Know Your Battery

 

A rapid growth in the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs), also known as New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in Nepal, made headlines even in international media like the New York Times. That might partly be due to the Western concerns about Nepal being a market for Chinese EVs. But it is a fact that Nepal has recently been a global leader in EV adoption, with above 70 per cent of new passenger cars being electric. It can be a matter of pride for some Nepalis that their country has beaten the markets like the USA, UK and Germany in EV adoption. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, EVs' annual market share was just 8 per cent in 2019.

The cost and fuel efficiency of EVs and the rapidly growing charging network have made the product favourable to Nepalis. Growing production of hydroelectricity and rapidly expanding solar energy projects, the government's policy to promote EVs with lower customs duty, and excise duty against that of the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) automobiles are also the reasons.  

However, all is not well with the government's policy to promote EVs. Especially in the passenger vehicle segment, it will do more harm than good in the long run. EVs are particularly favourites of the middleclass people. A typical middle-class professional uses his/her EV just to go to and return from the office, and occasionally, for a family trip to a nearby hill station. They mostly drive alone and a growing number of such car owners have contributed to traffic congestion, especially in the Kathmandu Valley, where the roads are narrow, and the number of vehicles and pedestrians is ever-growing. It has also created parking challenges for both the offices and the government. That typical professional reaches home in the evening and plugs in the car for charging at the peak hour when people need electricity to cook, watch TV or use computers for study and meetings. 

The car owners are forgetting that the battery in their car has a fixed lifespan. The battery is the largest, most important and most expensive part of the EV and comes with an 8-12-year or up to 300,000 km warranty. But the typical EV owner drives less than 1,000 km in a month and about 100,000 km in eight years. If they miss the optimum use of the battery and its life is compromised, they will not be compensated. 

If one is to believe industry insiders like Suhrid Ghimire, President of Continental Trading Enterprise, which sells Kia and Isuzu cars and other vehicles, the EV promotion policy in Nepal is standing its head down and legs up. Contrary to the typical car owner, EV pick-ups, micro-buses and micro-trucks run for more than 12 hours, with many of them running for about 15 hours a day. They reach home late in the evening and plug in for charging when the peak hour of electricity is over. The utility vehicles and micro-buses make the optimum use of battery as well as the electricity that would otherwise go to waste. The government should provide more subsidies and facilities to this segment of EV owners compared to those of passenger cars. 

If the country had to reduce the petroleum imports, which have been almost on par with the total exports of Nepal, or substitute with electricity, NEVs should get a favourable policy, but priority should be accorded to the utility and passenger vehicles and financial incentives should be offered in their purchase and operation. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 July 2026.         

NADA to implement MRP provisions on vehicles

Kathmandu, Apr. 22

NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal welcomed the provision requiring all imported goods sold in Nepal to clearly display the maximum retail price (MRP) and the mandatory issuance of invoice during sales.

A delegation from the Association met Director General Roshan Gyawali of the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection (DoCS) the other day to discuss a recently issued directives on affixing stickers indicating the MRP on automobile products.

During the meeting, the NADA delegation said the department’s press statement issued last week had drawn its attention.

Following a discussion with the Nepal Foreign Trade Association (NFTA), the DoCS had issued a statement on April 13 directing all importers to mention the MRP on imported goods and issue bills while selling them.

It also directed them to implement the provision within a 15-day period, and after that if any goods were sold without MRP, punitive measures would be adopted.

NADA's discussion with the DoCS was focused on how to make the provisions workable and implementable. The delegation raised concerns about the treatment of existing stock and questioned the practicality of requiring stickers to be affixed at customs points, read a statement from NADA. It also stated that it has consistently supported fair trade and transparency in business practices.

In response, Gyawali said the provisions were based on the existing Consumer Protection Act 2035 and aligned with the government’s 100-point governance reform plan, which prioritises their implementation. He said the department remains committed to enforcing the rules and described NADA’s concerns as constructive.

Gyawali added that the department is prepared to address practical challenges in implementation but emphasised that cooperation and commitment from businesses would be necessary.

He also stated that the department would take a strict approach towards manufacturers and importers in enforcing MRP labelling requirements, and invited NADA to propose legal reforms if existing provisions require amendment.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 23 April 2026.         

NAIMA urges to raise auto loan financing to 80%

Kathmandu, Apr. 8

Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has urged the government to ensure easier financial access by maintaining a hire-purchase system allowing up to 80 per cent financing with a 20 per cent down payment.

