The government is preparing new standards for vehicle imports, especially for electric vehicles (EVs). The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) is working on setting guidelines to regulate EV imports and ensure quality control. A task force has been formed to provide recommendations.
The department’s Director General, Rajiv Pokharel, stated that the new standards aim to protect both consumers and the automobile market. “Right now, any type of EV is being imported. Some vehicles come with warranties but lack proper service centers. There are also cases of low-quality EVs entering the market. This situation is not good for consumers or the industry, so we are working to introduce regulations,” he said.
The task force, led by mechanical engineer Shrikant Yadav, includes officials from the Customs Department and other stakeholders. They have been given one month to conduct their study.
Many EV buyers have complained about battery issues and a lack of servicing options. There is currently no clear policy on battery management. The task force is also studying international standards to help develop Nepal’s guidelines.
Pokharel emphasized that the goal is to prevent the import of unreliable brands that cause trouble for customers. “We are reviewing policies from other countries to determine the best standards for Nepal. Our main priority is consumer protection,” he said.
Meanwhile, the World Bank is also studying policies to help Nepal transition from fuel-based vehicles to EVs.
Battery Management Standards Under Review
The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has already conducted a study on EV battery management through an external company.
Senior divisional engineer Shankar Singh Dhami stated that the ministry is working on developing battery management standards. “We have completed a study and are now gathering feedback on the report,” he said.
The report suggests guidelines for battery recycling, storage, and quality testing. Authorities are also discussing whether importers should be responsible for collecting and managing old batteries.
Since EV batteries contain harmful chemicals, their management has become a global challenge. Nepal is now working on solutions to ensure safe and efficient battery disposal and recycling.
