Sindh plans phased shift of government vehicles to EVs
Sindh's austerity committee has prioritized electric vehicles in future official purchases, with officials citing lower fuel costs and cleaner urban air.
Sindh decided on Friday to prioritize electric vehicles in future government purchases and gradually shift its official fleet to them, Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon said, Sindh cabinet committee on austerity said, Dunya News reported.
Memon said saving public resources is a government priority, and the authorities are taking steps that reduce spending while protecting the environment.
He said the provincial government wants future vehicle purchases to favor electric models over conventional ones, moving the entire official vehicle system step by step to environmentally friendly technology.
A cabinet committee on austerity, chaired by Memon, met with Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, relevant provincial secretaries and other officials attending.
The meeting reviewed cuts in official spending, fuel savings and the vehicle needs of different departments.
The committee decided to buy vehicles for the Home Department, the Anti-Corruption Establishment, and universities and boards.
Memon said promoting electric vehicles in government fleets would reduce fuel spending and ease the load on the provincial treasury.
He said the future belongs to electric vehicles and that a gradual shift would also lower the daily running costs of government departments.
Shah said smoke from conventional vehicles affects urban air and the environment, and local bodies are promoting electric vehicles in place of conventional ones.
Electric vehicles are being promoted in many countries as a way to reduce fuel use and emissions, but the announcement does not include a timeline or cost figures for Sindh's plan.
