Pakistan has welcomed a fleet of 30 electric buses from Chinese bus maker Higer Bus, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban transport in the country. These electric vehicles (EVs) have arrived in Islamabad and are set to be deployed for commercial service.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) plans to introduce the electric buses on two routes initially. The first route will run from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), with 13 stops along the way. The second route will connect PIMS to Bari Imam. Operating hours for the electric buses will be from 6 AM to 10 PM, with subsidies planned for certain groups, including physically challenged individuals and students.
Higer Bus, in a recent announcement, revealed that it had shipped a total of 160 “high-end” electric buses worth over 150 million yuan from China to Pakistan. This marks the first large-scale introduction of electric buses in Pakistan. The 30 buses that have arrived in Islamabad are part of this initial fleet.
The electric buses from Higer Bus feature a conventional low-floor, single-box design, capable of carrying over 45 passengers comfortably. While not as futuristic as some of the high-tech electric buses seen in Europe, they are equipped with modern features such as LED headlights, long-strip LED roof lights, and a T-BOX system to monitor driver behavior and vehicle data.
Higer Bus has highlighted the durability of these electric buses, stating that they are protected from corrosion for more than ten years due to the use of cathodic electrophoresis coating. While detailed technical specifications have not been disclosed, the company claims that these buses have a maximum driving range of over 250 km.
Higer Bus has been present in Pakistan since 2006 and has previously sold 250 hybrid buses in the country. However, the recent order of 160 electric buses represents a significant milestone for the company and reflects the growing demand for sustainable transport solutions in Pakistan.
