KATHMANDU: Imports of electric vehicles (EVs) through the Birgunj customs point surged by 143.6 percent in value during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, reflecting growing demand for battery-powered transportation in Nepal.
According to the Birgunj Customs Office, EV imports worth more than Rs 4.02 billion entered the country through the border point during the review period, compared to Rs 1.65 billion during the same period last fiscal year.
Information Officer Uday Singh Bista said a total of 15,271 electric vehicles of various categories were imported through Birgunj in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, contributing significantly to customs revenue collection.
During the same period last fiscal year, 9,042 electric vehicles worth Rs 1.65 billion had been imported through the customs point, generating Rs 814.7 million in revenue.
The sharpest growth was recorded in the import of electric cars, jeeps, and vans with capacities ranging from 51 kilowatts to 100 kilowatts. A total of 657 such vehicles worth Rs 1.87 billion were imported during the current fiscal year, generating Rs 1.19 billion in revenue.
In comparison, only six vehicles in the same category, worth Rs 20.6 million, were imported during the corresponding period last fiscal year.
Imports of electric motorcycles and scooters also rose significantly. A total of 8,867 units worth Rs 1.17 billion were imported in the first 10 months of the fiscal year, generating Rs 385.5 million in revenue. During the same period last year, 4,834 electric motorcycles and scooters worth Rs 960 million were imported, generating Rs 201.5 million in revenue.
Bista said fuel-powered and electric vehicles, along with related parts, worth Rs 31.31 billion entered Nepal through the Birgunj border point during the review period.
Overall imports of vehicles and spare parts increased by 44.58 percent in value compared to the same period last fiscal year, rising by Rs 9.65 billion.
The customs office also reported the import of 628 conventional cars, jeeps, and vans worth Rs 1.25 billion, generating Rs 3.17 billion in revenue.
Similarly, 51,423 unassembled motorcycles worth Rs 7.32 billion were imported through the customs point, generating Rs 7.09 billion in customs revenue. During the same period last fiscal year, imports of such motorcycles stood at Rs 5.21 billion.
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