Islamabad: (RightNow) Pakistan’s Ministry of Industry has taken a new initiative to promote electric vehicles. The ministry has directed the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) to develop standards for lithium-ion batteries.

Currently, common lithium batteries used in mobile phones and laptops are available in Pakistan. There are no specific industrial standards for high-voltage battery packs for electric vehicles. Several companies have shown interest in establishing battery assembly or manufacturing plants in the country.

The proposed standards will include testing for battery cell safety and performance. Regulations will also be set for battery management systems, thermal fault monitoring, and performance in local climatic conditions.

According to the Ministry of Industry, the aim of the new standards is to encourage local battery production. The quality of imported batteries and their performance in local conditions will also be ensured.

It is noteworthy that the Pakistani government is working on an energy storage policy to promote the electric vehicle industry. Experts believe this move could be significant for investment in the electric vehicle sector and local industrial development.