90% of Electric Bikes in Pakistan Reportedly Using Unsafe Batteries

90% of Electric Bikes in Pakistan Reportedly Using Unsafe Batteries

 October 8, 2025  

The Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) has raised serious concerns about the safety and reliability of batteries used in electric bikes across the country. According to PAMA, nearly 90% of electric two-wheelers in Pakistan are fitted with substandard lead-acid batteries, which are being falsely marketed as graphene batteries.

Outdated Batteries Misleading Consumers

PAMA Director General Abdul Waheed Khan stated that consumers are being misled into purchasing electric bikes equipped with outdated battery technology. Despite government incentives for electric vehicles (EVs), customers are paying a premium for products that do not meet international safety and performance standards.

“Over 90% of electric bikes in Pakistan use lead-acid batteries with a thin graphene coating — a deceptive and ineffective modification,” Khan explained.

He warned that these low-quality batteries often fail prematurely, which could erode public confidence in electric vehicles and slow down Pakistan’s clean mobility transition.

Government’s PAVE Program 2025–30

The federal government recently launched the Pakistan Accelerated Vehicle Electrification (PAVE) Program 2025–30, a major policy initiative designed to promote the adoption of sustainable EV technology.

The program, funded through a 3% NEV levy on petrol and diesel vehicles, will allocate Rs. 122 billion in subsidies to encourage electric mobility — but only for vehicles using advanced lithium-ion or equivalent batteries.

PAMA urged authorities to strictly enforce these standards to ensure that government incentives are not wasted on outdated technologies.

Global Battery Standards

Globally, lithium-ion batteries are the benchmark for electric vehicles. They offer:

• Longer lifespan

• Faster charging

• Higher energy density

• Improved reliability and safety

In contrast, lead-acid batteries are heavier, degrade faster, and have limited capacity, making them unsuitable for modern EV applications.

Warranty Disparities and Industry Concerns

Khan highlighted that local EV manufacturers typically offer only 12–24 months of warranty, while lithium-ion batteries internationally come with five-year or longer warranties.

He also claimed that some stakeholders are manipulating EV sales and production data to mislead both investors and policymakers.

“If the government fails to act against outdated technologies and misleading claims, Pakistan’s EV transition risks losing credibility and momentum,” Khan cautioned.

The report underscores the urgent need for regulatory enforcement and public awareness to ensure that Pakistan’s electric mobility revolution remains safe, sustainable, and transparent.