Electric Vehicles Imports Double In July-August

The import of electric cars has doubled in Shrawan (July-August) compared to the year-ago month, as per the data released by the Department of Customs. The import has doubled in the first month of the current Nepali fiscal year, despite the increment in duties by the government.

A total of 211 electric vehicles have been imported in the last month with the government collecting a revenue of Rs 21.6 crore. According to the data released by the department, 205 units of EVs up to 100 kW, 4 units of EVs between 100-200 kW, and 2 units of EVs between 200-300 kW were imported into the country. In the same period last fiscal year (2078/79), only 105 electric vehicles were imported.Through the current fiscal year budget, the government has slapped additional excise and customs duty on electric cars depending upon the electric motor power.  The excise and customs on electric cars up to 100 kW capacity are the same as before i.e EVs up to 100 kW capacity only attract a 15 percent excise duty. However, 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.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.