KATHMANDU, May 24: Almost 3,000 electric vehicles have been imported during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year. According to the Department of Customs, 2,955 four-wheeled electric vehicles worth about Rs 8.5 billion were imported during the period from last mid-July to mid-May.
In FY 2078/79, only 1807 electric vehicles were imported. During the 10 months of the current year, nearly 1100 more electric vehicles were imported than last year. In the current fiscal year, the private sector has imported those vehicles by spending Rs 8.4164 billion. According to the department, 2,882 four-wheeled electric vehicles with a capacity of 100 kilowatts have entered Nepal from four countries.
Similarly, 1,968 four-wheeled vehicles with a capacity of 100 kilowatts have entered Nepal from India, 662 have been imported from China and 249 have been imported from South Korea. Similarly, three electric vehicles have been imported from Indonesia. According to the department, 66 electric vehicles with a capacity of 100 to 200 kilowatts have been imported during the 10 months of the current year. Seven electric vehicles with a capacity of 200 to 300 kilowatts have been imported.
Import of electric vehicles increased by 600 percent last year
In the current year's budget, the government increased the customs duty on electric vehicles with a capacity of 300 kilowatts from 40 percent to 60 percent. Similarly, the excise duty on electric vehicles with a capacity of 300 kilowatts was increased from 45 to 60 percent. Due to which electric vehicles of this capacity have been imported in a low amount in 10 months of the current fiscal year. Through the Financial Act, the government increased the customs duty of 15% to 30% for electric vehicles with a capacity of 100 kg to 200 KW.
During the 10 months of the current year, 5673 electric three-wheelers have been imported. The import of these three wheelers cost Rs 559 million. According to the data released by the Department of Customs, 2198 four-wheeled electric vehicles were imported in the eight months of the current FY.
According to the department, vehicles worth Rs 5 billion 482 million 772 thousand with nine different models and capacities were imported during eight months. According to the department, 1749 four-wheelers worth Rs 4.92 billion were imported. In the period of one month (mid-January to mid- February) alone, 449 electric vehicles worth Rs 562.7 million were imported. The department said that 2139 electric vehicles with a capacity of 100 kilowatts were imported from different countries during the period of eight months.
Import of 333 four-wheeled electric vehicles with a capacity of 100 kilowatts from China has cost Rs 762.2 million. The state has spent Rs 4.2558 billion while importing 1571 four-wheeled electric vehicles of 100 kilowatt capacity from India. Likewise, 232 electric vehicles of 100 kW capacities have been imported from South Korea and three electric vehicles from Indonesia. According to the Department of Customs, 1,807 electric vehicles were imported in the last fiscal year. In FY 2077/78, only 249 electric vehicles were imported.
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