The import of electric vehicles (EVs) into Nepal has seen a notable surge in the first three months of the fiscal year 2024/25. According to the Department of Customs, a total of 2,518 four-wheeler electric vehicles, including cars, jeeps, and vans, worth Rs. 6.11 billion were imported during this period. This represents an 18% increase in the quantity of four-wheeler EVs compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year (2023/24), during which 2,135 vehicles worth Rs. 5.17 billion were imported.
In addition to the four-wheelers, Nepal also imported 2,635 three-wheeler electric vehicles worth Rs. 263 million during the same period. The government collected Rs. 3.83 billion in customs duties from the import of both four-wheeler and three-wheeler electric vehicles.
The imported electric vehicles mostly fall within the motor power range of 51 kW to 100 kW, with 1,582 vehicles in this category. There were also 772 vehicles imported with motor power up to 50 kW, while 159 vehicles had motor power between 101 kW and 200 kW, and 5 vehicles exceeded 201 kW in motor power. Additionally, Nepal imported 2,051 unassembled electric three-wheelers worth Rs. 193 million.
China continues to be the dominant supplier of electric vehicles to Nepal, accounting for 70% of the total imports. In the first three months of fiscal year 2024/25, 1,765 electric vehicles were imported from China. Other notable imports came from India, with 747 vehicles, while smaller numbers came from Germany (5 vehicles) and the United States (1 vehicle).
Several factors have contributed to this increase in electric vehicle imports. Government incentives, including customs subsidies, reduced tariffs on charging infrastructure, and the promotion of electric vehicles by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), have made EVs more affordable and accessible. Furthermore, improvements in Nepal’s electricity supply infrastructure have supported the growing demand for electric vehicles.
Comparing this trend with previous years, the number of electric vehicles imported has been steadily increasing. In the fiscal year 2020/21, only 249 four-wheeler electric vehicles were imported. The following year saw a significant jump to 1,800 vehicles, and in 2022/23, the number increased further to 4,050 vehicles. In fiscal year 2023/24, a total of 11,701 electric vehicles worth Rs. 29.5 billion were imported, marking a dramatic rise.
This growing trend of EV imports suggests that Nepal is gradually transitioning toward electric mobility, driven by favorable government policies, an improving infrastructure, and an increasing consumer interest in electric vehicles.
