Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD Co. is set to establish a manufacturing facility in Karachi, partnering with a local company to tap into Pakistan’s expanding electric vehicle (EV) market, reported Bloomberg.

BYD will introduce three vehicle models, including an SUV and a sedan, at its brand launch event scheduled for Saturday.

The company plans to expand its lineup in Pakistan with additional models, featuring both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, in the future. While a BYD spokesperson confirmed the company’s market entry with these vehicle types, they declined to provide further details regarding the factory investment.

Pakistan, the world’s fifth-largest country by population, has recently attracted several Chinese automakers, such as Great Wall Motor Co., SAIC Motor Corp., and Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., which are competing alongside established Japanese brands like Toyota and Honda.

Despite this influx, EV sales remain a small portion of the overall automotive market in Pakistan.

BYD has formed a strategic partnership with Mega Conglomerate Pvt., one of Pakistan’s leading business groups, in a joint venture that extends beyond the typical dealership model.

The planned manufacturing facility will be located near Karachi’s Port Qasim. The factory is expected to be operational by the first half of 2026, although specific details are still being finalized.

In addition to the manufacturing plant, BYD will establish showrooms in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, with sales expected to commence in the fourth quarter of this year.

As China’s leading car brand, having sold three million units in 2023, BYD is aggressively expanding its global presence, particularly in Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America.