The Punjab government has rolled out its first electric taxi scheme, offering women a 60% subsidy on the down payment to make it easier for them to become drivers and operate e-taxis across the province.
Lahore – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif formally launched the province’s e-Taxi Scheme on February 26, 2026, marking the country’s first government-backed program to introduce electric taxis on a structured scale. The initiative provides substantial financial help to drivers, with a clear focus on bringing more women into the transport sector.
In the opening phase, authorities will distribute 1,100 electric vehicles. The government has set aside a 30% quota for women, and the e-taxis assigned to female drivers will feature a different color for quick identification.
The subsidy structure gives male drivers 50% coverage on the down payment, while female applicants receive 60%. The government also covers additional costs such as vehicle registration, fitness certificates, and token tax. It handles interest charges on financing, and the overall subsidy package reaches around Rs4 billion.
CM Maryam Nawaz highlighted the scheme’s role in creating jobs, especially for women who may feel hesitant about entering taxi driving. She noted that over 30% of the initial beneficiaries are women, calling it a positive step forward. The chief minister described the e-taxis as environment-friendly, each capable of running up to 300 km on a single charge, and part of a larger plan to build an e-mobility system in Punjab.
The program seeks to cut reliance on traditional fuel, bring down pollution in cities, and add modern electric options to public transport. Drivers stand to earn a steady income through the scheme.
Officials expect the first e-taxis to appear on roads in Lahore and other districts within days following the launch. More details on how to apply, who qualifies, financing options, and approved vehicle types will come out soon.
Policy observers see this as an important push for electric vehicle use in Pakistan, where high fuel costs and pollution issues have increased interest in greener alternatives.
