A total of 605 electric vehicles (EVs) were imported into Nepal through the Rasuwagadhi customs point in the month of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May) alone, generating revenue of Rs 1.49 billion, according to the Rasuwagadhi Customs Office.

The imports included 500 units of cars, jeeps, and vans worth Rs 1.20 billion, and 105 units of trucks, mini-trucks, and lorries worth Rs 290 million.

In the first ten months of the current Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/25, a total of 5,701 EV units worth Rs 13.77 billion entered the country via Rasuwagadhi, contributing Rs 8.39 billion in revenue.

Customs data shows that EV imports peaked in Bhadra with 1,000 units, followed by 773 units in Mangsir (mid-November to mid-December), 612 in Kartik (mid-October to mid-November), and 605 in Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May). Popular brands entering through this route include BYD, MG, JAC, XPeng, Radar, Skywell, Kinglong, and Higer. BYD and Microvans make up the majority of these imports.

Officials say the surge in imports is due to speculation that the government may increase taxes on EVs in the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26. An additional 2,000 EVs are currently in the pipeline awaiting customs clearance at Rasuwagadhi.

Meanwhile, Tatopani Customs Office cleared nearly 1,000 EVs in Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May) and had collected Rs 3 billion in EV-related revenue by the end of Chaitra (mid-April). Both customs points have reported increased pressure as importers rush to bring in EVs before any possible tax hike.