KARACHI, Pakistan — Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD on Saturday announced plans to open a car production plant in Pakistan, where it will also start selling three models through a partnership with Mega Motors.

BYD is the first major new electric vehicle (NEV) entrant in the Pakistani market, where there is a lack of charging infrastructure.

"Our entry into the Pakistani market is not just about bringing advanced vehicles to consumers," said Liu Xueliang, BYD general manager for Asia-Pacific.

"It's about driving a broader vision of environmental responsibility and technological innovation," he added.

BYD also plans to open three "flagship stores and experience centers" in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, the company said at a launch event in Lahore, adding it plans to start selling two SUV models and a sedan from the fourth quarter of 2024.

Mega Motors is a unit of Pakistan's largest private utility Hub Power Co. Ltd., known as Hubco.

"We will establish Pakistan's first NEV assembly plant ... dedicated to producing BYD's cutting-edge new energy vehicles," said Hubco Chief Executive Kamran Kamal, who described the deal as a "landmark investment."

The new plant will begin operations in 2026, Kamal told Reuters.

Hubco will set up fast-charging stations across major cities, motorways and highways to enhance Pakistan's charging infrastructure.