Electrification of Transportation: Policy Framework, Technical Aspects and Challenges in Pakistan - A Case Study

•Comprehensive review of Pakistan's national electric vehicle policy and its implementation challenges.•Analysis of technical aspects related to electric vehicle adoption in Pakistan, including charging infrastructure and grid integration.•Examination of economic opportunities arising from EV adoption, such as job creation and reduced oil dependency.•Discussion of environmental sustainability benefits of EV implementation in Pakistan's context.•SWOT analysis identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for EV market development in Pakistan.•Comparison of Pakistan's EV adoption strategies with other developing countries.•Identification of key barriers to EV adoption, including financial constraints, lack of infrastructure, and public awareness issues.•Recommendations for policy improvements and strategies to accelerate EV adoption in Pakistan.•Assessment of the potential impact of EVs on Pakistan's energy sector and economic development.•Exploration of industrial development opportunities in Pakistan's automotive sector through EV manufacturing. Pakistan faces severe air pollution and high dependency on imported fossil fuels for transportation, urgently needing solutions. Electrification of transportation could address these issues, but Pakistan lacks a clear roadmap for adopting electric vehicles. This paper examines the electrification of transportation in Pakistan, focusing on policies, technical aspects, and standards. It looks at best practices from developed countries and discusses incentives offered by the Pakistani government to boost electric vehicle adoption. The study also explores challenges and opportunities in adopting electric vehicles within existing power systems. A SWOT analysis is included, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to electric vehicle policies and market integration in Pakistan. By reviewing these factors, the paper provides insights into the obstacles and potential benefits of electric vehicle adoption. It also suggests ways for developing nations like Pakistan to encourage widespread use of electric vehicles, aiming to reduce fossil fuel dependency and meet environmental goals.