Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) has showcased an electric scooter prototype ‘Sarathi’ that can run 50 km on a full charge. Claiming that it has made a model suitable for the terrain of Nepal, the foundation has paved the way for those who want to manufacture electric scooters by setting up a factory.

According to Rabindra Dhakal, Head of Technology of the Foundation and Head of the Electric Scooter Manufacturing Program, this model will be suitable for our geography. Dr. Sunil Babu Shrestha, Vice-Chancellor of the Electric Scooter Foundation, and Bamdev Chhetri, Vice-Chairman of the Planning Commission of Lumbini have already tested the electric scooters. The foundation has already informed the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation about the scooter. It is scheduled to be inaugurated in the presence of Energy Minister Pampha Bhusal in a few days.

Similarly, the foundation is also conducting a feasibility study on what kind of technical and financial preparations should be made while setting up a factory in Nepal. The Lumbini state government is cooperating with that. According to NAST, the required manpower has also been prepared with the objective of providing support for production in Nepal.

The ‘Sarathi’ electric scooter prototype was conceived in less than seven months. The foundation has spent more than three lakh rupees to make the prototype. When it comes to mass production, electric scooters can be made in Nepal for a minimum of Rs 150,000 to Rs 200,000. Although the required components have to be imported from abroad, the foundation is optimistic that electric scooters can be manufactured in Nepal with support from the government.

The prototype showcased by the foundation has a two-kilowatt capacity lithium-ion battery and an estimated range of 50 km.

Agencies