The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has initiated a groundbreaking E‑Taxi Scheme that combines green mobility, financial inclusion, and job creation in one unified program. As part of the first phase, the province will deploy 1,100 electric taxis available on interest-free installment plans, targeting unemployed youth and women seeking sustainable income sources.

This ambitious project represents a transformative step toward reducing urban pollution, empowering underrepresented communities, and accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across Pakistan’s most populous province.

The Vehicles: Locally Assembled, High-Efficiency Electric Cars

The E‑Taxi Scheme introduces locally assembled electric vehicles the Honri VC20 and VC30, produced in partnership with Dewan Motors. These compact, eco-friendly cars are engineered to perform efficiently in dense urban traffic while minimizing operational costs.

  • VC20 Model: Offers a range of 200 kilometers per full charge
  • VC30 Model: Offers an extended range of 300 kilometers

Both models are well-suited for taxi and ride-hailing services and are equipped with basic comfort and safety features, making them viable for commercial use and everyday commuting alike.

Financial Accessibility: Interest-Free Installments for All

At the core of the program is its zero-interest financing model. This means eligible participants can own an electric vehicle without paying any markup, a revolutionary move in a region where access to financing is often limited by high interest rates and complex eligibility criteria.

The installment structure is designed to be simple and manageable, allowing recipients to repay their vehicles over time through consistent, affordable monthly payments. No additional financial burden, collateral, or interest charges make this one of the most inclusive vehicle financing schemes in the country’s history.

Charging Infrastructure: Powering EV Adoption with Accessibility

To make this program viable on a long-term basis, the government has committed to building a dense EV charging network, beginning with charging stations every 3 kilometers in Lahore. This ensures that drivers can recharge their vehicles quickly and conveniently, removing one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption.

The plan includes:

  • High-speed charging ports in major markets and residential zones
  • Future expansion into other cities including Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Multan
  • Integration with solar-powered solutions to ensure energy sustainability

This approach supports both the current and future EV ecosystem, allowing scalability as demand increases.

Empowering Youth and Women: A Path to Financial Independence

A key goal of the E‑Taxi Scheme is to promote economic inclusion, especially among unemployed youth and women. With the opportunity to become vehicle owners and self-employed drivers, participants gain a dignified income stream and a chance to participate in Pakistan’s evolving transport economy.

The program has already attracted immense public interest, with over 60,000 applications submitted within days of the announcement. Many applicants include young graduates, single mothers, and individuals from rural communities who previously had limited access to asset ownership or sustainable employment opportunities.

Special provisions are being made to:

  • Prioritize women applicants
  • Ensure regional and rural inclusion
  • Provide assistance for individuals with disabilities

Long-Term Vision: Environmental Protection and Industry Growth

The Punjab E‑Taxi initiative is part of a broader green transport vision that seeks to reduce urban emissions, promote renewable energy, and lay the foundation for a domestic EV manufacturing sector.

By introducing electric taxis on a large scale:

  • Carbon emissions from public transport will be significantly reduced
  • Fuel import dependency will be minimized
  • Job creation will extend into related sectors like EV servicing, battery maintenance, and charging infrastructure
  • Clean energy demand will support investments in solar and wind solutions

This program not only addresses climate change but also boosts local industry and innovation.

Supporting Policies and Future Expansion

The E‑Taxi Scheme will be supplemented by additional reforms and transport initiatives including:

  • A tap-and-go smart transit card system for buses and metro services
  • Expansion into electric rickshaws and buses
  • Public awareness campaigns on EV benefits and environmental education
  • Dedicated support desks to guide applicants through the registration and disbursement process

The scheme is also aligned with the federal government’s long-term EV Policy, ensuring synergy between provincial and national strategies.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Punjab’s Economy and Environment

Punjab’s E‑Taxi Scheme is more than just a transport project it’s a strategic intervention designed to revolutionize public mobility, reduce environmental degradation, and uplift economically marginalized groups. With strong political backing, smart financing, and robust infrastructure planning, this initiative serves as a blueprint for clean and inclusive development.

As the first 1,100 vehicles hit the roads, the vision of a greener, fairer, and more connected Punjab begins to take shape one electric taxi at a time.