With the automotive industry shifting rapidly toward sustainable mobility, Pakistan is now beginning to see local companies stepping into the electric vehicle (EV) space. One of the most surprising and innovative entries comes from Inverex, a household name in the renewable energy sector.
The Inverex Xio EV 320 is Pakistan’s first locally launched electric hatchback, offering up to 320 km range, fast charging with a Magnesium-Cobalt battery, and a feature-rich urban driving experience. Priced at PKR 5,199,000, it includes safety features like ABS, EBD, and a driver airbag. Designed for Pakistani city roads, it delivers quick acceleration, smart infotainment, and a comfortable ride—making it a strong contender in the growing EV market.
Known for solar solutions across the country, Inverex is now making waves in electric mobility with the launch of the Inverex Xio EV, a locally assembled, fully electric hatchback designed for urban use.
In this comprehensive review, we break down the performance, design, comfort, features, and value proposition of the Inverex Xio EV 320 – the top-tier variant that claims a driving range of up to 320 km.
Who Is Inverex?
Before diving into the vehicle itself, it’s important to understand the brand. Inverex has been in Pakistan’s energy sector for over 20 years, specializing in solar panels, batteries, and hybrid energy systems. With this background, the transition into electric vehicles feels like a natural progression. Their experience in energy storage and battery technology gives them a strong foundation for producing efficient and reliable EVs.
The Inverex Xio EV marks the company’s entry into the mobility market with three variants:
- 140 km range – PKR 3,499,000
- 220 km range – PKR 4,199,000
- 320 km range (reviewed variant) – PKR 5,199,000
Battery & Motor: Specs That Matter
The most impressive aspect of the Xio EV is its battery technology. The 320 km variant comes equipped with a 31.28 kWh Magnesium-Cobalt battery – a higher-efficiency alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Key Powertrain Features:
- Motor Output: 18 kW
- Horsepower Equivalent: 235 hp (approx.)
- Torque: 105 Nm
- Range: Up to 320 km
- Charging Time: Shorter than standard lithium setups
The power delivery is linear and responsive, typical of EVs. The torque curve is well-suited to city driving, giving drivers the confidence to overtake and maneuver even with passengers onboard.
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Driving Experience: Urban Agility with Instant Acceleration
Driving the Xio EV through the streets of Karachi showcased its urban credentials. Despite being a compact hatchback, it offers a surprisingly solid and confident driving experience.
Two Drive Modes:
- Normal Mode: Smooth throttle, no speed limits
- Sport Mode: Sharper acceleration; reaches 80 km/h in just 3–4 seconds
Even with four passengers, the car does not feel sluggish. In Sport Mode, the Xio EV demonstrates its capability with confident overtakes and quick throttle response. This is ideal for Pakistani urban roads where agility and quick maneuvering are crucial.
Handling, Suspension & Stability
Despite being compact, the Xio EV is surprisingly stable. Tested at speeds of 70–80 km/h, there was no noticeable body roll or loss of control. The MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear setup are tuned to offer a soft, compliant ride over uneven road surfaces.
It handled Karachi’s speed breakers well, even with a full cabin. Ground clearance is impressive for its size, which makes it a practical option for Pakistani road conditions.
Exterior Design: Simplicity with a Modern Touch
The Xio EV maintains a minimalistic exterior profile, aimed more at function than flair. Its design includes:
- Compact footprint for easy urban parking
- Aerodynamic lines that enhance efficiency
- Integrated LED lighting for a modern look
- Rearview camera and parking sensors
While it may not turn heads like a sports coupe, it doesn’t need to. It’s clean, efficient, and well-suited for its purpose — an eco-conscious urban commuter.
Interior Layout: Practicality Meets Comfort
Step inside, and the Xio EV continues to impress with thoughtful interior ergonomics and intelligent use of space.
