Ministry pushes EV battery policy

Dawn reported that the Ministry of Industries has asked the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority to draft norms for lithium-ion batteries used in vehicles. This comes while the Next Generation Energy Storage Policy for 2026 to 2033 is being finalised with stakeholders, and the Engineering Development Board's chief executive is expected to present the revised version at a meeting soon.

An official explained that EV-grade cells need high-grade industrial frameworks, since the lithium cells on sale now are basic consumer units for phones and laptops. The proposed standards would cover cell safety testing, including crushing, overcharging and heat exposure, plus battery management systems, fire containment and durability on local roads and in monsoon flooding.

Many EV assemblers have expressed interest in working with the Engineering Development Board on a lithium-ion battery assembly or cell plant, and the official said import standards are also needed to keep foreign batteries safe and durable.