2,834 electric cars imported in two months

KATHMANDU: Nepal imported 2,834 electric cars, jeeps and vans in the first two months of the current fiscal year, according to the Department of Customs.

The total electric cars, jeeps and vans imported during the period were worth Rs 6.70 billion. These imports generated  Rs 4.29 billion in revenue for the government in the review period.

Customs data show electric cars, jeeps and vans imports surged in the second month of the fiscal year, with 2,145 units imported in Bhadra (mid-Aug to mid-Sept). Total imports during the month were more than three times the 689 units imported in the first month of the fiscal year, i.e., Shrawan (mid-July to mid-Aug).

Total imports in the second month were valued at Rs 5.09 billion, while the government collected Rs 3.23 billion in revenue from them.

Import numbers grew significantly between mid-August and mid-September as auto dealers imported large numbers of vehicles to fulfill bookings made during the Nepal NADA Mobility Expo and NADA Auto Show held in August. Dealers also increased imports during the period, with the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals in mind, when they expect demand for passenger cars to surge.

China was the largest source of EV imports in Bhadra in the second month of 2026/27. Customs data show a total of 1,256 units worth Rs 3.05 billion were imported during the review month. Most of these vehicles came through the Korala border point of Mustang, as two other trading points along the Chinese border, Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani, remain closed. The August 26 Bhotekoshi flood completely washed away the Rasuwagadhi entry point, while China has closed the Tatopani border, citing landslide risks.

Chinese electric car brands like BYD, Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, Dongfeng, Leapmotor, MG, Great Wall Motors and Deepal etc are immensely popular in the Nepali market.

Customs data show 540 electric cars came from India in Bhadra. Cars from Indian brands like Tata, Mahindra, Kia, MG and Suzuki came from India. Similarly, 348 EVs were imported from Thailand and one from the United States.

Electric vehicle imports fell by 20.11% to 10,847 in 2025/26.