Key Features:
- 10.1-inch infotainment display with Android Auto
- Digital MID (Multi-Information Display) showing speed, battery level, and remaining range
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Cabin noise insulation suitable for busy city roads
- Power windows and climate control
The driver’s visibility is excellent, thanks to a wide windshield and thin A-pillars. The rearview camera gives a clear and detailed picture, improving parking safety. Despite the compact dimensions, the cabin doesn’t feel cramped.
Storage & Practicality
In a market where space is often a concern in compact hatchbacks, the Xio EV makes good use of every inch.
- Central console with storage for phone/wallet
- Additional dashboard storage above the AC controls
- Door pockets fit water bottles
- Rear seats offer enough space for average-sized adults
- Traditional glove box included
Smart storage touches make the Xio EV practical for daily errands and short-distance trips.
Infotainment & Audio
The Xio EV comes with a 4-speaker factory-installed system, which is a pleasant surprise at this price point. Most local hatchbacks offer just 2 speakers or leave the rear speakers unwired.
Audio Quality Highlights:
- Crisp mid-range
- Rear speaker clarity
- Sufficient bass for casual listening
Entertainment and information are clearly prioritized, improving the overall passenger experience.
Air Conditioning Performance
Pakistan’s summers are brutal, especially in cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Multan. During a test at ambient temperatures of 38–39°C, the AC performed effectively, cooling the cabin quickly even with four passengers onboard.
This is a critical win for Inverex, as weak air conditioning can often break the deal for Pakistani buyers.
Safety Features: A Strong Start
While safety equipment is modest, the essentials are covered, making it a viable option for family use.
Included Safety Systems:
- Driver airbag
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
- EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
- Rearview camera
- Rear parking sensors
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
Passenger airbags and advanced driver-assistance systems are not available yet, but for the segment and price point, it’s a respectable offering.
Warranty & Dealer Network
Warranty Coverage:
- Vehicle warranty: 5 years or 100,000 km
- Battery warranty: 8 years or 120,000 km
Inverex has launched its first dealership in Faisalabad, with plans to expand to major cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi in the coming months. Bookings are open, and customer response has been promising.
Inverex Xio EV Variants & Pricing
| Variant | Range | Price (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Xio 140 | 140 km | 3,499,000 |
| Xio 220 | 220 km | 4,199,000 |
| Xio 320 | 320 km | 5,199,000 |
While it’s not the cheapest hatchback on the market, it offers excellent value for money when you factor in running costs, charging efficiency, and the modern feature set.
Why the Inverex Xio EV Matters
- Local production means reduced import costs and easier servicing
- Magnesium-Cobalt battery offers faster charging and better durability
- Spacious cabin and modern tech features surpass many local petrol hatchbacks
- A clear focus on urban commuting needs in Pakistan
If adopted at scale, the Xio EV could help pave the way for broader EV infrastructure development in Pakistan. Inverex’s entry may also encourage other energy-sector brands to diversify into sustainable transportation.
Final Thoughts
The Inverex Xio EV 320 is a promising first step toward a greener, more efficient urban mobility future in Pakistan. With its solid build, responsive motor, feature-rich cabin, and smart pricing, it challenges the long-held belief that electric cars are only for the elite.
For anyone living in a major city looking for a reliable, cost-effective, and future-ready alternative to traditional hatchbacks, the Inverex Xio EV 320 is worth serious consideration. And if Inverex can maintain after-sales service quality and expand their dealership network swiftly, this vehicle could become a turning point in the country’s electric mobility journey.
The Xio EV offers a range of up to 320 km on a full charge, making it suitable for daily commutes and city driving.
The Xio EV’s Magnesium-Cobalt battery charges faster than conventional lithium-ion setups, reducing downtime and enhancing convenience.
The Xio EV is available in three variants:
Xio 140: PKR 3,499,000
Xio 220: PKR 4,199,000
Xio 320: PKR 5,199,000
Test drives are currently available in Faisalabad, with plans to expand to other major cities soon. Bookings are open now.
