Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development Minister Kulman Ghising stated that employment opportunities for youth can be created through electric charging stations.

Minister Ghising mentioned that since it takes some time to charge vehicles at electric charging stations, hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops can be opened nearby targeting travelers, which would create employment opportunities.

Inaugurating the charging stations operated by Change Digital in Samakhusi, Kathmandu, and other parts of the country on Sunday, Minister Ghising stated that it is essential to convert fuel-powered vehicles to electric ones to control pollution and steer Nepal toward a green economy.

Highlighting that charging station businesses are a good area for investment and would have a positive impact on the country’s economy, Minister Ghising stated that by increasing the consumption of domestically produced hydropower across households, industries, and factories, Nepal can reduce the import of petroleum products. He added that reducing imports in this way would positively affect the country’s foreign currency reserves and make a significant contribution to the economy.

The government has been prioritizing the use of electric vehicles through various policies and plans. By 2030, the target is to have 90 percent of total private vehicles and 70 percent of public vehicles converted to electric vehicles.

By 2035, the target is to further increase these percentages to 95 percent for private vehicles and 90 percent for public vehicles. To promote the use of electric vehicles, the Nepal Electricity Authority has established 62 charging stations across the country. Around 800 charging stations are operated by the private sector.

The Alternative Energy Promotion Centre has been supporting the establishment of charging stations through the Sustainable Energy Challenge Fund, which is based on viability gap funding under the Central Renewable Energy Fund. Through 45 projects with 18 companies, the Centre has assisted in the construction of charging stations at 124 locations.