Electric bike demand surges amid costly oil

KARACHI: Amid the ongoing Middle East conflict since Feb 28, Pakistan’s auto sector is witnessing fresh developments, with a leading tractor assembler exploring electric bike production and new vehicle models planned by Chery Master Pakistan and Pak Suzuki Motor Company Ltd.

In a stock filing, Millat Tractors Ltd (MTL), responding to market reports about its entry into the electric bike segment, said one of its group companies was evaluating the feasibility of EV bike production in Pakistan. It said the matter remained at a preliminary stage.

Sharp increases in petrol prices have boosted demand for electric scooters and bikes, leading to market shortages and the emergence of “on money” on some models.

Social media reports claimed EV bike assemblers had received an overwhelming response from consumers, with some companies reportedly selling more than 15,000 units in April, while others sold around 5,000 units.

Assemblers eye expansion as shortages trigger premiums

However, bike sector expert Mohammad Sabir Sheikh disputed these figures, saying over 30,000 electric bikes and scooters were sold nationwide during March and April.

He said assemblers had opened more letters of credit in the past 15 to 20 days to import parts and accessories to meet rising demand. Short supplies had resulted in “on money” of Rs10,000 to Rs15,000 on some popular models, he added.

Mr Sheikh said the situation could change if petrol prices returned to pre-conflict levels, but added that higher fuel prices had at least increased consumer awareness about electric bikes.

Launch of hybrid, EV

Chery Master Pakistan (CMP) is considering launching two to three new models for the local market, including the Tiggo 4 HEV, QQ BEV, and Tiggo V, reflecting Chery’s focus on hybrid, electric, and multi-purpose mobility solutions.

CMP, introduced locally by Master Auto Engineering, part of the Master Group, signalled the possible introduction of new models after its participation in Auto China 2026.

CMP Chief Executive Officer Samir Malik said Pakistan remained an important growth market for Chery’s advanced mobility technologies. He said the company was evaluating products suited to local driving conditions, consumer expectations and long-term mobility trends.

At Auto China 2026, Chery showcased the QQ BEV, a compact electric vehicle offering a range of up to 410 km. The company positioned the model as an affordable urban mobility solution, particularly suitable for congested cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

Chery Master Pakistan has already introduced a locally assembled plug-in hybrid SUV lineup, including the Tiggo 9 PHEV, Tiggo 8 PHEV and Tiggo 7 PHEV.

Fronx prices

Pak Suzuki Motor Company Ltd has recently announced introductory prices for its newly launched Suzuki Fronx crossover utility vehicle variants.

The Suzuki Fronx GL MT has been priced at Rs5.999 million, the GL 4AT at Rs6.099m, the GLX 6AT Hybrid (mono tone) at Rs6.299m and the GLX 6AT Hybrid (two tone) at Rs6.374m.

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2026