EV sales boom in Nepal, helping to save on oil imports and alleviate smog

https://archive.md/79U9m

Summary:

The article discusses how Nepal’s abundant hydroelectric power is helping the country reduce oil imports and improve air quality through the increasing sales of electric vehicles. The clean energy generated from river-fed hydro-electricity has led to a significant reduction in oil import costs, with savings estimated at $22 million per year. The Nepal Electricity Authority highlights that the use of electric vehicles has doubled in the past two years, thanks to the expanding charging networks and the country’s focus on clean energy sources like hydropower and solar power.

Nepal has seen a rapid increase in its electricity access over the past three decades due to the completion of various hydroelectric projects. Currently, 94% of the population has access to the fast-expanding electricity grid, enabling the country to adopt electric vehicles at an increasing rate. The article also mentions that Nepal aims to raise the share of electric vehicles in auto sales to 25% by 2025 and 90% by 2030 as part of its commitment to reducing climate-changing emissions.

To support this transition, the government has implemented policies such as lower import duties on electric vehicles compared to gas and diesel-fueled vehicles. Charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is also rapidly expanding in Nepal, with the number of charging stations expected to double within a year. The shift towards electric vehicles is not only seen as beneficial for the environment but also for public health, as it helps reduce pollution levels in cities like Kathmandu.

Overall, the increasing adoption of electric vehicles in Nepal is viewed as a positive step towards reducing reliance on imported oil, improving air quality, and fulfilling the country’s commitments to curbing climate change.