KATHMANDU: With the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) in Nepal, the government’s role has become more critical than ever.
EVs are now more affordable, and consumer interest is growing rapidly. Dealers are introducing new models and expanding their networks. However, government policies and infrastructure have not kept pace with this growth.
There are still no clear national standards for the import, usage and safety of EVs. This regulatory gap could lead to serious issues in the near future.
Infrastructure
One of the most pressing issues is the charging infrastructure. While the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has set up 62 charging stations, most are located in urban centers. Government support for expanding this network to rural and remote areas has not been effective.
While private companies have stepped in to some extent, their efforts alone are insufficient to meet the rising demand. Without a coordinated national plan to expand the charging network, especially outside urban areas, the EV ecosystem will remain inefficient.
Battery Management
Battery management is another area that needs urgent attention. Although some importers provide basic information about battery specifications on their websites, there are no clear guidelines for handling batteries that have reached the end of their lifespan. The government lacks policies for battery recycling, reuse or proper disposal.
It is high time the government prepared standards to monitor battery quality, lifespan and safety. If proper regulations are not introduced immediately, the environmental and safety risks associated with poor battery management could be difficult to handle for the country.
Power Distribution Infrastructure
As the number of EVs increases, so does the electricity demand. In cities like Kathmandu, it is estimated that 15,000 to 20,000 EVs are being charged simultaneously.
Although Nepal generates 100% of its electricity from hydropower, experts say the existing power distribution system is not equipped to handle such loads. This could lead to overloads and frequent power outages unless a robust distribution infrastructure is put in place.
Safety Still Overlooked
Safety is another major concern. Nepal has yet to implement safety regulations for EVs and their batteries. Similar to emission tests for petrol and diesel vehicles, EVs should be subject to regular quality inspections, particularly of their battery thermal management systems. Similarly, most charging stations lack safety standards to prevent overheating, short circuits and overloads.
The risk of EV fires is especially worrying. Lithium-ion battery fires are difficult to control and cannot be extinguished with only water. There is an urgent need to equip cities with specialized fire engines and emergency response protocols tailored for EV-related incidents.
Additionally, a long-term strategy is needed to gradually phase out fossil-fuel vehicles.
