistan Might See Soon

Our EV infrastructure might still be in its early stages, but the 2026 Beijing lineup offers a hack for Pakistani infrastructure: Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (REEVs).

Hongqi P567

This SUV is expected to boast 831 hp with a 2.0L turbo engine that only charges the battery. For someone stuck in Canal Road traffic or exploring the Northern Areas, this eliminates range anxiety while offering 1,350 km of range.

Deepal G318

Aimed at the heart of the off-road community, it is expected to deliver 750 Nm of instant torque. It’s essentially a high-performance power bank that you can refuel at any local petrol station.

Why Petrol Cars Are At Risk

In Pakistan, a car is an investment first and a means of transport second. Historically, the Big 3 (Toyota, Honda, Suzuki) held the crown because of parts and easy resale. But the math is changing fast.

As the new Auto Policy 2026-31 rolls out with lowered duties on NEVs (New Energy Vehicles), the safe choice is suddenly the riskiest financial move you can make.

PakWheels Insight: In a few years, a used petrol-only SUV will likely be a ‘hard sell. When a BYD Sealion 08 or Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700 can do a school run for Rs. 4/km (on home charging), why would anyone buy a used petrol crossover that costs Rs. 40/km?

Does Pakistan Have Good EV Charging Infrastructure?

“There are no chargers!” is slowly becoming a question of the past. With the government targeting 3,000 stations by 2030 and current DC fast-charging rates capped at Rs. 40-45/kWh, the private sector is racing to keep up. Malls, fuel stations, and even residential societies are now seeing EV chargers as a must-have amenity rather than a luxury.

The Verdict

Petrol isn’t dead, but it’s definitely losing its status symbol. We are entering an era in which the PHEVs/REEVs are the smarter financial decision for a Pakistani buyer.

If you are buying a car today with an eye on its 2029 resale value, you’d better make sure it has a charging port.

Stay tuned to PakWheels for exclusive coverage of the Beijing Auto Show 2026. Look for your next dream car with us!

Beijing Auto Show 2026: Will Chinese EVs Replace Petrol Cars in Pakistan?