Nepal has witnessed a significant influx of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) in the first eight months (Shrawan to Falgun) of the ongoing fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25), according to data released by the Customs Department. A total of 42 hybrid vehicles, including both “plug-in” and “plug-out” variants, have entered the country during this period, alongside a remarkable surge in fully electric vehicle imports.

Hybrid Vehicle Imports

Among the hybrid vehicles, 9 units of petrol-electric plug-in hybrids with engine capacities up to 2,000 cc were imported, while one unit exceeded this capacity. Additionally, 32 plug-out hybrid vehicles with capacities up to 2,000 cc were brought in.

Unlike plug-in hybrids, which require external charging, plug-out hybrids generate electricity through an internal dynamo, enabling self-charging without the need for constant plugging in. Plug-in hybrids, however, can be charged externally, offering an alternative for operation even during petrol shortages.

Electric Vehicle Boom Continues

The import of fully electric vehicles (EVs) has seen an unprecedented rise. A total of 2,531 EVs with capacities up to 50 kilowatts (kW) were imported, costing NPR 4.55 billion (455.43 crore). The government collected NPR 1.97 billion (197.02 crore) in revenue from these imports. Meanwhile, 3,879 units of EVs with capacities between 51 and 100 kW entered Nepal, valued at NPR 9.69 billion (969.22 crore), generating NPR 6.14 billion (614 crore) in revenue.

For higher-capacity EVs, 654 units ranging from 101 to 200 kW were imported, costing NPR 2.28 billion (228.94 crore), with the government earning NPR 1.94 billion (194 crore) in revenue. Additionally, 14 units of EVs with capacities between 201 and 300 kW, valued at NPR 98.9 million (9.89 crore), and just 2 units exceeding 300 kW, costing NPR 8.32 million (83.23 lakh), were recorded.

Other Imports

The data also highlights the import of unassembled EVs, with 9 units up to 50 kW entering the country. In the public transport sector, 691 minibuses with seating capacities of 15 to 25 were imported, alongside 690 microbuses with 11 to 14 seats. Other four-wheeled EVs totaled 299 units.

Three-wheeled EVs saw 7,218 units imported, while two-wheeled EVs reached 7,175 units. Unassembled three-wheeled EVs amounted to 4,618 units, with an additional 1,059 other three-wheeled vehicles recorded. Notably, 71,725 EV chargers were imported during this period, signaling a growing infrastructure to support the EV surge.

The steady rise in hybrid and EV imports reflects Nepal’s increasing shift toward sustainable transportation, driven by rising fuel costs and environmental concerns. The government’s substantial revenue from these imports—exceeding NPR 10 billion—also underscores the economic significance of this trend. With hybrid and electric vehicles offering viable alternatives to traditional petrol and diesel-powered transport, Nepal appears poised to embrace a greener future.