Pakistan’s imports of hybrid cars from China rose sharply in the first six months of 2026. Customs data from China show that plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) recorded growth of more than 1,000 percent in value compared with the same period last year.
One major category, plug-in hybrid station wagons with 1.0 to 1.5 litre engines, reached $191 million in imports from January to June 2026. This was up from just $16.3 million a year earlier, a rise of 1,073 percent. The number of units also jumped strongly, crossing 12,500 vehicles. Plug-in hybrid saloon cars in the same engine range climbed from $9.2 million to $90.3 million, with unit numbers rising nearly ten times. Four-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid crossovers, which were almost absent last year, brought in another $123 million.
This surge reflects growing demand for more fuel-efficient and cleaner vehicles. Chinese brands offer competitive prices and advanced technology that appeal to Pakistani buyers. Many of these cars can run on both electricity and petrol, which helps reduce fuel costs in a country that imports most of its oil. Industry experts say the growth also comes from better availability of models and earlier tax benefits that made these vehicles more attractive before recent policy changes.
The rise forms part of a wider move toward new energy vehicles in Pakistan. While local assembly of some models is increasing, fully built Chinese hybrids still dominate the import numbers for now. Officials and analysts note that this trend supports lower emissions and less dependence on imported fuel, but it also highlights the need for clear long-term policies to balance imports with local manufacturing.