Nepal is rapidly transitioning toward sustainable transportation, with electric vehicles (EVs) playing a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and urban air pollution. A robust EV charging infrastructure is critical to supporting this transition, enabling convenient, reliable access to power for EV users across the country. This article explores the current status of EV charging infrastructure in Nepal, government-led expansion plans, and the future outlook for sustainable growth.
Current Status of EV Charging Infrastructure in Nepal
Nepal’s EV charging network has grown significantly over the past few years, paralleling the surge in EV imports and sales. As of early 2025, there are over 400 public charging stations across the country, including 62 fast-charging stations installed by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) (ICT Frame, 2024; Motar Company, 2025). These stations are strategically located in major cities, along highways, and at bus parks, facilitating both urban and intercity travel.
Types of Charging Stations
- Slow AC Chargers: These chargers typically take 8-12 hours for a full charge and are ideal for overnight charging of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and smaller vehicles. Most slow chargers are concentrated in urban areas such as Kathmandu Valley.
- Fast DC Chargers: Offering an 80% charge in 30-60 minutes, fast chargers are critical for four-wheelers and public transport vehicles. Nepal currently has around 60 fast chargers, with plans to increase this number significantly (Yadea Nepal, 2023).
- Private and Dealership Chargers: Some EV manufacturers like MG Motor and Hyundai have installed charging points at dealerships in Kathmandu and other cities, though these are often restricted to customers.
Geographic Distribution
Most charging infrastructure is concentrated in the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Chitwan, and other major cities. However, efforts are underway to expand charging access in remote and highway areas to support long-distance travel and rural EV adoption (Motar Company, 2025).
Government Initiatives and Expansion Plans
Recognizing the importance of charging infrastructure, the Government of Nepal, through the NEA and the Investment Board Nepal, has launched ambitious plans to expand the EV charging network nationwide.
NEA’s Charging Station Project
In 2023, the NEA inaugurated 51 new charging stations across Nepal’s seven provinces, including 26 stations capable of charging buses, trucks, and cars simultaneously (Farsight Nepal, 2023). These stations are equipped to charge up to three vehicles at once and are strategically placed on highways, bus parks, and urban centers.
The project, funded partly by concessional loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and technical assistance from the Norwegian government, was executed by Chinese firm Jiangsu Jingdao New Energy, which will also provide maintenance services for five years (Farsight Nepal, 2023).
Investment Board Nepal’s Fast Charging Station Initiative
The Investment Board Nepal has initiated a greenfield project to establish 400 fast charging stations in densely populated areas and along highway service areas (Investment Board Nepal, 2024). Each station will occupy approximately 0.12 hectares and accommodate simultaneous charging for six vehicles, including two large buses.
These stations will feature:
- Four chargers tailored for both cars and buses
- Mini marts, cafeterias, and relaxation rooms for travelers
- Live meter displays and billing/payment systems
- Advertising boards for revenue generation
This project aims to facilitate EV adoption by ensuring convenient, fast charging access across all provinces.
Policy Support and Incentives
The government has introduced several policies to incentivize the growth of charging infrastructure:
- Tax exemptions and reduced import duties on EV charging equipment
- Subsidized electricity tariffs for public charging stations to ensure commercial viability
- Simplified approval processes for private charging station installation
- Building codes mandating EV charging capacity in new commercial and residential developments
These measures encourage private sector investment and help build a comprehensive charging ecosystem.
Case Studies: Real-World Impact of Charging Infrastructure
Sajha Yatayat Electric Bus Fleet
Kathmandu’s Sajha Yatayat cooperative operates around 40 electric buses supported by dedicated charging stations. The availability of reliable fast chargers enables efficient bus operations, reducing urban air pollution and operational costs (Nepal Economic Forum, 2025).
Rapid EV Market Growth Enabled by Charging Access
Between fiscal years 2019-20 and 2023-24, EV imports in Nepal surged by nearly 290%, from 1,255 to 11,701 units (Nepal Economic Forum, 2025). This growth correlates strongly with the expansion of charging infrastructure, which has alleviated range anxiety and made EV ownership more practical.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite impressive progress, Nepal’s EV charging infrastructure faces challenges:
- Limited fast charging availability in rural and remote areas
- Need for standardized charging protocols to ensure interoperability
- Battery recycling and sustainable energy integration remain nascent
- Public awareness about charging options needs improvement
However, ongoing government projects, private sector involvement, and international partnerships are addressing these issues. The goal is to establish a nationwide network of over 700 charging stations by 2030, supporting Nepal’s target of 90% EV adoption (Asian Transport Observatory, 2024).
Innovations such as battery swapping stations and solar-powered charging hubs are also being explored to enhance sustainability and grid resilience.
Conclusion
Nepal’s EV charging infrastructure has evolved rapidly, underpinning the country’s transition to sustainable transport. With over 400 charging stations already operational and ambitious expansion plans underway, Nepal is building the foundation for a green mobility future. Continued investment, supportive policies, and technological innovation will be critical to ensuring that charging infrastructure keeps pace with growing EV demand, enabling Nepal to meet its environmental goals and improve urban air quality.
References
Asian Transport Observatory. (2024). Nepal e-mobility profile. Retrieved from https://asiantransportobservatory.org/analytical-outputs/emobilityprofiles/nepal-emobility-profile/
Farsight Nepal. (2023). 51 EV charging stations installed amid growing demand for four-wheeler EVs. The Farsight Nepal. Retrieved from https://farsightnepal.com/news/228
ICT Frame. (2024). The rise of electric vehicles in Nepal: A path towards sustainable mobility. Retrieved from https://ictframe.com/the-rise-of-electric-vehicles-in-nepal/
Investment Board Nepal. (2024). Fast charging stations for electric vehicle. Retrieved from https://investinnepal.gov.np/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fast-Charging-for-Electric-Vehicle.pdf
Motar Company. (2025). The story of NEA transformations charging stations. Retrieved from https://motar-company.com.np/the-story-of-nea-transformations-charging-stations/
Nepal Economic Forum. (2025). Decoding the rise of electric vehicles in Nepal. Retrieved from https://nepaleconomicforum.org/decoding-the-rise-of-electric-vehicles-in-nepal/
Yadea Nepal. (2023). Growth of EV charging stations in Nepal. Retrieved from https://yadea.com.np/growth-of-ev-charging-stations-in-nepal/
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- https://asiantransportobservatory.org/analytical-outputs/emobilityprofiles/nepal-emobility-profile/
- https://chargingstationsnepal.com
- https://nepaleconomicforum.org/decoding-the-rise-of-electric-vehicles-in-nepal/
- https://ictframe.com/the-rise-of-electric-vehicles-in-nepal/
- https://yadea.com.np/growth-of-ev-charging-stations-in-nepal/
- https://farsightnepal.com/news/228
- https://investinnepal.gov.np/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fast-Charging-for-Electric-Vehicle.pdf
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