<
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/06/14/nepals-electric-leapfrog-how-this-himalayan-nation-is-leading-global-ev-adoption/>
"Nepal, a small Himalayan nation of 30 million better known globally for its
mountains, including Mt Everest, and trekking tourism, is quietly setting an
impressive benchmark in the electric vehicle transition. In recent months,
about 70% of all new passenger vehicles sold in Nepal were electric. This
statistic is remarkable, particularly given the common perception that EVs are
primarily suitable for wealthy countries with advanced infrastructure and high
purchasing power. Nepal’s experience proves otherwise, offering valuable
lessons to policymakers and industry leaders worldwide.
Nepal’s modern economic history has been characterized by challenges due to
geographical isolation, political instability, and limited industrial
development. Agriculture continues to employ the majority of Nepalis, but the
economy has gradually diversified, with tourism and remittances from overseas
Nepali workers becoming key sources of income. Despite modest GDP growth
averaging around 4–6% annually over the past decade, Nepal remains one of the
poorer nations in South Asia, with a GDP per capita of approximately $1,400.
Nepal’s economy is undergoing a steady process of electrification, powered
almost entirely by its indigenous hydroelectric resources which provide close
to 100% of its electricity and allow exports to India. As of 2024,
approximately 94% of Nepal’s population has access to the national electricity
grid, a dramatic improvement from less than 50% two decades ago. This expansion
has been supported by both grid extension to rural areas and the deployment of
off-grid solutions in remote regions.
In parallel, the Nepal Electricity Authority has invested heavily in improving
grid reliability, including the elimination of nationwide load-shedding and the
enhancement of distribution infrastructure in urban centers. These efforts have
significantly boosted grid resilience, allowing for more consistent and stable
electricity supply. The government continues to invest in upgrading
transformers, substations, and automated grid management systems to accommodate
rising demand from sectors like electric mobility and industry.
This clean, reliable and domestically produced electricity positions Nepal well
for vehicle electrification, as every electric car charged in the country
significantly reduces both emissions and reliance on imported petroleum fuels.
In the fiscal year 2022/23, Nepal spent over $2.5 billion on petroleum product
imports, straining its foreign exchange reserves. The switch to electric
vehicles is both economically strategic and environmentally prudent, a reality
shared by all countries that don’t have significant domestic fossil fuel
extraction and refining capacity."
Via
What Could Go Right?
https://theprogressnetwork.org/child-labor-decrease/
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
