Kathmandu: A study conducted by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development has found that Nepal will need at least 10,000 EV charging stations nationwide to effectively promote electric vehicles (EVs).
According to the ministry’s report, “Opportunities, Challenges, and Prospects for EV Promotion in Nepal,” the widespread deployment of 10,000 charging stations by 2030 could significantly boost EV adoption across the country. Currently, around 1,000 charging stations are in operation nationwide.
The report notes that most charging stations are being developed and operated by the private sector. Companies including Vishal Group, Paramount Motors, VG Automobiles, Cimex Inc., Digo Pvt. Ltd., Shashila Motors, and Triveni Group have been expanding charging infrastructure in various parts of the country. However, most stations remain concentrated in major urban centers such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bharatpur.
The report identifies several key challenges to EV adoption, including inadequate charging infrastructure, high battery costs, limitations in road infrastructure, and issues related to battery reuse and disposal. It also highlights shortages of skilled manpower, limited private-sector participation, dependence on imports, high upfront costs, and low resale values as major obstacles.
Similarly, the lack of charging facilities along highways, in rural areas, and in remote villages has made it difficult to use electric vehicles for public transportation and long-distance travel, according to the report.
The government has prioritized EV promotion as part of its strategy to increase domestic consumption of hydropower-generated electricity. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) currently operates 62 fast chargers with a capacity of 142 kW each and continues to invest in expanding charging infrastructure.
Under the Energy Consumption Growth and Export Strategy 2026, the Ministry of Energy has set a target to expand the national charging station network by 2030. The government is also planning to increase electricity consumption through the operation of electric buses and trolley buses in major cities.
The report further states that wider EV adoption could create opportunities such as lower operating costs, job creation, reduced air pollution, modernization of public transportation, and enhanced tourism appeal.
Jalasarokar
