KATHMANDU: Bagmati Province Chief Minister Indra Bahadur Baniya has said that a minor issue has pushed him to consider selling his electric vehicle (EV).
Speaking at the ‘Kendrabindu EV Buzz Policy Discourse 2025’ organized by Kendrabindu Media, Baniya said the absence of a spare tire was the reason he felt frustrated enough to think about selling his car.
“I had to leave my car on the road twice and walk home. One of my tires went flat, and there was no replacement. I had to call for another vehicle for my family,” Baniya recounted. “Once, I even had to use a ride-sharing service to continue my journey.”
Although the government has prioritized electric vehicles by building infrastructure and offering tax incentives, automobile dealers have failed to provide good service to consumers, Baniya said. “This lack of service could lead to dissatisfaction with EVs among the public,” he added.
Although the government has prioritized electric vehicles by building infrastructure and offering tax incentives, automobile dealers have failed to provide good service to consumers, Baniya said.
Baniya also said he has listed his EV for sale at half its original price. “You all are in the business of selling vehicles. Does consumer satisfaction matter to you? I urge you to reflect on your service once,” he told automobile dealers attending the event. “EV dealers must focus on service. Importers must ensure proper service, spare parts availability and other support.”
Baniya also criticized banks over their inability to provide 80% financing for electric vehicles. “The government has offered incentives so that more people can use EVs. Instead, banks require a large down payment up front. This needs to be corrected,” he said.
The event also featured panel discussions on various topics. It also recognized successful car models from different brands with awards.
