Karachi, connecting highways: Shell, KE sign MoU to develop first three EV charging stations

KARACHI: Playing an active part in the government's aim to promote the use of electric vehicles, Shell Pakistan Limited (SPL) and K-Electric Limited (KE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to jointly develop the first three Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations across Karachi and its connecting highways.

The locations selected for installing 50 KWH rapid chargers are Shell Defence Filling Station on Khayaban-e-Bahria, Askari Filling Station at Gulshan Town and Mardan Filling Station at Gadap Town.

Over the next 3 to 5 years, SPL and KE will explore the opportunity of additional sites and strategically expand the EV charging network. While SPL will engage in the deployment of charging station equipment, site preparation, installation and manage its operations; KE will ensure grid enhancement.

The Government of Pakistan has recently formulated and approved a policy to promote the use of electric vehicles in Pakistan, as an eco-friendly mode of transportation. Prime Minister Imran Khan shared a vision that by 2030, 60 percent of energy used in Pakistan will be green.SPL and KE have joined hands to support the policy and vision.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Taha Magrabi, General Manager Retail of Shell Pakistan Limited stated: "Billions of people rely on transport to get about. There are around one billion cars on the world's roads. This means that the transport sector has a fundamental role to play in helping global efforts to reduce emissions. The Government of Pakistan approved the EV policy to help tackle effects of climate change and offer affordable transport to its people. Playing a key role in this sector, SPL along with KE are keen to support the EV policy and its objectives, with our collaboration."

K-Electric's Chief Strategy Officer, Naz Khan said: "As the world moves towards cleaner modes of transport, KE looks to enable this shift by adding to infrastructure that will support the introduction of EVs across Karachi and Pakistan. With the Government of Pakistan announcing a target for 30 percent of all vehicles in the local market to be electric by 2030, KE, with Shell, looks forward to facilitating our customers towards utilizing EVs and contributing to long-term environmental sustainability."

With incentives such as lower power tariffs for charging stations and 1.0 percent duty on EV charging equipment, SPL and KE look to create mutual benefits for their consumers and operating environment alike. The two companies, which operate in parallel industries, will also evaluate other collaborative business opportunities.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021