KATHMANDU: Nepal imported close to 6,000 electric cars in the first seven months (mid-July to mid-February) of the current fiscal year 2025/26 (FY 2082/83).
According to data released by the Department of Customs on Friday, a total of 5,896 units of electric cars, jeeps and vans were imported by mid-February.
On average, around 842 electric cars were imported per month during the review period. However, compared to the same period last fiscal year, EV imports have declined by 5.78 percent. In the first seven months of the previous fiscal year, Nepal had imported 6,256 EVs.
Import value and revenue
During the current fiscal year, Nepal imported electric cars worth Rs 13.85 billion. From this, the government collected Rs 8.46 billion in revenue.
Traders had rushed to import nearly 6,000 EVs before the announcement of the current fiscal budget amid speculation that taxes would increase. As many of those vehicles are yet to be sold, fresh imports have slowed down in recent months.
Power-wise breakdown
In terms of motor capacity, 1,992 units were imported in the up to 50 kW category, while 3,402 units fell within the 51-100 kW range. Similarly, 493 units were imported in the 101-200 kW segment, and only 7 units were brought in with motor capacity above 201 kW. In addition, two unassembled electric cars of up to 50 kW were also imported during the review period.
Country-wise import share
Chinese brands continue to dominate Nepal’s EV market, accounting for 71 percent of total electric vehicle imports in the current fiscal year. In the first seven months, Nepal imported 4,204 EVs from China worth Rs 9.90 billion.
India ranked second, exporting 1,263 electric cars to Nepal valued at Rs 2.65 billion.
Other countries contributing to Nepal’s EV imports include Thailand with 401 units, the United States with 12 units, Germany with 10 units, South Korea with 2 units, and both the United Kingdom and Austria with one unit each.
