EV vs Hybrid vs Petrol Running Cost in Pakistan: Per-km Guide 2026
With petrol at Rs 362/litre, a petrol car costs about Rs 26 per km to run, a hybrid about Rs 16 and an EV about Rs 7-12 depending on electricity rates (our estimates). Here's the maths for Quetta buyers.
By Saad Nadeem · Published 7 Nov 2026 · 4 min read
How much does it cost to run an EV, a hybrid or a petrol car in Pakistan? At today's petrol price of Rs 362 per litre (from 5 November 2026), a typical petrol car costs roughly Rs 26 per km in fuel. A hybrid costs about Rs 16 per km. An electric car costs about Rs 7–12 per km, depending on what you pay per unit of electricity. These are estimates built on clearly stated assumptions. Your own costs will depend on your car, your driving and your electricity bill.
The assumptions we used
We did the maths ourselves rather than quote brochure figures. You can swap in your own numbers using the same formula.
- Petrol price: Rs 362.00 per litre, the official price from 5 November 2026.
- Petrol car: about 14 km per litre in mixed city and highway driving. This is an estimate for a 1.3–1.5 litre sedan or hatchback.
- Hybrid car: about 22 km per litre. This is an estimate for a self-charging hybrid, which does best in stop-go city traffic.
- Electric car: about 16.5 kWh (units) per 100 km, including some charging losses. This is an estimate for a compact electric SUV or hatchback.
- Electricity: three scenarios, Rs 40, Rs 60 and Rs 70 per unit. Rs 40 is the government's planned discounted tariff for public charging stations. Home rates depend on your slab and taxes, so check your own bill.
Formula: fuel cost per km = price per litre ÷ km per litre. Electric cost per km = units per km × price per unit.
Running cost per 1,000 km (estimates)
| Car type | Energy used per 1,000 km | Cost per km | Cost per 1,000 km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (14 km/l) | ~71.4 litres | ~Rs 25.9 | ~Rs 25,860 |
| Hybrid (22 km/l) | ~45.5 litres | ~Rs 16.5 | ~Rs 16,450 |
| EV at Rs 40/unit | ~165 units | ~Rs 6.6 | ~Rs 6,600 |
| EV at Rs 60/unit | ~165 units | ~Rs 9.9 | ~Rs 9,900 |
| EV at Rs 70/unit | ~165 units | ~Rs 11.6 | ~Rs 11,550 |
If you drive 1,500 km a month, a common figure for daily office and school runs plus a weekend trip, the estimated monthly energy bill is about:
- Petrol: ~Rs 38,800
- Hybrid: ~Rs 24,700
- EV: ~Rs 9,900 to ~Rs 17,300
That makes the fuel saving for an EV over a petrol car roughly Rs 21,000–29,000 a month on these assumptions. A hybrid saves about Rs 14,000.
Fuel is only part of the cost
Running cost alone doesn't decide which car is cheaper. Before you buy, weigh these points:
- Purchase price: EVs and hybrids usually cost more upfront than a petrol car of similar size. Compare current figures on our new car prices page.
- Battery health: an EV's or hybrid's battery is its most expensive part. On a used car, ask for battery health reports and warranty papers. Book a car inspection in Quetta before you pay.
- Servicing: EVs have no engine oil, spark plugs or gearbox oil changes. Brakes also tend to last longer thanks to regenerative braking. Hybrids still need normal engine servicing.
- Resale: the used EV market in Pakistan is still small. Petrol cars and well-known hybrids are easier to sell quickly.
What it means for buyers in Quetta and Balochistan
- Home charging is a must. Public chargers are scarce. As of November 2026, officials could not confirm how many are working nationwide. An EV makes sense in Quetta only if you can charge at home or at work.
- Long highway trips favour hybrids. On the N-25 to Karachi or the N-65 towards Sukkur, there's no confirmed public charging network. A hybrid or petrol car is the safer pick for regular intercity travel.
- Cold winters cut EV range. Quetta winters can be freezing. Batteries lose some range in the cold, and running the heater uses extra power. Plan for a lower winter range than the brochure figure.
- Load-shedding matters. If your area has long power cuts, plan overnight charging around the supply schedule. A solar setup can also help.
- Electric bikes are the low-risk start. For short city commutes, an electric scooter or bike charged at home gives the biggest saving for the least money. Compare options in used bikes.
Thinking of switching? You can sell your car free on QuettaWheels, then browse used cars for hybrids and EVs.
Frequently asked questions
Is an electric car cheaper to run than a petrol car in Pakistan? Yes, on energy cost. With petrol at Rs 362 per litre, we estimate a petrol car costs about Rs 26 per km, while an EV costs about Rs 7–12 per km depending on the electricity rate.
How much does it cost to charge an EV in Pakistan? It depends on the per-unit rate. A compact EV using about 16.5 units per 100 km would cost roughly Rs 6,600 per 1,000 km at Rs 40 per unit, or Rs 11,550 at Rs 70 per unit (estimates).
Is a hybrid or an EV better for Quetta? If you can charge at home and mostly drive in the city, an EV saves the most. If you often drive to Karachi or Sukkur, a hybrid is more practical, because public charging on those routes is not yet available.
Sources: PakWheels (4 Nov 2026, petrol price from 5 Nov 2026); Bloom Pakistan (4 Nov 2026, charging-station plan and Rs 40/unit tariff); fuel-economy and energy-use figures are QuettaWheels estimates, not manufacturer ratings.
#electric cars#hybrid cars#fuel cost#EV charging#Quetta
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