In a meeting with Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle on Monday, a delegation from NAIMA has urged the government to reduce the overall tax burden, simplify and rationalise the tax structure, and increase the auto financing to 80 per cent - about 20 per cent up from the current arrangement.

Presenting detailed suggestions on policy and systemic reforms related to the automobile sector, President of NAIMA Ritu Singh Vaidya stressed the need for a stable, predictable policy environment based on consultation with stakeholders, and called for the automobile sector to be recognised not as a luxury but as a necessity.

The association noted in a press statement on Wednesday that even after customs clearance is completed, differing interpretations at the audit level have led to irregularities being raised, creating business uncertainty. It called for a clear, uniform and transparent system.

It also highlighted the need for customs facilitation, development of testing infrastructure, revision of the Transport Act, integration of digital systems, improvement of road safety and pollution control, promotion of assembly industries under the ‘Make in Nepal’ initiative, and ensuring long-term policy stability.

There is a need for clear, stable and incentive-based policies for electric vehicles, said NAIMA and called for proper classification of hybrid vehicles and the formulation of balanced and fair policies based on their technological features.

In response, FM Dr. Wagle said the government remains positive about creating a business-friendly environment and is working towards making the overall tax system more balanced and practical. He also expressed commitment to incorporating the suggestions, as far as possible, into upcoming policies, programmes and the budget for the Fiscal Year 2026/27.

In a separate meeting, the NAIMA delegation also held discussions with Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Sunil Lamsal on current issues in the mobility and automobile sector. Minister Lamsal said the government is taking positive steps towards a policy arrangement that would reinvest a certain percentage of tax revenue generated from the sector back into its development.

He also assured that the practical suggestions put forward by NAIMA would be taken forward for implementation without delay.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 April 2026.      

STC Auto launches Ampere

Kathmandu, Feb. 27

Indian electric scooter Ampere has been introduced in the Nepali market.

The scooters are produced by Greaves Electric Mobility and brought to Nepal by STC Auto Solution Pvt. Ltd. STC Auto Solution has launched two Ampere models - Nexus and Magnus Neo scooters.

The company informed that Ampere scooters use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. The scooters have been tested in temperatures ranging from minus 40 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius. "The LFP batteries have a lifecycle of up to 2,000 charge cycles and come with a warranty of either 75,000 kilometres or five years," said the company.

The scooters feature a reinforced chassis, twin suspension and integrated smart technologies.

The company said that Magnus Neo is equipped with a 2.5 kW motor and a 2.3 kWh lithium battery pack. The company claims a range of up to 100 kilometres on a single full charge.

The scooter has a loading capacity of 150 kg, and a ground clearance of 165 mm. It offers low, high and reverse riding modes. The price has been set at Rs 300,000.

Likewise, the Nexus model is powered by a 3.9 kW motor and a 3 kWh LFP battery pack. "It delivers a range of up to 107 kilometres on a single charge. The battery can be fully charged at home in approximately three hours and 30 minutes," said the company.

The mid-mounted motor scooter offers five riding modes, including reverse. It features alloy wheels, disc brakes, full LED lighting, a USB charger and connectivity functions. The model has been launched at a price of Rs. 335,000.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 February 2026.     

NAIMA demands to hike LTV ratio to 80%

Kathmandu, Feb. 21

The Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has requested the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and the Ministry of Finance to increase the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for hire-purchase loans on all types of vehicles from the current 60 per cent to a maximum of 80 per cent.

According to NAIMA, the existing 60 per cent cap is one of the principal reasons for the slowdown observed in the automobile market. “The requirement for a high initial deposit has left many consumers unable to purchase vehicles, resulting not only in reduced sales but also in a direct impact on overall economic activity and revenue collection,” it said in a statement.

The automobile sector is one of the key contributors to government revenue through customs duties, excise duties and value-added tax (VAT). “NAIMA believes that an increase in vehicle sales would have a significant and positive effect on revenue collection,” read the statement.

In view of the excess liquidity currently present in the banking system, NAIMA considers that increasing the LTV ratio for vehicle loans could be a practical and effective means of capital mobilisation. As hire-purchase loans are instalment-based and secured against collateral, they are regarded as a comparatively safe lending segment.

