Summary
- Taxi driver in Nepal purchases electric cab due to cheap energy prices
- Over 40,000 electric vehicles currently on the roads in Nepal
- Country has transformed energy grid through rapid investment in dams
- Government aims for 90 percent of private vehicle purchases to be electric by end of decade
- Concerns raised over potential environmental impact of hydropower projects and electronic waste from batteries
Article
Taxi driver Surendra Parajuli in Nepal has recently switched to driving an electric cab, a move that was made possible by the country’s increased access to cheap hydropower. With energy prices low and the benefits of cost savings and environmental friendliness, Parajuli is one of many Nepalis making the switch to electric vehicles. The demand for electric vehicles in Nepal is skyrocketing, with more than 40,000 currently on the roads and imports increasing significantly over the past year, mostly from China. The shift to electric vehicles in Nepal is seen as a step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating air pollution in cities like Kathmandu.
Nepal has made significant progress in increasing access to electricity in the past decade, with 95 percent of the population now having access to power. The country has focused on building dams to generate hydropower, which now accounts for 99 percent of Nepal’s baseload power. With an ambitious plan to increase its installed power generation capacity to 30,000 megawatts in the next decade, Nepal aims to become a major exporter of surplus power. The availability of cheap and universal electricity has paved the way for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the country, providing economic benefits and reducing reliance on costly fossil fuel imports.
While the adoption of electric vehicles in Nepal is seen as a positive step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, some experts and campaigners have raised concerns about the impact of the country’s hydropower plans. The construction of new dams could have negative consequences on sensitive ecological areas, including forests and tiger habitats. Additionally, there are concerns about the management of electronic waste from lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, as improper disposal could lead to environmental and health hazards. Campaigners are urging the government to address these issues and prioritize sustainable practices in the electric vehicle industry.
Despite the potential environmental challenges, Nepal’s government and stakeholders view electric vehicles as a key component of the country’s goal to become a net-zero greenhouse gas emitter by 2045. The government has implemented lower import duties for electric vehicles and aims to have them account for 90 percent of all private vehicle purchases by the end of the decade. By reducing reliance on petrol-powered vehicles and embracing green energy solutions, Nepal hopes to make significant strides towards a more sustainable future. The shift to electric vehicles is not only beneficial for the environment but also holds economic advantages, with savings for motorists and potential revenue from surplus energy exports.
As Nepal grapples with the challenges of balancing economic growth with environmental conservation, the government’s focus on promoting electric vehicles as a sustainable transportation solution is both promising and contentious. While the benefits of reduced emissions and air pollution are clear, there are still concerns about the impact of hydropower projects on sensitive ecosystems and the management of electronic waste from electric vehicle batteries. Finding a balance between economic development, environmental protection, and sustainable practices will be crucial for Nepal as it navigates the opportunities and challenges of the electric vehicle boom. It is essential for the government to address these issues and prioritize long-term sustainability in its policies and initiatives.
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