KATHMANDU: Nepal imported more than 6,600 units of cars in the first five months of the current fiscal year 2025/26 (mid-July to mid-December), according to the latest data released by the Department of Customs.
As of mid-December, a total of 6,601 units of cars, jeeps, and vans were imported. This figure includes both electric and petrol vehicles.
Compared to the same period last fiscal year, total car imports increased by 1.64 percent, or 107 units. In the first five months of the previous fiscal year, imports stood at 6,494 units.
The total import value during the review period reached Rs. 11.60 billion. From this, the government collected Rs. 11.53 billion in revenue.
EV imports drop
Despite overall growth in car imports, electric vehicle (EV) imports declined sharply. EV imports fell by 23.55 percent year-on-year.
In the first five months of the current fiscal year, 3,800 units of electric cars were imported. This is down from 4,695 units during the same period last year.
The total value of EV imports stood at Rs. 8.95 billion. Government revenue from EVs reached Rs. 5.64 billion.
The decline is largely attributed to heavy EV imports ahead of the budget amid speculation of higher taxes. Nearly 6,000 EVs were imported before the budget, many of which are still unsold, impacting fresh imports.
By power category, imports included 1,215 units up to 50 kW, 2,164 units between 51–100 kW, 414 units between 101–200 kW, and 5 units above 200 kW. Additionally, two unassembled EV units below 50 kW were imported.
Petrol car imports soar
While EV imports declined, petrol car imports recorded strong growth. A total of 2,801 units of petrol cars were imported during the five-month period.
This represents a 50.68 percent increase compared to last year, when 1,799 units were imported in the same timeframe.
The rise reflects growing market demand for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, as well as reduced EV imports supporting higher petrol car intake.
Hyundai dominated petrol car imports. Out of the total petrol vehicles imported, 1,341 units were unassembled cars. Hyundai is currently the only brand assembling four-wheelers in Nepal, producing models such as the Creta and Venue locally.
