Pakistan and China Team Up on Sodium-Ion Batteries for EVs

Pakistan and China Team Up to Replace Lithium-Ion Batteries in EVs

Pakistan is making a significant stride towards a greener future, formally expressing its keen interest in collaborating with China on the development of sodium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative has been identified as a strategic priority in the future bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

Speaking at a press conference at the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal highlighted Pakistan’s eagerness to partner with Chinese firms to advance EV technology, specifically pinpointing sodium-ion batteries as a highly promising area for joint effort. Minister Iqbal noted the vital importance of EVs as a growth sector for Pakistan, recognizing China’s undisputed leadership in battery innovation. He stated, “EVs have become a very important segment. Pakistan is keen to benefit from China’s advances in this field.”

A crucial step in this collaboration will be the Pakistan-China Business Conference, scheduled for September 4 in China. This event is designed to serve as a key forum for connecting industry leaders from both countries, with over 250 Pakistani companies and more than 200 Chinese firms expected to participate. Minister Iqbal confirmed that the conference will facilitate industry matchmaking across various sectors, including electric vehicles, solar energy, chemicals, and agriculture.

Minister Iqbal emphasized the mutual benefits of such partnerships. Chinese firms, he explained, stand to gain significantly from investing in EV manufacturing in Pakistan, where local production offers distinct cost advantages and access to a rapidly expanding market. For Pakistan, these collaborations are integral to broader national goals of enhancing energy efficiency, generating employment opportunities, and fostering sustainable growth.

Pakistan’s commitment to electric mobility is further underscored by its National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025–2030, which sets an ambitious target of converting 30% of all new vehicle sales to electric by 2030, with a long-term aim of achieving net-zero transport emissions by 2060. To support these objectives, the policy provides attractive incentives, including tax incentives, subsidies, and robust infrastructure support, designed to encourage both foreign investment and local manufacturing.

Already, several prominent Chinese firms, such as BYD and Chery, are active in Pakistan’s burgeoning EV sector, contributing through vehicle assembly, developing essential charging infrastructure, and exploring various joint ventures. This latest strategic push signifies a deeper, forward-looking partnership aimed at placing both nations at the forefront of the next generation of electric vehicle technology.