A total of 2995 units of electric cars have been imported into the country from Mid-July 2022 to Mid-May 2023 (Shrawan-Baisakh 2079 B.S) worth NPR 8.41 Arba, as per the data released by the Department of Customs.

According to the data released by the department, 2882 units of EVs up to 100 kW, 66 units of EVs between 100-200 kW, and 7 units of EVs between 200-300 kW were imported into the country. The increase in the import of EVs up to 100 kW can be attributed to the tax subsidies provided by the government to encourage the consumption of EVs.

The government, through the budget of the current fiscal year, slapped additional excise and customs duty on electric cars depending upon the electric motor power.  Earlier, there was no excise duty on electric vehicles. However, through this year’s budget, the then finance minister Janardan Sharma announced an increase in excise duty and customs tax.

The excise and customs on electric cars up to 100 kW capacity attract a 15 percent excise duty. Similarly, EVs between 100 kW to 200 kW attract a 30 percent excise and 30 percent customs, EVs between 201 to 300 kW attract 45 percent excise and 45 percent customs, and EVs above 300 kW get 60 percent excise and 60 percent customs.