In recent times adoption of EVs is also been increasing in Nepal and sales of EVs are high in valley ( Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur ). There are many electric vehicle (EV) options available in Kathmandu, or the valley for short, but that number decreases drastically as one travels outside the valley. Therefore, today’s investigation aims to determine why the number of EV sales is higher in the valley compared to outside the valley.
1)Low commute distance
One of the primary factors contributing to the surge in sales in Kathmandu is the city’s expansive territory, convenient travel distances, and comfortable atmosphere. The typical usage distance for an EV scooter or two-wheeler is between the office and the owner’s residence, or from the office to the owner’s residence, which does not exceed 28 to 35 kilometers. As a result of the short commute distance, individuals are unable to exceed that distance even if they continue to travel throughout the day. This is more than adequate for running in the valley, as the ring road encompasses 28 kilometers, which is sufficient for an individual to complete their commute.
2)Low power cut
In regions beyond the valley, power outages occur frequently, causing significant inconvenience to the local population, particularly during the rainy season. Conversely, in Kathmandu, such occurrences are rare, instilling a sense of trust among the residents in the power company and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). This trust stems from the assurance that individuals will have ample time to charge their vehicles, enabling them to commute the following day or on another occasion. However, in areas outside the valley, there exists a lack of confidence regarding the predictability of power disruptions, the duration of such interruptions, and the availability of opportunities to charge vehicles for future commutes.
3)Adaptation of Online shopping
In the current context, there has been a notable rise in digital adoption within the Kathmandu Valley, leading to an increase in the number of digitally literate individuals. Consequently, there has been a surge in the popularity of online shopping, wherein customers expect home delivery of their purchases. To meet this demand, the presence of electric vehicles (EVs) has been on the rise in the city. The success of online shopping is directly influenced by the efficiency of the delivery process. Companies can benefit from reduced delivery costs by utilizing EVs, as they possess fleet management systems that enable effective route planning and distance optimization at a lower expense. Hence, the adoption of EVs by companies in the Kathmandu Valley serves the purpose of enhancing delivery services while minimizing costs.
4)Increment of Fuel price
The rationale behind the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Kathmandu or the surrounding valley cannot be disregarded. One of the primary factors contributing to the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Kathmandu region is the consistent rise in fuel prices. This increase remains beyond the control of local authorities due to ongoing conflicts such as the Russian war and the Israel-Palestine war. Consequently, fuel prices are expected to continue escalating, prompting individuals to favor EVs over traditional petrol vehicles in the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas.
These are some of our team’s findings, which show that the ev has adapted better in the valley than in Kathmandu. We hope that the development of infrastructure and digital things will go smoothly throughout the region, and that NEA will work to ensure continuous supply in other places as well, so that more adaptation will occur and the country’s economy will benefit. We will always be available to assist with the adaptation of EVs in Nepal.
