If you drive for Indrive, Yango, or Uber, you know the pain. You earn PKR 5,000 a day, but PKR 3,000 goes directly into the fuel tank. With petrol prices stuck above PKR 330/liter, the “Ride Hailing” business has become almost impossible for the average driver. The Punjab Government’s new “Green Cab Scheme” (E-Taxi Program) (or Punjab E-taxi scheme 2026) aims to fix exactly that. Launched this week, the scheme is offering 1,100 Electric Vehicles (EVs) to unemployed youth on interest-free installments.
Here is how you can get a car that runs on electricity and keeps your profit in your pocket.
The Offer: What Are You Getting in Punjab E-taxi scheme 2026?
- The Vehicle: Reports suggest the government is distributing locally assembled small EVs (likely the Honri Ve or GiGi class). These cars have a range of ~150-180km per charge—perfect for a full day of city taxi work.
- The Loan: It is Interest-Free. You only pay the actual cost of the car over 3 to 4 years.
- The Savings: No petrol. No oil changes. Your running cost drops from PKR 25/km to roughly PKR 4/km.
Eligibility Criteria (Who Can Apply?)
To filter out non-serious applicants, the criteria are strict:
- Age: 21 to 35 Years.
- Domicile: Punjab.
- License: You must hold a valid LTV Driving License.
- Employment: You must be currently unemployed (not a filer for a business) OR a registered student.
- Clean Record: No criminal record.
How to Apply (The 4-Step Process)
Do not give cash to any “agent.” The process is entirely digital.
Step 1: Register on the Portal Visit the official Punjab Transport Department portal (or the designated Bank of Punjab scheme page).
- Note: Look for the “Green Cab / E-Taxi 2026” tab.
Step 2: The Down Payment. Unlike the bike scheme offered by Punjab, this is not 100% free. You will likely need to deposit a Down Payment (approx. 10-15%) after your name comes out in the balloting.
- Tip: Do not deposit money now. Only deposit it into the official BOP account only after you are selected.
Step 3: Upload Documents Scan and upload:
- CNIC (Front/Back)
- Driving License
- Domicile Certificate
- Education Certificate (Matric/Inter usually required).
Step 4: The Balloting Since there are only 1,100 cars and likely 100,000 applicants, the distribution will be done via electronic balloting next month.
Why You Should Apply
Even if you don’t plan to be a full-time taxi driver, having an EV in the house in 2026 is a game changer.
- Charging: You can charge these small EVs on a standard 3-pin home socket (like a UPS).
- Income: Even doing 5 rides a day on Indrive with an EV generates pure profit because your fuel cost is near zero.
Verdict This is one of the most practical schemes launched recently. If you have a license and are sitting at home, apply. You have nothing to lose.
The portal link is expected to go live on Monday. Keep your documents ready!