Originally published at: https://www.pakwheels.com/blog/1st-electric-car-charging-station-launching-in-islamabad/
In another great news for car enthusiasts, the government is inaugurating its first electric car charging station in the capital Islamabad. Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry announced that Attock Oil is opening flagship EV charging facility at Jinnah Avenue.
“This was another target of Ministry of Science and Technology to encourage E-vehicles as future transportation,” Chaudhry said in a tweet.
Extremely excited to see launching of first Electric Car Charging Station in Islamabad
#AttockOil
is opening flagship EV charging facility at Jinnah Avenue Islamabd, This was another target of
@MinistryofST
to encourage E vehicles as future transportation ..
— Ch Fawad Hussain (
@fawadchaudhry
) July 20, 2020
E-Vehicles Policy:
The government took the step after the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved Electric Vehicle (EV) policy for heavy commercial vehicles and two and three-wheelers last month.
In a press release, the Ministry of Industry and Production said, the recommendations of this policy mainly focus on the “Make in Pakistan” strategy and duly endorsed by Engineering Development Board (EDB). “This policy initially encompasses electric vehicles in 2/3 wheelers, and Heavy Commercial Vehicles, i.e., Buses and Trucks,” the ministry said, adding its scope will be extended further to cars, sports utility vehicles, and light commercial vehicles.
The ministry further said approved recommendations mainly include 1% customs duty on Electric Vehicles Specific Parts and 1% sales tax. “These taxes will make 2/3 wheelers viable in the market in price comparison with their gasoline substitutes,” the ministry said.
The press release also read that EDB has already taken up approved recommendations such as exemption of registration fee and reduction in toll taxes. “EDB has also approved the exemption from annual renewal fee, availability of loans to favorable terms,” the ministry stated, adding that EDB has approved these proposals in accordance with State Bank of Pakistan, Ministry of Communication and Provincial Registration authorities and other relevant entities.
The industries ministry believes that EVs in the local market will be beneficial in providing additional employment to talented youth in the Automobile sector of Pakistan.
Relaxation Under FY20 Budget:
Earlier, the federal government also announced relaxation fro E-Vehicles in FY20 budget. According to the documents of the budget, the new incentives will be applicable for the next five years, starting from July 1, 2020. Furthermore, electric motorcycles and three-wheeler electric loaders can be imported at 50% of the current tariff of customs duty, as mentioned in the First Schedule to the Customs Act, 1969. “Electric buses, prime movers and trucks can be imported on 1% duty,” the document read.
Recommended For You: Pakistanis Can Now Order World’s Cheapest Electric Car
