The Punjab government has introduced an initiative of interest-free electric taxis to encourage employment and facilitate sustainable mobility within the province.
Around 1,100 electric vehicles will be distributed in the zero-interest installment plans as a part of initial phase of Punjab E-Taxi Scheme.
Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan reviewed the strategies of this scheme, including pricing, available vehicle models, and the setup of charging infrastructure. This program focusses to aid unemployed youth enter the transport sector by giving them access to affordable, zero-emission electric taxis.
The provincial government has partnered up with Dewan Motors to provide locally produced EVs, the Honri VC20 and VC30 with a range of 200 km and 300 km respectively.
To power these vehicles, the government is establishing a robust EV charging network. In Lahore, charging stations will be installed at 3-kilometer intervals, with plans to expand coverage throughout Punjab.
Bilal Akbar Khan highlighted how this application process is made smooth especially for women, disabled people, and those living in the rural communities. He added the awareness campaigns and official launch will begin in the coming weeks.