NAIMA has also stated that vehicle sales stimulate auxiliary industries such as service centres, spare parts, insurance, financial services, transport and technical services, thereby generating direct and indirect employment. “We therefore emphasise the need for policy facilitation in this sector,” said NAIMA, adding that it will continue to advocate on this matter in line with its mission of ‘mobility for all’.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 22 February 2026.     

NAIMA seeks review of taxi service standards

Kathmandu, Feb. 17

The Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has submitted its detailed suggestions on practical and policy-related issues observed in the currently implemented National Standards for Vehicles Used as Taxis, 2081.

It has submitted a letter to the Minister at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Madhav Prasad Chaulagain.

According to NAIMA, the Taxi Service Standards, 2081 classify taxi services into three categories - ordinary, special, and premium. The standards clearly define technical, safety, and service specifications, and any vehicle meeting these requirements may be included in taxi services.

At present, however, only sedan-type vehicles are permitted to operate as taxis in Bagmati Province.

NAIMA has drawn attention to the fact that, under the national standards, any vehicle falling within the ordinary, special, or premium categories and fulfilling all prescribed technical, safety, and service requirements is eligible for taxi service.

The association said in a statement that there appears to be no clear justification for excluding other useful, passenger-friendly vehicles suited to diverse needs, apart from sedans. "Allowing various vehicle categories that meet the standards would provide taxi operators with greater flexibility, while offering passengers improved comfort, luggage space, accessibility (including disability-friendly features), and more options based on group size," read the statement.

According to NAIMA, the letter also refers to international practice, noting that taxi services in many countries operate using vehicles of different sizes and categories.

In Nepal, particularly in Bagmati Province, options remain limited. Although some other cities permit different vehicle categories for taxi services, the absence of such provisions in Bagmati has created practical disparities.

In this context, NAIMA has suggested that permitting all vehicles that meet the prescribed technical, safety, and service specifications under the ordinary, special, and premium categories would be appropriate from the perspectives of fairness, equality, and service expansion.

NAIMA has expressed full respect for the objectives and intent of the policy framework prepared by the Ministry, clarifying that its recommendations are based on industry experience, practical needs, and the goal of enhancing service quality.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 18 February 2026.     

NADA Automobiles decides to be a Federation

Kathmandu, Dec. 24

The 49^th Annual General Meeting of the NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal has passed a proposal to incorporate into a federation in accordance with prevailing laws, following a comprehensive discussion on the necessity and rationale behind such a move.

The meeting, held in Lalitpur, saw a significant turnout with 1,483 members in attendance out of a total 1,548 currently renewed members. The Association said in a statement that this high level of participation reaffirms the strong trust and unity within the organisation.

Furthermore, the assembly resolved to hold elections on 9 January 2026 (25 Poush 2082) to elect the association's new executive committee.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 December 2025.

NAIMA aids DoTM; Traffic office restoration complete

Kathmandu, Dec. 24

The Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has formally handed over emergency assistance to the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) and the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office following the completion of restoration works.

The support was directed toward repairing infrastructure and replacing equipment damaged during the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9.

The handover ceremony was conducted on Tuesday by a NAIMA delegation led by President Ritu Singh Vaidya, Board Member Yamuna Shrestha, and Executive Director Raj Kumar Dulal.

According to Dulal, the association’s contribution focused on critical operational needs including complete reconstruction and repair of all windows and doors in the main administrative building of the DoTM at Minbhawan, and provision of essential office assets such as furniture, furnishing, computers and printers to replace those lost during the unrest.

Rajiv Pokharel, Director General of the DoTM, said that the emergency aid was vital in enabling the department to resume public services from its primary office. He expressed appreciation for the association's responsiveness during the crisis.

Likewise, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nabaraj Adhikari, head of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, commended the institutional collaboration. He noted that NAIMA has established itself as a reliable partner in traffic management and education within a short period since its inception.

Vaidya emphasised that the association's operational framework includes a commitment to collaborating with public service agencies. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 December 2025.

inDrive riders win car, motorbike for dedication

Kathmandu, Nov. 25

Hari Pandey and Aakash Tamang have won a car and a motorbike, respectively, in a weekly challenge announced by inDrive, the global ride-hailing app and mobility platform.

The challenge was announced to find the most dedicated and professional driver partners who excelled through a series of weekly challenges aimed at recognising their commitment to quality service on the road.

The campaign, which generated an enthusiastic response from inDrive's driver community, offered attractive rewards and two grand prizes, the company said in a statement.

