Is Seres 3 Pakistan’s Most Affordable EV SUV? – Review by Suneel

• Sulman Ali


• 23 May 2025

The Seres 3 marks a major step forward in Pakistan’s automotive landscape as the country’s first locally assembled electric SUV. Introduced by Regal Automobiles in November 2024, it offers an affordable, modern, and eco-friendly choice for drivers transitioning to electric vehicles.

Below, we explore the main features and specifications that make the Seres 3 a noteworthy option.

Battery and Driving Range

The battery and driving range are critical for any electric vehicle, as they determine how far and efficiently the car can travel on a single charge. The Seres 3 has a powerful battery that supports practical daily use.

• Battery Pack: The Seres 3 is powered by a 49.3 kWh lithium-ion battery, which provides ample capacity for city driving and moderate-distance trips.

• Official Range: Its official WLTP range is around 350 km, and its slightly higher NEDC-rated (most lenient) range is 400 km.

• Real-World Range: Under practical conditions and as per EPA standards, expect to drive about 280-300 km on a full charge, including running the air conditioning.

Charging Options and Costs

Understanding charging costs is vital for any electric vehicle owner, as they directly impact the car’s overall affordability and running expenses. The Seres 3 offers practical and economical charging options suited to everyday use in Pakistan.

Home Charging Costs

Charging the Seres 3 at home using an AC charger typically takes 10 to 12 hours to fully recharge the 49.3 kWh battery—ideal for overnight charging while you sleep. The electricity consumed to charge the battery fully is about 49 to 50 kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Electricity rates in Pakistan vary, but using an average cost of PKR 50 per kWh, a full home charge costs approximately:

• 49 kWh × PKR 50 = PKR 2,450

This means you can fully recharge the Seres 3 for about PKR 2,500.

Given the real-world range of about 280 to 300 kilometres in city driving, this translates into a very economical running cost of:

• Around PKR 7.5 to 8 per kilometre

This running cost is significantly lower compared to petrol or diesel vehicles, which typically cost upwards of PKR 12 per kilometer depending on fuel prices.

Energy Consumption in City Driving

In urban conditions, the Seres 3 is efficient and economical. Due to frequent stops, lower speeds, and regenerative braking, electric cars often achieve their best efficiency in the city. The Seres 3 consumes roughly:

• 16.4 kWh per 100 km

This efficient energy use and home charging rates make city driving highly cost-effective.

Highway and Motorway Energy Consumption

At higher speeds, such as on highways or motorways, energy consumption rises due to increased aerodynamic drag and less opportunity for regenerative braking. During sustained speeds of around 110-120 km/h, energy consumption can increase to:

• 21 to 23 kWh per 100 km

This higher consumption reduces the practical driving range on a single charge to about 210 to 220 km at motorway speeds.

Summary: Practical Charging and Running Cost Tips

• Best cost efficiency is achieved through overnight home charging at regular electricity rates (about PKR 7-8/km).

• City driving maximises efficiency with regenerative braking and lower speeds.

• Long highway or motorway trips will increase energy use and decrease range.

• Fast DC charging offers speed and convenience, but at roughly double the per-kilometre cost compared to home charging.

• To keep costs low, owners can prioritise regular home charging and use DC fast charging sparingly during long trips.

Performance and Driving Experience

The driving experience is shaped by the motor’s power and the vehicle’s adaptability to different driving styles. The Seres 3 balances efficiency with smooth, responsive driving.

• Motor Output: The electric motor produces about 160 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque, providing enough power for smooth city cruising.

• Driving Modes: It offers three modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—so drivers can choose between maximum efficiency or more responsive performance based on their needs.

Exterior Design and Features

The Seres 3’s exterior design is one of its highlights. It blends futuristic aesthetics with practical elements for efficiency and style.

The car’s design incorporates wave-inspired aerodynamic patterns on headlights, side panels, and even door curves. These give the SUV a dynamic look and improve airflow, which is crucial for extending battery range.

• The front grille on the Pakistan CKD version is simple and elegant compared to the earlier CBU’s more futuristic grille with blue-lit accents, signalling electric status. The Seres logo is prominently displayed at the front.

• The LED multifunction headlights include daytime running lights (DRLs) with a distinctive wave pattern integrated inside.

• The diffuser-style front bumper adds a sporty touch and houses parking sensors.

• You’ll find 18-inch matte grey alloy wheels along the sides that complement the sleek design.

• The vehicle has silver roof rails and a panoramic sunroof that enhances the cabin’s spacious feel and offers extra light.

