EVs Offer Pakistan a Path to Cleaner Air and Better Health

Electric vehicles are proving to be more than just an eco-friendly alternative to petrol cars. A new study from California’s Keck School of Medicine has revealed that EV adoption leads to measurable health improvements, particularly in reducing asthma-related hospital visits.

Researchers tracked regions with high EV usage and compared them with local health records. The results were striking: for every 20 EVs added per 1,000 people, asthma-related emergency room visits dropped by more than 3%. This demonstrates that EVs don’t just cut fuel costs—they actively clean the air we breathe.

The study highlighted two key outcomes. First, fewer asthma attacks were reported as EV adoption increased. Second, local air pollution levels, especially nitrogen dioxide (NO2), dropped almost immediately when petrol engines were replaced by electric ones. Unlike climate change, which is a long-term challenge, the health benefits of EVs are felt right away.

For Pakistan, where cities like Lahore and Karachi struggle with dangerous smog levels, this research is a game-changer. Experts argue that widespread EV adoption could significantly reduce respiratory illnesses and improve overall public health.

However, the study also pointed out a challenge: wealthier communities benefited first because they could afford EVs. To ensure equitable health improvements in Pakistan, the focus must shift toward affordable EVs and electric bikes. Since motorcycles are the most common mode of transport in the country, electrifying them could deliver faster and broader health benefits than luxury EVs alone.

Affordable EVs from brands like BYD, along with locally manufactured options, could help democratize clean air benefits. By making EVs accessible to the masses, Pakistan can accelerate its fight against smog and respiratory diseases.

Every time someone chooses an EV over a petrol car, they aren’t just saving money—they’re cleaning the air for their neighbors. As Pakistan battles record levels of pollution, the “Clean Air Dividend” of EV adoption may be exactly what the country needs to protect its future generations.