Summary：Electric Vehicle Imports Surge at Rasuwagadhi, Boosting Revenue Beyond Rs 15 Billion **Introduction

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Electric Vehicle Imports Surge at Rasuwagadhi, Boosting Revenue Beyond Rs 15 Billion

**Introduction**
Nepal’s appetite for clean transportation is accelerating, and the Rasuwagadhi‑Timure crossing with China has become the gateway for that shift. In the fiscal year 2025/26, electric vehicle (EV) imports through this border point jumped sharply, pushing customs earnings past the Rs 15 billion mark. The surge underscores a broader move toward sustainable mobility as fuel prices remain volatile and government incentives gain traction.

**Key Developments**
According to the Rasuwa Customs Office, EV shipments rose by 42 % compared with the previous fiscal year, totaling roughly 7,800 units. The majority were compact passenger cars and two‑wheelers sourced from Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, NIO, and local assemblers that have set up knock‑down kits in the Rasuwa district. Revenue from these imports alone contributed Rs 15.3 billion, a figure that eclipses the combined customs intake from petroleum products during the same period. Officials attribute the spike to reduced import duties on EVs, a temporary tax holiday announced in the 2024 budget, and growing consumer confidence in charging infrastructure along the Kathmandu‑Pokhara corridor.

**Industry Analysis**
The influx signals a maturing EV ecosystem in Nepal. While domestic assembly remains limited, the availability of affordable models is expanding the buyer base beyond early adopters to middle‑income households. Analysts note that the surge also reflects supply‑chain advantages: shorter lead times from Chinese factories and lower logistics costs via the Rasuwagadhi route compared with sea‑borne imports through Kolkata. However, challenges persist. The national grid’s capacity to handle increased night‑time charging demand is still under assessment, and service networks for after‑sales support are sparse