The year 2025 was a memorable year for the automobile sector, especially electric vehicles. For the first time in the history of auto industry, two auto shows (NAIMA Mobility Expo and NADA Auto Show) were organized. The two auto shows gave a new kind of enthusiasm. Due to the weather challenges and political turmoil in the country, it was difficult to give the vehicles booked at the auto show to the customers.

The Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani border points linking China to China have remained closed since mid-July. The Korala checkpoint of Mustang was opened at the initiative of businessmen after seeing problems at both these checkpoints on the eve of festivals. The vehicle was brought to Kathmandu amidst very challenging geographical conditions. Many customers across the country bought cars during the Dashain period. Of course, there is only a lot of noise in Nepal. But in the meantime, Nepal’s progress in the use of electric vehicles is enticing. The Nepali automobile market is discussed in the market from Europe to America.

In Nepal too, people who have negative views about EVs have started to become positive. Nepali consumers are also in the category that prefer to understand and test, as evidenced by the ‘EV boom’ of the last five years.

The performance of electric vehicles has been understood by the general public. The condition of the border point connecting the north has shown that the performance of EVs will be better even on the worse roads. What is the need for EVs when they can be charged with electricity at home? Nepal is also doing good work in the development of clean energy. It has played an important role in promoting electric vehicles. The message that electric vehicles can reach anywhere and not only in urban areas is being sent across the globe. There are many positives, but some things need to be improved.

Even now, there is a negative publicity of electric vehicles as public vehicles. Vehicles are not bad in themselves. The first thing to do is to find the infrastructure needed to make it operational. The private sector alone cannot build such infrastructure. Such infrastructures should be built with joint investment between the government and entrepreneurs.

Electric buses carrying 200 to 300 people can be used as mass transport on roads like Ring Road. This will alleviate the problem of traffic jams to some extent and help control air pollution. Electric microbuses can be very useful on small and narrow roads.

Nepal does not have a big industry based on automobiles or other exports. Our areas of comparative advantage are limited. Green energy development and tourism sector are the main sectors in it. These two sectors are complementary to each other. Now the concept of green tourism is moving forward worldwide. Electric vehicles should be added to the green tourism ecosystem.

The importing company will have to invest millions of rupees in the after-sales service of electric vehicles.TAG_OPEN_strong_35 Due to the unstable policies of the government, it is difficult for companies to increase investment {

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We need to have a debate about the global automobile market and the sustainable economy. The private sector and consumers are ready for this. The government should also take the initiative. Most of the tourists who come to Nepal are attracted by our mountains and hills. The environment must be protected to save the mountains. Therefore, if such tourists can be served in eco-friendly vehicles, it will be discussed all over the world.

Tourists don’t just look for beautiful destinations. They also want to use eco-friendly products, mingle with local communities, and help promote local products. Therefore, in a country with natural beauty and cultural diversity, if electric vehicles are to be linked to tourism, it can also put pressure on powerful countries to increase spending in the field of climate change. Electric vehicles seem to be driving the growing domestic tourism at a faster pace. It has taken the economy forward in a new way.

Millions of youths are leaving the country every year due to weak job creation. Electric vehicles are also going to be useful in curbing the increasing migration of manpower. Many employment opportunities are also being created in this sector. At present, infrastructure like café, restaurant and swimming pool are being built at the charging station. Local products are also being sold near the same charging station. Currently, charging stations are being set up in areas like Manang and Mustang. However, there were no petrol pumps in these places.

Since EVs are a completely new sector, there is a possibility of creating huge jobs in after-sales services. Whether it’s in a big service center or a service point. With the rapid increase in the acceptance of EVs, we also have to work on building skilled manpower. We are facing shortage of manpower during the festive season. There is also a need to find people to work as part-timers.

As much as Nepal is being discussed in the world due to the sale of electric vehicles, there are also challenges. There is confusion about what kind of policy the government will take on which day. The seller will have to make a plan based on the budget of each year. EV sellers should also increase their investment every day. But how do businessmen always have the courage to expand their investment?

The impact of the price war is on the reduction of resale value, problems with service and parts, and the import of low-quality vehicles {

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The importing company will have to invest millions in the after-sales service. Due to the unstable policies of the government, it is a kind of challenge for companies to increase investment. Now we have to work to make electric vehicles sustainable and reliable. For this, a long-term plan should be made by bringing a team of subject experts.

There seems to be a negative ‘price war’ in the market right now. While the ongoing price war may seem to benefit consumers in the short term, it will lead to unhealthy competition. Consumers may have to face the consequences again. The impact of the price war will be on the reduction of resale value, problems of services and parts, and the import of low-quality vehicles. To prevent such a situation, it is necessary to work at the government level for quality standards.

We have a lot of potential in electric vehicles. Reducing the import of petrochemicals, reducing environmental impact and increasing the use of electricity is the future of Nepal and Nepalis. Many countries around the world may not find EVs beneficial. There are so many reserves of petroleum in the Gulf that they may not need to be involved in the EV discussion. But they are also working to increase the use of EVs. This indicates that EVs are the future of transportation.

From our cities to rural settlements, personal vehicles to government offices, vehicles are becoming EVs. Although there is a small increase in the import of petroleum products, EVs have started to save. If EVs are sold at the current pace for 5 years, petrol imports in Nepal will be reduced by half. For this, two-wheelers should also be planned and converted into EVs.

It will be difficult to make trade gains if we do not draw a concrete picture on issues of national importance while sitting between China and India. It is difficult to keep our skilled manpower here. Therefore, there should be a debate about our needs, the global automobile market and the sustainable economy. The private sector and consumers are ready for this. The government should also take the initiative.

TAG_OPEN_strong_33 Shrestha is a young businessman. From the Economic Policy of the Society of Economic Journalists (SEJON)