Pandey won Tata Xpres-T EV in the Cab Driver Category, and Aakash Tamang won a TVS Raider in the Bike/Moto Rider Category. “Both winners were selected from a pool of drivers who maintained Platinum status during the three-week challenge and met all eligibility criteria,” read the statement.

Alongside the grand prizes, the campaign also distributed a range of weekly prizes, including 15 OnePlus 5G smartphones, 30 Ultima Atom 192 earbuds, and 30 Ultima Nova Pro smartwatches, further recognising the achievements of inDrive's dedicated driver partners.

Sunita Jeemi Rai, Senior Driver Operations Specialist at inDrive Nepal, expressed the company's commitment to empowering drivers.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 November 2025.

Zaap EV launches scooter rental with batter swap facility

Kathmandu, Aug. 17

Zaap EV, a pioneering electric mobility startup described as a comprehensive mobility ecosystem for delivery and ride-sharing, has officially announced its operation.

Zaap EV’s electric scooters, which boast a range of 60 km, will be available for rental at under Rs. 500 per day, making them highly accessible for daily use. The scooters are modular, allowing for easy modification—whether it's adding an extra seat or converting them into goods carriers for delivery purposes.

The service is expected to be launched within a month, with plans already in place to scale rapidly. Starting in the Kathmandu Valley, Zaap aims to expand nationwide within the year.

According to Dr. Sudeep Rauniyar, Managing Director of the company, the Zaap ecosystem includes a robust battery-swapping network, with 200 batteries distributed across 30 locations, initially. Users can swap batteries from 6 am to 9 pm, with 24-hour access planned soon to better support gig economy workers with irregular hours.

Looking ahead, the number of electric bikes is set to increase to 400 within a year, as the company expands its footprint beyond Kathmandu.

“The initiative marks a significant step forward in Nepal’s green transport revolution, with a unique focus on empowering women, gig workers, and students,” said Dr. Rauniyar.

He described the initiative as Nepal’s first women-focused, sustainability-driven two-wheeler product, designed not only to promote eco-friendly transportation but also to support inclusive economic participation.

“We want to create a bridge between gig workers, women, and students. Our mission is to provide affordable, sustainable mobility while enabling women to become micro-entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Rauniyar.

The company is tying up with an Indian auto manufacturer for chassis and battery products exclusively for it. Users can visit the website of Zaap EV, enroll for membership, and complete their KYC to gain early access to the electric two-wheeler rental service.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 18 August 2025. 

Zaap EV launch scooter rental with batter swap facility

Kathmandu, Aug. 16

Zaap EV, a pioneering electric mobility startup described as a comprehensive mobility ecosystem for delivery and ride-sharing, has officially announced its operation.

Zaap EV’s electric scooters, which boast a range of 60 km, will be available for rental at under Rs. 500 per day, making them highly accessible for daily use. The scooters are modular, allowing for easy modification—whether it's adding an extra seat or converting them into goods carriers for delivery purposes.

The service is expected to launch within a month, with plans already in place to scale rapidly. Starting in the Kathmandu Valley, Zaap aims to expand nationwide within the year.

According to Dr. Sudeep Rauniyar, Managing Director of the company, the Zaap ecosystem includes a robust battery-swapping network, with 200 batteries distributed across 30 locations, initially. Users can swap batteries from 6 am to 9 pm, with 24-hour access planned soon to better support gig economy workers with irregular hours.

Looking ahead, the number of electric bikes is set to increase to 400 within a year, as the company expands its footprint beyond Kathmandu.

“The initiative marks a significant step forward in Nepal’s green transport revolution, with a unique focus on empowering women, gig workers, and students,” said dr. Rauniyar.

He described the initiative as Nepal’s first women-focused, sustainability-driven two-wheeler product, designed not only to promote eco-friendly transportation but also to support inclusive economic participation.

“We want to create a bridge between gig workers, women, and students. Our mission is to provide affordable, sustainable mobility while enabling women to become micro-entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Rauniyar.

The company is tying up with an Indian auto manufacturer for chassis and battery products exclusively for it. Users can visit the website of Zaap EV, enroll for membership, and complete their KYC to gain early access to the electric two-wheeler rental service.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 19 August 2025. 

Mobility Expo concludes

Kathmandu, Aug. 12

The ‘NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2025’, organised by the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), concluded on Monday. The expo, which began on August 6, attracted more than 100,000 visitors, informed the organiser.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, NAIMA President Ritu Singh Vaidya said the event had been more successful than expected. “With over 100,000 visitors, sales recorded at every stall, excellent participation in the mobility-related panel discussions, and the energy, ideas, cooperation, and enthusiasm each of you have shown, I feel that Naima has taken Nepal’s mobility sector to a new dimension,” Vaidya said.

