KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Kulman Ghising has underlined the need to promote electric vehicles (EVs) to control pollution and steer Nepal towards a green economy.
Inaugurating a charging station set up by Charge Digital at Samakhushi in Kathmandu on Sunday, Ghising said replacing fuel-powered vehicles with electric alternatives is essential to reduce dependency on petroleum and safeguard the environment.
He highlighted that investment in the charging station business is a promising sector with a positive economic impact. By expanding electricity consumption in households, industries, and factories, Nepal can reduce petroleum imports, strengthen foreign currency reserves, and contribute significantly to the national economy, he said.
The government has already prioritized EV use through various policies and plans, setting a target to make 90 percent of private vehicles and 70 percent of public vehicles electric by 2030. By 2035, this target will rise to 95 percent and 90 percent, respectively.
According to Nepal Electricity Authority, 62 charging stations have been installed nationwide, while the private sector operates around 800 stations. In addition, the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, under its Sustainable Energy Challenge Fund, has partnered with 18 companies to support 45 projects, facilitating the construction of 124 charging stations across the country.
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