Rising fuel prices in Pakistan, now exceeding Rs320 per litre, are making plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) the smartest SUV choice, according to Syed Asif Ahmed, Director Sales and Marketing at Chery Master Pakistan.

Ahmed emphasised that with the cost of running a conventional petrol SUV soaring up to Rs 32 per kilometre for a typical petrol-powered model, PHEVs and REEVs offer a more economical solution. For instance, the Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV, with a 34.46 kWh battery, provides a running cost of around Rs 10 per kilometre when charged at home, significantly less than petrol or even conventional hybrids.

He noted that households with rooftop solar installations can further reduce their driving costs, aligning with Pakistan’s transition toward renewable energy. The shift to PHEVs and REEVs not only eases the personal budgets of SUV users but also addresses broader economic concerns, as reliance on imported oil strains the national economy. Ahmed concluded that these vehicles are becoming essential for consumers looking to manage rising fuel costs while maintaining the flexibility of SUVs.