NAIMA’s Executive Director, Raj Kumar Dulal, said that during the five days of the expo, NAIMA had organised continuous learning sessions, thereby conveying the message that the association is committed to the overall development of the sector. These sessions, held at Nepal Police Club with free entry for participants, featured renowned experts from both Nepal and India.

Dulal added that the organisation would continue to organise such events in the future with the regular participation of the government, stakeholders, donor agencies, and consumers.

The NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2025 recorded 15,000 visitors on the first day, 13,500 on the second day, 19,500 on the third day, 21,500 on the fourth day, 22,000 on the fifth day, and 7,800 on the sixth day.

The expo featured the participation of more than 50 national and international brands.

New scooters of TailG arrive in Nepal’s market

Kathmandu, June 13

Yoma Ma E-Motors Pvt. Ltd. has launched two new electric scooters of TailG in Nepali market.

The updated TailG Tiger Plus and Tank ZS scooter have been introduced. TAILG Nepal has brought the updated Tiger Plus at its old price.

The company has started selling the Tiger Plus at Rss 225,000 and the ZS at Rs. 215,000.

The company has added an intelligent charging feature to the Tiger Plus. This allows the scooter to be fully charged in 3 hours. The company has also added a reverse gear, the company informed at a press conference organised in Kathmandu on Friday.

Sanjeev Shilpakar, Director of TailG Nepal, said that the new model has improved the quality of the popular Tiger model. "The TailG Tiger is a popular scooter, and we have upgraded it based on customer suggestions. In the coming days, we will work to further improve its quality," he said.

Rajesh Rajkarnikar, President of the company, said that Nepali customers are now paying more attention to quality than before.

"The electric scooters’ market in Nepal is highly competitive. Now customers have to buy scooters by looking at the features. In this regard, we have brought the most refined scooter," he said.

The new scooters have a 3-kilowatt rated motor.

The scooter's top speed is 65 KM per hour, and it has a 16-degree climbing capacity. It has a 72-volt 45-ampere graphic battery. This scooter can travel up to 100 kilometers on a single full charge. It also has a maintenance-free charging system.

The scooter has dual disc brakes on the front and rear, a full digital console, smart lock, and under-seat storage space.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 14 June 2025. 

Paramound launches MG S5 EV in Nepal

Kathmandu, Mar. 7

Paramount Motors, the authorised distributor of MG Motors in Nepal, has officially launched the MG S5 EV.

 Designed with cutting-edge technology and premium features, the MG S5 EV aims to cater to the growing demand for high-performance electric vehicles, the company said in a statement on Friday.

The new vehicle is available in two variants – Comfort and Deluxe, both equipped with a 49kWh battery and a 99kW motor. Additionally, an extended Deluxe variant comes with a 62kWh battery, offering enhanced driving range and an impressive maximum torque of 250 Nm. Pricing starts at Rs. 4.39 million for the Comfort variant, Rs. 4.99 million for the standard Deluxe, and Rs. 5.49 million for the 62kWh Deluxe model.

"A key innovation of the MG S5 EV is its world’s thinnest battery, optimising the centre of gravity for improved stability and efficiency," read the statement. It features a rear-wheel-drive configuration, a five-link independent suspension system, and an advanced chassis design for enhanced driving comfort.

Inside, the MG S5 EV offers a 12.8-inch central control system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, ensuring seamless navigation and entertainment. With 997mm of headroom in both front and rear seats, 453L of boot space, and ergonomic interior design, the vehicle prioritises passenger comfort.

Powered by a 99kW motor, the MG S5 EV delivers a top speed of 175 km/h.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 8 March 2025.   

Ryan Energy gears up to offer IPO to raise Rs. 900 million

Kathmandu, Feb. 11

Ryan Energy Pvt. Ltd., an e-rickshaw assembling company, is making preparations to launch the Initial Public Offering (IPO) within a year to raise Rs. 900 million from the public with an aim to expand its investment in infrastructure for battery production and swap.

The company was established in 2022, and is operating its e-ricksha assembly plant in Sarlahi district and battery production plant in Naubise of Dhading district.

