Pakistan to Establish EV Battery Testing Laboratory with PCSIR

The federal government has announced plans to establish an Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Testing Laboratory in partnership with the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR). The facility will focus on testing battery safety, performance, and durability, and will aim to enhance local testing capabilities to support Pakistan's shift toward electric mobility.

According to officials, the laboratory will assess the quality and safety of batteries used in electric vehicles, helping to identify technical defects and verify compliance with standards. This is expected to boost consumer confidence in electric vehicles by ensuring that batteries meet reliable performance criteria.

The collaboration with PCSIR will leverage the council's expertise in scientific research and testing to develop domestic capabilities. The laboratory will provide facilities to evaluate EV batteries and assist in establishing technical standards for Pakistan's growing electric vehicle industry, reducing reliance on imported testing services.

The decision comes as the government introduces the Auto Policy 2026-2031, which emphasizes electric vehicle adoption, local manufacturing, vehicle safety, and affordability. The policy sets ambitious targets, including $6 billion in automobile and auto parts exports over five years and increasing the share of electric vehicles in new vehicle sales to 30 percent by 2030.

Officials noted that the proposed laboratory will complement broader efforts to develop Pakistan's electric vehicle ecosystem, promote research and development, and decrease dependence on imported technologies. The government is also considering incentives for EV buyers, improved financing options, and expanded charging infrastructure under the new automotive policy.