KATHMANDU: The Bagmati Province Government has introduced new standards for electric vehicles (EVs) used in tourist transportation.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism enforced the Standards for Quality, Operation, and Management of Tourist Transport (Electric Vehicles), 2025 on Friday. Under the new guidelines, tourist EVs are categorized into three types—small, medium and large.
Small tourist EVs include vehicles used for city safari, jeep safari and jungle safari. City safari EVs must have 5 to 14 seats, a minimum 45 kW motor, a 20 kWh battery, a driving range of 200 kilometers and 165 mm ground clearance. EVs used to jeep safari also require 5 to 14 seats but must be equipped with at least a 75 kW motor, a 30 kWh battery, a 300 km range, and 185 mm ground clearance. Jungle safari EVs must have at least 14 seats, a 70 kW motor, a 40 kWh battery, a 150 km range and 185 mm ground clearance.
Medium tourist EVs are allowed a maximum of 25 seats and must feature an 80 kW motor, a 50 kWh battery and 190 mm ground clearance. Similarly, large tourist EVs must have a minimum of 26 seats, at least 90 kW motor power, a 60 kWh battery and 200 mm ground clearance.
All small, medium, and large EVs are required to include essential safety and comfort features such as ABS, EBD, a high-speed alert system, dual airbags, central locking, parking sensors, air conditioning and a rear-view camera.
According to the ministry, only EVs that meet these criteria will be permitted to operate as tourist transport in the province. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote eco-friendly tourism while enhancing passenger safety and comfort, say ministry officials.