"With an aim to develop critical infrastructure for battery swap facility and achieve rapid growth, Ryan Energy is planning to go public. We aim to issue 9 million shares of Rs. 100 per unit," Deepak Rauniyar, Managing Director of the company, said at a programme organised to sign an agreement with the Global IME Capital Limited to appoint the latter as the portfolio manager.

Rauniyar of Ryan Energy and Mandeep Luitel, CEO of GIME Capital, signed the agreement.

According to the company, it will be a profitable venture with 20 per cent annual return on equity from the third year from the development of infrastructure.

It has an investment plan to mobilise Rs. 3 billion in assembly plant, battery production and swap stations.

The company has also initiated talks with the Global Climate Fund (GCF) for a concessional loan of Rs. 500 million.

It has a plan to establish 100 battery swap services in major concentrated areas for three wheelers and 30 stations for scooters. With this facility, e-rickshaw and e-scooter owners will save a significant amount of money. While the domestically assembled e-rickshaw will cost about Rs. 200,000 less compared to the imported one.

Rauniyar informed that a battery for e-rickshaw will cost about 700,000. "If a customer need not pay the price for the battery, the e-rickshaw would come at Rs. 400,000 which will be a huge relief for the buyer. It means there will be less financial burden," he said.

This massive cost reduction will be instrumental for the company in making successful moves in the market, maintained Rauniyar.

Battery swap facility will also save time needed for recharging the batteries thus making the travel fast and smooth.

Shortage of standardised e-rickshaws for Nepali topography will also be an advantage for the assembly plant. The company is planning to produce e-rickshaws that can be operated in the hills. "We need products that are efficient in the hills. Imported e-rickshaws give 100 km mileage on an average in plains 80 km in Kathmandu and only 60 km in the hills while their speed is also affected according to the topography," according to Rauniyar.

The e-rickshaw assembly plant can assemble four e-rickshaws a day.

Meanwhile, by 2027, the company also plans to expand its infrastructure services to Bangladesh. "As there is a huge demand for e-rickshaw and we can't compete in the international market in battery products, we provide the service," he said.

The company also hit the market segment of micro-trucks as well. "Microbus and micro trucks can be replaced with domestically assembled EVs and help in forex saving and reducing cost on the part of consumer as well," stated Rauniyar while adding that with a small modification, the three wheelers can replace the imported mini and micro vehicles.

Ryan Energy has received permission from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and Ministry of Forest and Environment in December 2021 to manufacture various types of electric vehicles (two, three, and four-wheelers).

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 February 2025.  

Nepal needs to upgrade to vehicle production from assembly business

Kathmandu, Dec. 15

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, said that Nepal should move to production of vehicles from current assembly business.

"The government is ready to facilitate in this initiative and would create necessary policy environment to promote business and investment in this sector," he said while addressing the 48^th annual general assembly of the NADA Automobile Association in Lalitpur on Sunday.

According to him, automobile and physical infrastructure are closely related and government's duty is to develop quality roads that facilitate safe and timely travel.

Minister Dahal also said that both the monetary and fiscal policies should be predictable and must not leave the investors clueless about their announcements and prospective provisions.

He maintained that the government is favourable to the promotion of the environmentally sustainable transport facilities including passenger and public transport.

Speaking on the occasion, President of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, said that the country immediately needs policies to address the economic contraction caused by the preventive measures applied in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic amidst the depleting foreign currency reserves.

He also said that the government should also revise environment policy like allowing the excavation of construction materials from the rivers as the multi-year deposition has created challenges to infrastructures like roads and bridges.

President of Confederation of Nepalese Industries, Rajesh Agrawal, said the policy to increase interest rate and reduce demand in the market has severely impacted the business and industries in the country.

President of NADA, Karan Chaudhary, said that the economic slowdown has caused human resource drain in the automobile sector that directly employs 100,000 and indirectly about a million.

"This sector was contributing about 21 per cent before the COVID-19 pandemic but the economic crisis has significantly impacted it," he said while complaining that the government has been conservative in extending policy and economic facilitation to the vehicle assembling industries. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 16 December 2024.   

Cash Safari of Bajaj launched

Kathmandu, Sept. 6

Hansraj Hulaschand and Co. Pvt. Ltd., the authorised distributor of Bajaj motorcycles in Nepal, has launched 'Cash Safari' on the occasion of Nepal's major festivals: Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath. The company has announced that this festive season will be special with the message 'Haat Haatma Haathi, Luckma Lakhpati'.

