Nepal is making big strides in clean transportation and has become one of the world’s initiators in using electric vehicles (EVs). In 2025, electric cars, bikes, and buses are now a normal sight in Kathmandu and other cities. This change is happening quickly because of government support, rising awareness about the environment, and the growing availability of affordable EVs.
Recent numbers highlight this rapid shift. In the fiscal year 2024–25, 73–76% of all new four-wheeler imports were EVs, compared to only a few hundred units back in 2020. Nepal now ranks second in the world for EV sales share, just behind Norway. In the first nine months of 2024–25 alone, the country imported 10,036 EVs versus 6,268 fuel-powered vehicles.
Nepal’s move towards EVs is more than just a trend. It shows the country’s strong commitment to a cleaner future, powered by its abundant hydropower. Nepal has set a target of net-zero emissions by 2045, aiming to cut down on fossil fuel imports by using clean, local energy.
Government Support: Making EVs Affordable
The government has played a key role in this transformation. Tax policies are making EVs cheaper than petrol or diesel vehicles. To boost charging infrastructure, Nepal allows the import of EV charging equipment with only a 1% customs duty and has waived other taxes. Companies that build or assemble EV charging stations also get a five-year income tax exemption.
Nepal’s long-term goals are ambitious:
- 90% of all private vehicle sales (including two-wheelers) to be electric by 2030
- 95% by 2035
- 60% of public passenger vehicles to be electric by 2030
Growing Charging Infrastructure and Public Transport
A strong charging network is key to making electric vehicles (EVs) more popular. By early 2025, Nepal had over 400 public charging stations, and the number is growing fast. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has approved the construction of 750 charging stations across the country, with 238 already under construction. NEA operates 62 stations, while the rest are run by private companies.
Public transport is also going green. Sajha Yatayat is planning to add 100 more electric buses in the 2082/83 fiscal year to improve clean mobility in Kathmandu Valley and cut urban pollution.
Market Trends: Chinese Brands Lead
Chinese EV brands dominate the Nepali market because of their lower prices and advanced features. In 2023/24, most EV import spending went to Chinese models, making them accessible to more Nepali buyers.
Challenges Ahead
Despite strong progress, challenges remain:
- Policy uncertainty: Frequent changes in fiscal and financial rules, such as Nepal Rastra Bank’s reduced loan-to-value ratio, worry the auto industry.
- Power grid stability: With more EVs, Nepal must ensure its electricity grid can handle rising demand.
- Battery disposal: A recycling system for lithium-ion batteries is urgently needed to prevent future environmental issues.
- Rural access: Charging stations are still limited outside major cities, making EV adoption uneven.
- Data security: Since the EV sector is mostly unregulated, concerns about digital safety and sovereignty are emerging.
The Road Ahead: A Bright Electric Future
Nepal’s EV revolution is an inspiring model for other developing countries. With strong government backing, growing infrastructure, and rising public interest, Nepal is on track to meet its climate goals. While challenges exist, the overall direction is clear.
Nepal is advancing towards a cleaner, greener, and more energy-independent future.
