Sundar Auto Engineer Pvt. Ltd. is set to unveil a 14-seater, four-wheeled electric vehicle (EV) assembled entirely in Nepal.

The company plans to test the domestically produced EV on Kathmandu roads within the coming week, according to company Chair Bhesh Thapa.

The company has already started assembling vehicles with 11- and 14-seat capacities and aims to expand its EV production in Nepal.

Sundar Auto has been operating public bus services in Kathmandu since 23, 2076 BS, and earlier established Nepal’s first dedicated EV charging station to promote electric mobility.

This initiative inspired the company to convert three-wheeled vehicles into safer and more structured four-wheeled EVs, leading to the current project.

After extensive study visits to multiple countries and companies, Sundar Auto advanced the project with a clear focus: over 60% of vehicle components are sourced locally, while the remaining materials are imported from India and China. “We designed a concept to convert existing three-wheelers into four-wheelers and assembled vehicles with 11- and 14-seat capacities,” Thapa explained. “Following detailed study and site visits, we concluded that we could manufacture these vehicles ourselves. Currently, we have reached the final stage and will demonstrate the EV on Kathmandu roads next week.”

Thapa emphasized that four-wheeled EVs are necessary to reduce overcrowding and the risk of accidents associated with three-wheeled vehicles. He also noted that these EVs could help alleviate traffic congestion in urban areas.

Once tested on the roads, the vehicles will be submitted to the Department of Transport Management for registration.

Vehicle Features

The 14-seater EV assembled by Sundar Auto includes provisions for air conditioning and fans, along with glass windows.

The vehicle can carry 14 passengers, with an individual load capacity of 50 kg, and can climb slopes of up to 17 degrees.

It is primarily designed for urban centers such as Kathmandu, major cities in the Terai, and other key locations in Nepal, with future plans to expand its reach to remote areas.

“We designed the vehicle to accommodate 14 passengers, with the option to install AC and fans, and fitted with glass windows. Being powered by locally produced electricity, it is environmentally friendly and helps reduce traffic jams,” Thapa said. “The vehicle can carry 14 passengers with an additional 50 kg per person. For Kathmandu operations, we accounted for an average weight of 65 kg per passenger.”

Chairman Thapa stated that it takes seven days to assemble one vehicle using locally available skilled labor.

He added that large-scale production could reduce the assembly time to just two days.

While the vehicle’s design was initially developed in India, the body design, wiring, and most of the structure were created in Nepal. All components used in the assembly have NS certification, ensuring quality and safety standards.

Although car assembly also occurs in Bhairahawa, Thapa claims that this is Nepal’s first attempt at producing 14-seater EVs for public transport.

The vehicle’s official price will be announced after government testing.

Legal and Policy Challenges

Thapa highlighted that outdated laws and regulations remain the biggest obstacle for EV assembly and production in Nepal.

He criticized the country’s lack of policy updates and legal flexibility for innovators. “While other countries encourage innovation through legislation, in Nepal, entrepreneurs face multiple taxes such as customs and VAT, discouraging local manufacturing and employment creation,” he said.

He added that rigid thinking and non-amendable laws have hindered development, although he remains cautiously optimistic about the current government. “Within seven days, we will test the vehicle on the road and submit it to the transport department. Let’s see how the government supports us,” Thapa said.

The chair also stressed that although Nepal has policies supporting EV assembly, facilitation is crucial.

Current provisions allowing conversion from petrol and diesel vehicles to EVs are impractical.

At present, the law permits EV production for only three years, prompting Thapa to question, “Who would invest 10–15 million rupees to build an EV for just three years?”