Nepal imported over 44,500 electric vehicles in fiscal year 2024/25, underscoring a rapid shift toward electric mobility, driven by low customs duty, rising environmental awareness, and the increasing availability of affordable EV models packed with modern features.
According to the Department of Customs, 44,534 units of electric three-wheelers, motorcycles and scooters, as well as cars, vans, microbuses and buses were imported into the country in the last fiscal year. The total value of these EV imports stood at Rs 43.99bn. Customs data shows the government collected Rs 22.76bn in revenue from these imports.
A majority of these electric vehicles came from China, while few also came from India. This surge underscores the growing preference among Nepali consumers for electric alternatives to fossil-fuel-powered vehicles.
Electric three-wheelers led the import charts, with 16,505 units brought into the country in the review period. These include 9,728 fully assembled vehicles and 6,777 knockdown units for local assembling. The total value of these three-wheelers was Rs 1.68bn. These vehicles are popular for public and short-distance transport, particularly in urban areas and the low plains of Tarai.
Similarly, 13,578 units of electric cars, jeeps and vans, totaling Rs 31.76bn in value, were imported into the country during the fiscal year. Passenger cars accounted for the lion’s share with 11,951 units, while van imports reached 1,626 units. The government earned Rs 19.7bn in revenue from this category alone. Particularly, mid-range models with motor capacities between 51-100 kilowatts were the most popular in this category.
Electric scooters and motorcycles also saw strong growth, with 11,319 units worth Rs 4.39bn imported last year. These vehicles, preferred by commuters for their low operating costs and ease of use, generated Rs 370m in revenue for the government.
Meanwhile, Nepal imported 3,132 units of electric microbuses and buses valued at Rs 9.48bn. These included 1,830 units in the 11–14 seats category, 1,260 in the 15–25 seats category, and 16 full-sized electric buses. The government collected Rs 2.1bn in revenue from these imports.
