The recent increase in the cost of petrol has put the citizens of this country on edge. And, fearful of additional increases in fuel prices, they are considering a variety of mobility options. With CNG in low supply, the only alternative for individuals who wish to own a car is to buy an electric vehicle, or EV.
EV sales are on the rise all over the world, and with multiple charging stations popping up at fuel and CNG stations in Pakistan, the trend appears to be catching on. However, most electric automobiles, such as those produced by Tesla, Audi, MG, BMW, and others, are high-end or extremely expensive.
Even so, good things come in small packages. Rinco Aria, a small child, is also present. Nayyer Motor Company imports and distributes a compact automobile in Pakistan. The car, which costs Rs2.4 million in India, was conceived and engineered in the United States but produced in China for the Asian market.
On the surface, the Rinco Aria appears to be a typical little sedan. It is slightly larger than the Suzuki Alto, but around the same size as the Cultus or Wagon R, which it is more comparable to because to its higher roof and spacious cabin. It has huge halogen lights, 13-inch alloy rim tyres, power steering, parking sensors, rear camera, power windows, seatbelts, and central locking, much like any other conventional automobile. When you open the hood or bonnet, though, you’re in for a shock. What happened to the engine?
This isn’t your typical automobile, to be sure. A lithium iron phosphate battery is installed beneath the Rinco Aria. When fully charged, it travels 200 kilometres in economic or ‘eco mode,’ where it does not exceed 60 kilometres per hour, which is suitable for our city roads, and roughly 130 kilometres in’sports mode,’ where it travels at a faster pace.
The electronic display shows a battery, similar to the one on your smartphone, and tells you how much battery you’ve used and when you need charge the automobile. You can charge it in five to six hours by plugging it into a 2,300-volt outlet. The Rinco Aria’s acceleration and pickup are comparable to any 1,800CC automobile.
Nothing, of course, lasts forever. The lithium iron phosphate battery has a long life of about eight years. A new battery costs around $1,600 at the moment. However, when compared to a regular car’s monthly fuel prices, which can range from Rs3,500 to 40,000, including oil change and filter change charges of Rs5,000 to Rs7,000, this car only costs Rs2 or 3 per kilometre.
There is no such thing as engine maintenance, and there are no gears either. This automobile, like all EVs, has an automated gearbox system. It’s possible that you’ll only need to change the air conditioner filter once a year. All parts and electricals come with a three-year warranty, which will be honoured by its importers, Nayyer Motor Company.
Razi Nayyer, the importer of Rinco Aria, told Dawn that he had initially imported 20 automobiles to test the market here as a fan, collector, and restorer of vintage and classic cars. Now that all of those have been sold, he has placed an order for 80 more. It comes in seven different colours, as well as a dual tone variant with a different colour roof and pillars.
“Electric vehicles are in high demand right now,” Nayyer said. “It was always expected that fuel prices would increase, not just here, but all throughout the world.” As a result, considerable alternative research has been conducted in the West, particularly in the United States. “My goal, my motivation, in bringing this small family automobile to Pakistan was not to gain money, but to assist the people of this country,” he explained.
He further stated that the vehicle currently costs Rs2,400,000 due to a 10% import fee of Rs455,000 imposed by the previous government.
“I implore Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to waive this duty since it will automatically cut the cost of the car, making it more accessible to the general public.” Please also allow its entry into Pakistan, as it is not a fancy car but simply four wheels for the common guy. Because we spend so much of our foreign cash on fuel, it will only boost the economy,” he explained.
“You may run out of gasoline sooner or later, but you will always have electricity,” he continued, “because if nothing else, the bright sun shining over your head ensures that.” Wind and water may also be used to generate electricity, thus the future is electric and here.”
