Nepal Electricity Authority to Add 500 EV Charging Stations: Rs 2 Billion Plan Unveiled

KATHMANDU, Nepal – In a significant push towards sustainable transportation, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has announced plans to install 500 additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country. With a budget of Rs 2 billion, the initiative aims to meet the growing demand for EV infrastructure, addressing gaps in urban areas and major highways.

Breaking Down the Numbers

The NEA’s plan includes:

• 500 new charging stations to be built along key routes, including the East-West Highway, Madan Bhandari Highway, and the Mid-Hill Highway.
• Rs 2 billion allocated for construction, fostering EV adoption and increasing electricity consumption.
• 51 fast chargers already operational, generating over Rs 100,000 daily in revenue.
• During Dashain, charging stations served 2,000 vehicles in one day, earning Rs 187,000 and consuming 21,908 units of electricity.

A Commitment to EV Growth

Managing Director Kulman Ghising emphasized the importance of infrastructure development to support the rising popularity of EVs.

Collaboration with the Private Sector

The NEA is also working to encourage private sector participation. Sagar Gyawali, project manager for the charging station initiative, shared that while private involvement remains limited, the NEA’s collaboration model aims to ensure charging affordability, with a policy to cap tariffs at 20% above standard rates.

Vice President of NADA Auto Mobiles Association, Rajan Babu Shrestha, supported this approach, suggesting that NEA’s involvement could help maintain competitive pricing.

Infrastructure Expansion Goals

Currently, Nepal has approximately 60 DC fast chargers and 300 AC chargers, with plans to expand coverage by placing charging stations every 60 kilometers on major highways.

Gyawali outlined a phased implementation strategy:

• 51 fast chargers to be operational within a month.
• 62 chargers by mid-2025, providing consistent service for EV users traveling along national highways.

Challenges and Opportunities

Although progress was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NEA now aims to expedite construction and improve accessibility. This initiative aligns with Nepal’s goals to boost EV adoption and transition towards a greener transportation network.

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