• Smart key entry adds convenience for easy unlocking and starting.

At the rear, the Seres 3 continues its premium design:

• The LED tail lamps feature a distinctive scale-like pattern and run across the width of the tailgate, giving the SUV a wide and modern stance. 

• The rear bumper matches the front with matte black finishes and includes parking sensors for safety.

• A shark fin antenna, high-mounted spoiler with integrated brake light, and a concealed rear wiper inside the spoiler complete the look.

Trunk Space and Spare Tire

One of the Seres 3’s practical strengths is its well-thought-out cargo area:

• The boot space is roomy, with a 60:40 split-folding rear seat that allows you to expand the cargo area to fit larger items or extra luggage.

• Inside the boot, an LED lamp ensures visibility even at night, while a 12-volt power outlet adds convenience for charging devices or running accessories.

• Uncommonly for electric SUVs, the Seres 3 comes with a space-saving spare tire, which is a great reassurance for Pakistani roads where punctures are common.

• The vehicle also includes a complete emergency toolkit, which enhances preparedness during road trips.

Privacy is another highlight, with tinted rear and quarter glass windows to keep passengers comfortable and shielded from sun glare—an unusual feature in locally assembled vehicles.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The Seres 3’s cabin is designed for comfort, style, and ease of use:

• Design & Materials: The interior sports a sleek black theme with quality materials inspired partly by popular EV designs, ensuring a premium feel.

• Infotainment System: Features a large 10.25-inch touchscreen running proprietary software, which supports phone mirroring but does not natively include Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The system is intuitive and responsive.

• Digital Instrument Cluster: A bright LED display provides all essential driving info clearly, enhancing driver awareness.

• Steering Wheel: The multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel integrates controls for voice commands and the audio system.

On the right side, you will find buttons for:

• Lane assist

• Traction control

• Hill start and hill descent assist

• Side view mirrors adjustment, which are auto and heated

• Connectivity & Convenience: The cabin also offers USB ports for charging, a quality audio system, and various storage compartments for added practicality.

• Seats: The driver’s seat is six-way auto-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position easily with electronic controls. The front passenger seat offers four-way adjustment, providing good comfort but less customization than the driver’s seat. Both seats feature heating functionality, enhancing comfort during colder weather.

• Climate Control: Efficient air conditioning keeps the cabin cool even in Pakistan’s hot summers.

• Safety Technology: The advanced 360-degree camera system offers multiple viewing angles with dynamic guidelines to assist parking and tight manoeuvring.

• Wireless Charging: For mobile charging, and it works fine.
• Panoramic Sunroof with shade to prevent you from harsh sunlight.
• The rear seats are spacious and comfortable, providing ample legroom and headroom suitable for adult passengers. They come with ISO-FIX child seat anchors for added safety. The rear seats also have a 60:40 split–folding feature, allowing for flexible cargo and passenger arrangements. Rear passengers benefit from dedicated USB charging ports and air conditioning vents to keep everyone comfortable in the cabin.

0-100

The car goes from 0-100km/h in 11.75 seconds.

Safety Features

Safety comes standard with:

• Six airbags covering driver, passenger, and side curtains.

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

• Hill start assist and hill descent control to maintain stability on slopes.

• Front collision warning and lane departure alert enhance driver awareness.

Ride Quality and Air Conditioning

A smooth, comfortable ride and efficient climate control improve usability, especially in challenging road and weather conditions.

• Suspension: Delivers a smooth ride on city roads but can feel a little stiff or bouncy on rough motorways.

• Climate Control: The air conditioning works effectively in Pakistan’s hot weather, keeping the cabin cool and comfortable.

Pricing and Warranty

The Seres 3 offers a competitive price point with solid warranty coverage, making it a value-packed option for buyers entering the EV segment.

• Price: Priced at approximately PKR 839,000 (8.39 lakh), it is one of Pakistan’s most affordable electric SUVs.

• Warranty: The motor and battery have a 5-year or 150,000 km warranty, with the battery warranty extending to 8 years.

Final Verdict

The Seres 3 presents a compelling package for those looking to switch to electric vehicles in Pakistan. It combines a practical driving range, modern features, safety, and affordability. The long-term success of the Seres 3 will depend on after-sales service and the expansion of charging infrastructure, but it undoubtedly paves the way for electric mobility in the country.

For anyone seeking a smooth, economical, and feature-rich electric SUV, the Seres 3 is well worth considering.