A Pakistani startup unveiled a cheap microvan that resembles a Toyota
Pakistani automotive startup Nora EV has unveiled its new budget-friendly model for the overcrowded metropolises of South Asia. Named Nora EV Metro, this newcomer stands out with a unique concept: designers drew inspiration from premium Japanese minivans but reduced the vehicle’s size to that of a compact urban hatchback. Retail sales of this electric car will begin soon, with its initial price in the local market expected to be less than 3 million Pakistani rupees (around $10,800).
The exterior design of the Pakistani microvan resembles that of Toyota’s Alphard and Vellfire “twins.” It features a robust fake radiator grille, vertical side intakes with plenty of chrome accents, and the iconic silhouette with vertical rear doors and triangular headlights. However, instead of expensive sliding doors, engineers installed regular folding doors. The vehicle’s proportions are quite modest: it is only 3.9 meters long, with tiny 14-inch wheels mounted on the rims. The five-seater interior comes equipped with a digital dashboard in the style of the Mercedes Hyperscreen, which is a single piece of plastic with a modest multimedia display in the center. Standard features include air conditioning, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and parking sensors.
The rear-wheel-drive Metro is powered by a single electric motor with a capacity of 4 kW/5 hp. It uses a Chinese chassis that engineers have modified to suit the poor road conditions in the region.
Purchasers can choose between lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries with capacities of 9, 15, or 23.1 kWh. The top-tier battery provides a range of no more than 250-300 km. The company plans to establish a network of fast battery swap stations in the future and will also offer an EREV version equipped with a small gasoline generator and a 3-liter fuel tank that adds another 150-180 km of range.
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The young company Nora EV was founded in 2025 by Nushin Azhar and Ali Razoy. Unlike competitors who simply assemble ready-made kits from China, the brand is gradually localizing the production of body panels and optics in Pakistan. The introduction of a compact city car with the appearance of a Japanese luxury minivan at the price of an ordinary motorcycle or an old small car will allow the startup to attract attention from local motorists. The company has previously successfully launched a similar project—the small electric SUV Nora E30, priced at $6800 or more, which copies the design of the expensive Range Rover SUV.
