Pakistan’s first locally made electric SUV to cost less than Honda Civic

ISLAMABAD: Regal Automobiles has received approval from the Engineering Development Board of Pakistan (EDB) to locally assemble the country’s first electric SUV. The vehicle, set to be priced below Rs9 million, is expected to compete with popular sedans like the Honda Civic and Hyundai Sonata, which come with much higher price tags.

The upcoming electric SUV, Seres 3, will offer an affordable alternative to petrol-powered vehicles in the same price range. The Honda Civic’s price ranges from Rs8.6 million to Rs9.9 million, while the Hyundai Sonata starts at nearly Rs1 crore and goes up to Rs1.12 crore.

Both of these are sedans, not SUVs, which could make the Seres 3 even more attractive to consumers looking for a spacious and eco-friendly option.

The Seres 3 will be available in two variants: The Seres 3 (3.5), featuring a 49kWh battery and seating for five, and the Seres 3 (4.0), equipped with a larger 54kWh battery but with the same seating capacity. The starting price for the Seres 3 will be Rs8,399,000.

Production is set to begin at Regal’s facility in Manga Mandi, Lahore, with a formal production launch ceremony expected by the end of October.

“We are thrilled to bring Pakistan’s first locally assembled electric SUV, the Seres 3, to the market,” said Muhammad Adeel Usman, Managing Director of Seres Pakistan. “This is a major step toward a more sustainable automotive future and offers local consumers an affordable electric vehicle option.”

According to Business Recorder, Regal Automobiles has partnered with Seres, an international electric vehicle manufacturer, to introduce the Seres 3 to the Pakistani market.

Established in 2017 as a joint venture between DFSK (DongFeng Sokon) and the RP Group, Regal is a key player in Pakistan’s automotive industry, offering a wide range of vehicles, including light commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and SUVs.

The company’s manufacturing facility covers 26 acres in Manga Mandi, Lahore, and features advanced ED painting technology. Regal also operates 19 independent 3S dealerships across the country, ensuring widespread availability and service for its vehicles.

With the introduction of the Seres 3, Pakistan is seeing the next phase of electric vehicle growth, following the rise of electric two- and three-wheelers in the country.

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