As fuel prices continue to soar across Pakistan, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) are rapidly emerging as the smartest SUV choice for cost-conscious drivers.
With petrol prices in Pakistan staying above Rs 320 per litre, the cost of owning and running SUVs is becoming increasingly difficult for many households.
This shift is now accelerating interest in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), which are being seen as smarter, more economical alternatives for local drivers.
According to Syed Asif Ahmed, Director Sales and Marketing at Chery Master Pakistan, rising fuel prices have fundamentally changed how consumers evaluate SUVs in Pakistan.
Ahmed emphasized that vehicle choices are no longer just about environmental concerns. “For Pakistani commuters, especially SUV users, this is now a straightforward economic decision,” he said. “When fuel prices rise to these levels, the cost of running a conventional petrol SUV becomes a serious burden on household budgets.
PHEVs and REEVs now offer the most practical relief.
Breaking down the numbers, a typical petrol-powered SUV delivering around 10 km/l now costs roughly Rs 32 per kilometre to operate.
Even traditional hybrids, with an average of 18 km/l, still cost close to Rs 18 per kilometre. “A hybrid improves efficiency, but it still remains exposed to petrol price shocks,” Ahmed said.
“The vulnerability is reduced, not removed.”
In contrast, PHEVs and REEVs significantly reduce fuel dependency by allowing most daily urban travel to be completed on electricity.
Ahmed highlighted the Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV as an example, noting its 34.46 kWh battery and claimed electric-only range of up to 170 km (NEDC).
“At a household electricity tariff of Rs50 per unit, a full charge costs about Rs1,723,” Ahmed said. “Spread over 170 kilometres, that means a running cost of roughly Rs10 per kilometre.”
This translates into savings of around Rs22 per kilometre compared to petrol SUVs and about Rs 8 per kilometre compared to conventional hybrids—making plug-in options far more cost-efficient for everyday use.
The benefits become even more attractive for households using rooftop solar systems. Pakistan has seen rapid growth in solar adoption, with net-metering and self-generation gaining popularity nationwide.
“This is where Pakistan’s energy transition and mobility transition start meeting each other,” Ahmed said. “A household that generates more of its own power is no longer just reducing its electricity bill. It can also reduce the cost of driving.”
He added that PHEVs and REEVs offer the ideal balance for Pakistani consumers, combining electric commuting with the flexibility of petrol backup—especially important given the country’s still-developing EV charging infrastructure.
Ahmed also pointed out the broader economic impact, noting that heavy reliance on imported fuel continues to strain Pakistan’s foreign reserves and fiscal stability, particularly during global oil price shocks.
“The case for PHEVs and REEVs is not just about one brand or one vehicle,” he said. “It is about giving Pakistani consumers a realistic SUV solution that cuts running costs, reduces exposure to oil shocks and fits local driving conditions.”
As fuel prices remain elevated, the message is becoming clear: for SUV buyers in Pakistan, plug-in hybrids and range-extended EVs are quickly emerging as the most practical and cost-effective choice.