Lahore: The Punjab government is all set to roll out its electric taxi (e-taxi) scheme in August 2025, with applications expected to open in the coming weeks through a new digital platform being developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB).
According to Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, the initiative is part of the provincial government’s broader push toward sustainable mobility and economic empowerment. The scheme will provide electric taxis on easy, interest-free installments under a carefully developed business and financial model.
As many as 1,100 electric taxis will be distributed in the pilot phase of the scheme. Of these, 1,000 vehicles will be allocated to fleet owners, each required to purchase a minimum of ten taxis. The remaining 100 taxis will be distributed on an individual basis, including a special quota of 30 e-taxis reserved for women drivers, to promote inclusivity and female participation in the transport sector.
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The government will bear the cost of markup, token tax, and vehicle registration fees, making the scheme more accessible to a wider group of drivers and entrepreneurs. In addition, nine electric vehicle suppliers have been shortlisted to provide the vehicles and build a network of charging stations, service centers, and spare parts facilities across the province to support the scheme.
Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan confirmed that the groundwork for the project is nearly complete, and the formal launch is expected within the next two weeks. He added that this initiative not only promotes a greener transportation system but also opens up new income-generating opportunities for individual drivers and ride-hailing companies.
With climate change and urban congestion becoming increasingly urgent issues, the Punjab e-taxi scheme signals a significant step toward sustainable public transport in the province.