Nepal’s Electric Leapfrog: How This Himalayan Nation Is Leading Global EV Adoption - CleanTechnica

Nepal, a Himalayan nation of 30 million people, is emerging as a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with about 70% of new passenger vehicles sold recently being electric. This rapid transition defies the common notion that EVs are mainly viable in wealthy countries with advanced infrastructure. Nepal’s success is underpinned by its nearly 100% hydroelectric-powered grid, which supplies clean, reliable, and domestically produced electricity to 94% of the population as of 2024. This extensive electrification, supported by investments in grid reliability and infrastructure upgrades, enables the country to reduce emissions and cut costly petroleum imports, which exceeded $2.5 billion in 2022/23. The shift to EVs has been driven by strategic government policies and a diversified vehicle market featuring Chinese, Indian, Korean, and European manufacturers. Kathmandu, the capital, now hosts a wide range of electric cars and a growing fleet of electric three-wheelers (safa tempos) and