Under this scheme, customers can win up to Rs. 100,000 in cash with every Bajaj motorcycle purchase. Additionally, a weekly lucky draw will offer a couple a chance to experience a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park. The bumper prize will be an opportunity for one lucky couple to go on a jungle safari in Kenya, Africa.

Amit Raj Chalise, Head of Marketing at Bajaj, said, "Like every year, we have introduced an exciting scheme during the festive season. Bajaj remains committed to providing a unique experience to its customers through technology and such schemes.”

This festive season, the company is also offering easy finance options and the opportunity to make purchases with a 50 per cent down payment.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 7 September 2024.        

Nabil Bank Limited announces auto loan scheme

Kathmandu, Aug. 27

Nabil Bank Limited has announced a special scheme for auto loan financing targeting the NADA Auto Show 2024 which was inaugurated at the Bhrikutimandap of Kathmandu on Tuesday and will run till October 2.

Under this scheme, Nabil Bank has introduced an offer of a fixed interest rate of 8.25 per cent for 5 years and 8.49 per cent for 7 years on auto loan. "It is believed that this will help in providing easy and stable financial assistance for long term to the customers who want to buy the automobile," the bank said in a statement.

The bank, which is providing services by keeping a stall at the NADA Auto Show, has said that if the customers participating in the show choose a vehicle and request a loan, they will immediately provide an offer letter for the same.

Keeping in mind the festive atmosphere, the bank has released this special scheme to provide financial ease and to simplify the process of auto mobile purchase.

The bank has been providing services to more than 2.4 million customers through 268 branches and 316 ATMs. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 August 2024.        

Yaris Cross Hybrid Electric car launched

Kathmandu, Feb. 10

United Traders Syndicate Pvt. Ltd., the official distributor of Toyota cars in Nepal, has announced the launch of Yaris Cross Hybrid Electric car in Nepal on Friday.

The Rs. 12.2 million new Yaris Cross measures 4310 mm in length, 1770 mm in width and 1615 mm in height. It has a 2620 mm long wheelbase and 18 inch tires.

Toyota has given the new Yaris Cross headlights with automatic high beam, LED DRLs, LED fog lights and connected LED taillights. For the first time, the company has also given multi-colour ambient light in this model.

Being a hybrid powertrain, it comes with an electric motor and a 4.3 ampere hour battery pack. E-CVT gearbox can be found in vehicles with regenerative braking system.

Its displacement is 1500 cc, four cylinder dual VVT-I engine and the ground clearance is 210 mm. It features lithium-ion battery; panoramic glass roof, 10.1-inch infotainment system, 7-inch multi-information display, 6 speakers, and a panoramic 360-degree camera, as well as electric parking brake, auto hold.

Eight-way power electric driver's seat, wireless mobile charger, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and power tailgate with kick sensor can also be found in this model.

For safety, this SUV has modern features like six airbags, vehicle stability control, anti-lock braking system, emergency stop signal, hill start assist control, reverse camera, parking sensors on both front and rear sides.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 11 February 2024.      

Vaidya Energy launches new Ather showroom

Kathmandu, Jan. 20

Vaidya Energy has launched its second Experience Centre (showroom) of Ather Scooter in Jhamsikhel of Lalitpur district.

"Following the successful launch of Service Center at Tinkune just a week ago, this latest addition marks a significant milestone in our commitment to revolutionizing urban commuting with sustainable solutions," said the company.

At the new showroom in Jhamsikhel customers can explore the entire range of Ather Electric Scooters and experience cutting-edge technology firsthand.

The company also said that it will launch another Centre in Pokhara by February, followed by more in Chitwan, Butwal, and Itahari within the next four months.

"In tandem with our Experience Center openings, Ather Energy Nepal is committed to bolstering the charging infrastructure across Nepal," said the company.

The company plans to install a total of 10 chargers in Kathmandu ensuring convenient access to charging facilities. Additionally, each of the upcoming cities—Pokhara, Chitwan, Butwal, and Itahari —will receive four chargers, contributing to a robust network that empowers Ather Electric Scooter users to explore every corner of the country with confidence, sustainable and accessible infrastructure.

According to the company, Ather scooters are designed for a new generation of riders who demand style, performance, and sustainability.

Vaidya  Energy has successfully launched its leading model, the 450X with two battery choices: 2.9 kWh and 3.7 kWh, catering to a broader spectrum of customer preferences.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 21 January 2024.