The recently budget tabled for FY 2078/79, has introduced regulations regarding the import of EVs in Nepal. The government has decided to revise the duties.

This opens up exciting opportunities specially for those who want to buy EVs in  Nepal.

In same context REVIEWS exclusively talked with Ummeed Shrestha, Director of Kuzu Nepal Pvt. Ltd. authorised distributors of DFSK and YADEA brand Vehicles in Nepal.

What are your thoughts on the government's plan to replace lightweight fuel-supported vehicles with EVs by BS 2088?

I would say it’s a good initiation taken by the government. This will not only help country spending much on importing fossil fuels and being dependent but also helps in environment making a better place to breath. Having said that it is not that easy as said.

The government really needs to come up with a better policy encouraging people to buy EV and proper infrastructures needs to be developed for charging EV’s.

How do you think this policy will impact the adoption rate of EVs?

It still is chaos. Though the government announced, people still are not ready to adopt anytime soon. It can be suitable to some group but for a nation to accept it and make it as a primary vehicle is way long. The government really needs to come up with a better policy.

Just announcing is not good enough. Need to gain the confidence of the nation.

Many Customers still consider EVs as the 2nd option while purchasing a vehicle. What are your thoughts on this?

For now yes. Customer who can afford to buy are using as a commute for day-to-day purpose within the city. But still there is a lack of confidence incase they have to travel more than 300 km. There is always a fear in a back of a mind what if anything happens.

As I said earlier the government really needs to come up with a better policy and proper infrastructure to make it come true.

What are your plans in expanding the charging station network within the valley and outside the valley?

For now we just have Yadea Electric Scooter and DFSK Electric SUV to come soon. We will definitely plan on expanding the charging station when needed but it will still not be enough for the customers. Government needs to play a major role in developing the universal charging station, which will make easy to the customer to go and charge where ever they are.

In order for government to be successful, we installing few stations will not help. It has to be proper layout, which I am sure they will do it in the long run.

What else do you think that the government should do to promote EVs in Nepal?

To promote the development and diffusion of electric vehicles, the government needs to come with incentive programs, charging infrastructure, purchase subsidies.

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NADA WELCOMES THE BUDGET WITH OPEN ARMS AS THEIR DEMANDS WERE ACKNOWLEDGED

 

Finance Minister, Bishnu Poudel unveiled the budget for fiscal year 2078/79 of total Rs 16,47,57,00,000 yesterday. Following are the highlights from the budget related to auto and transport sector of Nepal:  

• All the vehicles registered within the country will be provided with an embossed number that includes radio frequency identification, GPS service to be regulated to cargo and other vehicles.

• E-ticketing services to be introduced to public transportation.

• Minimum of 100 electric buses to operate in Kathmandu through Sajha Yatayat 

• The local administration in major cities will be provided extra aids in order to operate big sized electric bus for public

• To increase and promote the usage of electric vehicles, 500 charging stations, terminal buildings and other necessary infrastructures to be built all across the country. 

• Excise duty tax on import of electric vehicles has been cancelled, previously 30% excise duty was applicable for EVs with a capacity of 50 KW, and 40% for 51 to 100 KW, 50% for 101 to 150 KW and 60 to 80% for 151 KW and above 

• Custom duty for EVs have also been deducted to a maximum of 40% which was 60% in the last year’s budget.

• Excise duty for imports of tires has also been reduced from 20% to 10%.

• For the preservation of the environment, the government has planned to replace lightweight fuel supported vehicles with EVs by BS 2088.

• 40% excise duty to be charged for both hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, previously hybrid cars needed to pay 60%.

• The government is planning to bring 10 international EV manufacturing companies to Nepal

• Production of auxiliary materials for vehicles to be done within the country, the land necessary for such production companies to be leased by the government for free.

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