90% of Electric Bikes in Pakistan Use Unsafe Batteries, PAMA Warns

When I first started exploring electric bikes in Pakistan, the promise of clean energy, low-cost commuting, and smooth performance felt like the dawn of a new transport era. Yet, behind the glossy marketing and sleek vehicles, a serious concern has emerged — the widespread use of substandard, outdated batteries. According to the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), nearly 90% of electric two-wheelers in the country still rely on lead-acid batteries that are deceptively sold as graphene batteries.

In my experience with local EV dealers, I’ve noticed that while consumers pay a premium price hoping for innovation, they often end up with unreliable batteries. Director General Abdul Waheed Khan of PAMA echoed this issue, highlighting that government incentives and EV subsidies are being drained into outdated technology. These incentives were meant to push forward electric vehicles, not to support low-quality batteries that fail too soon and waste public resources.

The core issue lies in the modification process—many suppliers coat lead-acid batteries with a thin graphene layer to market them as advanced technology. However, this coating is mostly ineffective and deceptive. From a technical perspective, the lifespan, density, and charging capacity of these altered batteries simply cannot match genuine graphene batteries. I once tested such a battery on my own e-bike; it performed decently for the first few weeks, then rapidly lost its momentum—a clear sign of failure in design integrity.

The situation becomes more concerning when production and sales data are misrepresented. Some manufacturers, perhaps driven by short-term profit, make misleading claims to attract investors and influence policymakers. As an industry observer, I’ve seen how this misinformation damages the credibility of the broader EV transition in Pakistan. It’s no longer just about the batteries—it’s about the trust that fuels adoption.

Interestingly, while the association and the government discuss standards, global players like German Engineering Giant KSB are setting up a factory in Pakistan—a sign that serious technological development could arrive soon. But unless local manufacturers embrace better technology, this progress might not benefit the average customer. Government oversight and stricter warranty enforcement could restore confidence in the market.

I’ve spoken to several customers who shared stories of frustration—batteries that couldn’t hold charge beyond a few months, false claims of five-year warranties, and ineffective replacements. It’s these experiences that make me believe that Pakistan’s EV transition needs not just incentives but accountability. Outdated technologies and misleading claims have become a roadblock to real innovation.

If we want long-term credibility in the EV ecosystem, policymakers, investors, and the government must ensure that every EV hitting the roads is powered by safe, efficient, and reliable technology. Without this, momentum in the electric vehicle market will fade, leaving behind only skepticism and wasted potential.

Posted By

adeel

GrafixVault, founded by Adeel Najam, is a leading digital marketing agency in Pakistan helping businesses grow online. With expertise in SEO, PPC, social media, content marketing, and web development, our team delivers tailored strategies to boost visibility, engagement, and ROI. Driven by innovation and results, GrafixVault is dedicated to building strong brands in today’s competitive digital landscape.