1. EV Charging Tariffs in Nepal (FY 2023/24)
Demand Charge and Energy Charge for EV Charging Stations
| Voltage Level | Category | Demand Charge (NRs./kVA per month) | Energy Charge (NRs./kWh) |
| Medium Voltage (33 kV) | Public Transportation (Charging Station) | 230.00 | 5.60 |
| Medium Voltage (33 kV) | Other Transportation | 255.00 | 8.60 |
| Medium Voltage (11 kV) | Public Transportation (Charging Station) | 230.00 | 5.60 |
| Medium Voltage (11 kV) | Other Transportation | 255.00 | 8.80 |
| Low Voltage (230/400 V) | Public Transportation (Charging Station) | 200.00 | 5.75 |
| Low Voltage (230/400 V) | Other Transportation | 220.00 | 8.90 |
- Time-of-Day (ToD) Tariff Rates for EV Charging
- Tariff Rate from Baisakh to Mangsir
| Voltage Level | Consumer Category | Demand Charge Nrs./kVA/month | Peak Time (NRs./kWh) (17:00-23:00) | Off-Peak Time (NRs./kWh) (23:00-5:00) | Normal Time (NRs./kWh) (5:00-17:00) |
| High Voltage (66 kV or above) | Public Transportation (Charging Station) | 230 | 7 | 3.70 | 5.50 |
| Other Transportation | 255 | 9.35 | 3.70 | 8.40 | |
| Medium Voltage (11 kV) | Public Transportation (Charging Station) | 230 | 7.15 | 4.20 | 5.60 |
| Other Transportation | 255 | 9.65 | 4.20 | 8.50 | |
| Low Voltage (230/400 V) | Public Transportation (Charging Station) | 200 | 7.25 | 4.30 | 5.75 |
| Other Transportation | 220 | 9.75 | 4.30 | 8.60 |
- Tariff Rate from Paush to Chaitra
| Voltage Level | Consumer Category | Demand Charge Nrs./kVA/month | Peak Time (NRs./kWh) (17:00-23:00) | Off-Peak Time (NRs./kWh) (23:00-5:00) |
| Medium Voltage (33 kV) | Public Transportation (Charging Station) | 230 | 7 | 5.50 |
| Other Transportation | 255 | 9.35 | 8.40 | |
| Medium Voltage (11 kV) | Public Transportation (Charging Station) | 230 | 7.15 | 5.60 |
| Other Transportation | 255 | 9.65 | 8.50 | |
| Low Voltage (230/400 V) | Public Transportation (Charging Station) | 200 | 7.25 | 5.75 |
| Other Transportation | 220 | 9.75 | 8.60 |
- Tariffs for Automatic Swap Card Users (Without Demand Charge)
- Public Transportation Charging Stations
- Tariff Rate from Baisakh to Mangshir
- Public Transportation Charging Stations
| Voltage Level | Peak Time (NRs./kWh) (17:00-23:00) | Off-Peak Time (NRs./kWh) (23:00-5:00) | Normal Time (NRs./kWh) (5:00-17:00) |
| Medium Voltage (33 kV) | 8.40 | 4.45 | 6.60 |
| Medium Voltage (11 kV) | 8.60 | 5.05 | 6.70 |
| Low Voltage (230/400 V) | 8.70 | 5.05 | 6.90 |
- Tariff Rate from Paush to Chaitra
| Voltage Level | Peak Time (NRs./kWh) (17:00-23:00) | Normal Time (NRs./kWh) (23:00-17:00) |
| Medium Voltage (33 kV) | 8.40 | 6.60 |
| Medium Voltage (11 kV) | 8.60 | 6.70 |
| Low Voltage (230/400 V) | 8.70 | 6.90 |
- Tariffs for Other Transportation
- Tariff Rate from Baisakh to Mangsir
| Voltage Level | Peak Time (NRs./kWh) (17:00-23:00) | Off-Peak Time (NRs./kWh) (23:00-5:00) | Normal Time (NRs./kWh) (5:00-17:00) |
| Medium Voltage (33 kV) | 11.20 | 4.45 | 10.10 |
| Medium Voltage (11 kV) | 11.60 | 5.05 | 10.20 |
| Low Voltage (230/400 V) | 11.70 | 5.15 | 10.30 |
- Tariff Rate from Paush to Chaitra
| Voltage Level | Peak Time (NRs./kWh) (17:00-23:00) | Normal Time (NRs./kWh) (23:00-17:00) |
| Medium Voltage (33 kV) | 11.20 | 10.10 |
| Medium Voltage (11 kV) | 11.60 | 10.20 |
| Low Voltage (230/400 V) | 11.70 | 10.30 |
Disclaimer: This blog may contain some inaccuracies, and readers are encouraged to verify the information before use. Some content and facts have been sourced from the National Strategy for Electrification of Public Transport in Nepal 2022 (United Nations Publication, 2023), Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA): A Year in Review – Fiscal Year 2023/24, and other sources.