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Pakistan's Nora EV Unveils Metro, a Toyota-Styled Electric Minivan With 5 HP
RePakistan's Nora EV Unveils Metro, a Toyota-Styled Electric Minivan With 5 HP
Nora EV has revealed the Metro, a compact electric MPV with Toyota Alphard-inspired styling, a 5 hp motor, and a starting price under $11,000. The vehicle will be available in EV and range-extender versions, with battery swapping planned for Pakistan.
Pakistani automaker Nora EV has unveiled the Metro, a small electric MPV that borrows its styling cues from Toyota's Alphard and Vellfire minivans but packs a tiny 5 hp electric motor and a starting price under $11,000. The vehicle is set to launch soon in Pakistan, where the company is building out local manufacturing and a battery-swapping network.
The Metro's design closely mimics the Japanese full-size minivans that dominate their home market. At the front, a massive grille and vertical intakes with chrome accents echo the Alphard and Vellfire, while the profile and rear end feature a vertical tailgate, roof spoiler, and triangular taillights. Unlike its inspiration, however, the Metro uses conventional hinged doors for rear-seat access rather than power-sliding side doors.
Despite the familiar look, the Metro's proportions are far more modest. It measures 3,900 mm (153.5 inches) long, making it shorter than many European subcompact hatchbacks, and rides on 14-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the five-seater cabin attempts to hide its budget nature with premium-inspired color combinations and a dashboard that resembles a Mercedes Hyperscreen but is actually a large plastic piece with a modest central infotainment display. Equipment includes Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, push-button start, air conditioning, power windows, and a reverse camera.
Power comes from a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 4,000 Watts, or just 5 hp (4 kW). The company offers lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs in 9 kWh, 15 kWh, and 23.1 kWh capacities. The largest battery promises a driving range of 250-300 km (155-186 miles). For those concerned about range anxiety, Nora EV plans to roll out battery-swapping stations across Pakistan. More importantly, the Metro will optionally be available with a range-extender setup featuring a 3-liter (0.8-gallon) gasoline tank and a small generator that adds an extra 150-180 km (93-112 miles) of range.
The underlying chassis originates from China, but Nora EV claims it has been re-engineered to better suit South Asian road conditions and improve ergonomics for taller passengers. The company was founded in 2025 by Nousheen Azhar and Ali Raza. Unlike other firms that assemble imported knockdown kits, Nora EV is establishing local manufacturing for bodywork stampings, lighting assemblies, and other components.
Besides the Metro, Nora EV also offers the E30 small electric SUV, which copies the design of the previous-generation Range Rover, and the Neo urban hatchback. The only model currently on sale is the E30, priced from 1,889,000 Pakistani Rupee ($6,800) before GST. The brand has promised that the upcoming Metro will launch soon with a starting price under 3,000,000 Pakistani Rupee ($10,800).
The Metro's combination of Toyota-inspired styling, a very low price, and a tiny electric powertrain reflects a growing trend in emerging markets: affordable electric vehicles that prioritize cost and practicality over performance. With local manufacturing and battery-swapping infrastructure, Nora EV aims to make electric mobility accessible to a broader segment of Pakistani consumers.
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