The Nepal government has mandated gasoline stations to integrate electric vehicle (EV) charging ports into their operations.

As part of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation’s plan to boost electricity consumption and reduce fossil fuel dependency, existing fuel stations must install charging units upon license renewal, while new stations must adhere to this requirement during the licensing process.

The Ministry’s comprehensive work plan, recently endorsed in a cabinet meeting, has been handed over to the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) for implementation.

According to NOC officials, operating petrol pumps are urged to swiftly incorporate charging points to accommodate the growing use of EVs.

Recent trends indicate a surge in private sector adoption of EVs, with the Department of Customs reporting a substantial increase in imports—3,675 electric cars, jeeps, and vans in the first five months of the current fiscal year, amounting to Rs 9.02 billion.

The government’s own data reveals approximately 10,000 EVs on the roads nationwide, contrasted with a mere 150 operational charging stations. To bridge this gap, the Nepal Electricity Authority has already installed 51 charging stations, with an additional 14 under construction. The private sector has contributed 81 operational stations.