KATHMANDU: Electric vehicles in Nepal have reached a new milestone, demonstrating that they can now conquer even the most demanding routes.
The powerful ZEEKR X recently completed a successful journey from Kathmandu to Muktinath – a destination once considered exclusive to diesel-powered SUVs. This trip proved that EV travel to high-altitude regions is no longer theoretical but entirely practical.
We, a team of four members, left Kathmandu at 4:35 am on April 14 in a ZEEKR X charged to 96%. We set out with a load equivalent to five adult passengers with luggage.
After making a pitstop in Malekhu Bazaar for refreshments, we continued toward Pokhara. Despite encountering traffic congestion due to ongoing road expansion, we reached Parbat by noon for charging and lunch.
We powered up to 99% at the charging station of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and proceeded toward Muktinath via Baglung Bridge and Beni. The drive from Parbat to Muktinath took about 4.5 hours. We reached Muktinath with 44% charge remaining. The road is now mostly blacktopped with only 5-6 km of rough patches remaining. Those, too, were under construction or close to completion.
The ZEEKR X’s 200 kW motor delivered exceptional power and control throughout the climb on high terrains. Its stability on occasional off-road sections and ergonomic design allowed one driver to handle the entire trip comfortably, without any complaints of fatigue or back strain.
The interior experience of ZEEKR X was equally impressive. Passengers enjoyed generous rear-seat space with convenient armrests, while safety features like the 360-degree camera and proximity alerts proved invaluable on winding mountain roads. The automatic braking feature, which engaged on its own, demonstrated its worth in unpredictable conditions. A premium audio system by Yamaha took care of our entertainment needs.
A New Milestone for EV Travel
Although we spotted a few BYD Atto 3 EVs and electric microbuses during the trip, traditional pickups and Scorpio SUVs still dominate this route.
However, this trip confirmed that modern EVs, like the ZEEKR X, can now match conventional vehicles in performance, comfort and range – even at high-altitude destinations like Muktinath.
With improving infrastructure and advancing EV technology, electric vehicles are set to transform the future of mobility in Nepal.
