Punjab’s Green Ride: Interest-Free Electric Taxis for Thousands

The Punjab government has announced an exciting new plan to roll out interest-free electric taxis, aiming to create jobs and boost cleaner travel across the province.

Under this new “Punjab E-Taxi Scheme,” 1,100 electric vehicles will be given out in the first phase, all on easy, interest-free installment plans. This big step is part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s larger “E-Taxi Program 2025,” which looks to gradually replace old fuel-based taxis with eco-friendly electric ones.

Punjab’s Transport Minister, Bilal Akbar Khan, recently led a meeting to iron out the details, including which car models to use, their prices, and how to set up enough charging spots. The main goal of this scheme is to help young people who are currently unemployed by giving them an accessible way to own and run a taxi that doesn’t produce any harmful fumes.

The provincial government has teamed up with Dewan Motors, who will be supplying locally made electric vehicles like the Honri VC20 and VC30. These cars can travel up to 200 km and 300 km respectively on a single charge.

To make sure these new e-taxis can operate smoothly, a strong network of charging stations is being built. In Lahore, you’ll find a charging station every 3 kilometers, with plans to expand this network across all of Punjab.

Applying for the scheme will be straightforward, and the government is making a special effort to include women, people with disabilities, and those living in rural areas. Minister Bilal Akbar Khan confirmed that the project will be officially announced to the public through advertisements in the coming weeks.