KATHMANDU: Imports of electric vehicles (EVs) through the Tatopani border point with China have resumed after a two-month halt.
EV imports via Tatopani had been completely disrupted for nearly two months due to repeated closures of Arniko Highway, the only road link to the border point, due to floods and landslides. With the reopening of the highway on Tuesday, EV shipments have begun crossing through the border into Nepal.
Importers, however, are concerned about the road’s reliability as as landslides are frequently triggered in places, such as Ikhu in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-2, whenever it rains.
Ramesh Bahadur Shah, information officer at the Tatopani Customs Office, said inspections of EVs arriving at the customs yard have already begun. “EV imports from China, which was stalled for the past two months, have resumed. Fifteen units arrived at the yard on Tuesday, five have them have already been cleared,” Shah told MeroAuto over the phone.
As many as 80 containers of goods entered Nepal from China on Tuesday after the highway reopened for traffic. “Of them, 39 have already cleared customs and are headed toward Kathmandu,” Shah added.
Although dealers have announced plans to bring in hundreds of EVs targeting the Dashain and Tihar festivals, Shah said most of them have yet to reach the customs yard. “We have heard that importers are bringing in hundreds of units. They might be on the way,” he added.
As many as 80 containers of goods entered Nepal from China on Tuesday after the highway reopened for traffic. “Of them, 39 have already cleared customs and are headed toward Kathmandu,” Shah added.
Automobile dealers secured bookings for thousands of EVs during the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo and NADA Auto Show held last month. But with both Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi—the two major border points with China—closed for nearly two months, imports were stalled.
Some imports searched for alternative and started imports via Korala border point in Mustang. However, they say bringing vehicles via Korala takes more time and costs more. The Korala–Jomsom road section is also difficult, as much of it remains unpaved.
