Electric Vehicle Charging Station in Nepal: What You Need to Know

The Rise of EVs in Nepal

Electric Vehicles or EV in short are vehicles like cars, bikes, or buses that run on electricity only instead of using petrol or diesel. So basically, these vehicles don’t need fuels like petrol or diesel; from gas stations, rather they need to be charged at EV charging stations!

In Nepal, as more and more people are starting to use EVs the need for more EV charging stations in Nepal is also increasing. The primary reason people are using ev in Nepal is due to the increasing price of petrol and diesel, and EVs being cheap due to only needing electricity to get charged helps people save money. 

EV cars are also way better for the environment than fuel powered vehicles. As they don’t release harmful smoke which is one of the main reasons for air pollution, especially now recently Kathmandu has already been declared as the Number One air polluted city by global Air Quality Index (AQI) so people should definitely consider changing to using EV cars rather than fuel powered ones.

Another reason EV cars in Nepal are growing is because of government support. The Nepali government has reduced taxes on EV cars and is working on building more electric vehicle charging stations. This makes it easier and cheaper for people to buy and drive EVs with these new charging station in Nepal.

Types of EV Charging Stations

EV does not use petrol or diesel, they just need electricity to be charged and run. In Nepal, there are different kinds of electric vehicle charging station. Each one works in a different way and takes different amounts of time to charge your vehicle.

1. Home Charging Stations

Home charging is the easiest and most common method in Nepal. You can charge your EV car simply by using a regular plug point at home. It is very simple to do for sure, but do mind that it takes a long time to fully charge the electric vehicle. 

• Best for: Daily home use

• Charging time: Takes a long time around 6 to 10 hours

• Example: Charging cars like Tata Nexon EV or BYD Sealion at home overnight
  
  

2. Public Charging Stations

This type of electric vehicle charging station in Nepal is set up in places like shopping malls, parking lots, and highways. They are useful for people who are traveling or cannot charge at home. Many companies in Nepal are also helping build more public electric vehicle charging station in Nepal.

• Best for: Quick charges while traveling

• Charging time: Will take just around 1 to 2 hours

• Common locations: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, major highways
  
  

3. Fast Charging Stations (DC Chargers)

This type of electric vehicle charging station in Nepal has special high-power chargers which can charge your EV car in less than an hour. This type of charging station in Nepal is fewer in number, but is growing in Nepal as more people use EV cars in Nepal.

• Best for: For Long-distance travelers or quick charge

• Charging time: Very fast it will charge you EV in just 30 to 60 minutes

• Mostly used by: EVs like Hyundai Kona, MG ZS EV, and others
  
  

4. Charging at Dealerships or Service Centers

Some electric vehicle showrooms and service centers offer free or paid charging at their charging station. 

• Best for: New car buyers or service visits

• Charging time: Depends on the charger used

• Available at: EV showrooms in cities like Kathmandu and Butwal

Where Are EV Charging Stations Located in Nepal?

As more people start using ev cars in Nepal, the number of electric vehicle charging stations in Nepal is also growing. These stations are places where you can stop and charge your ev cars or scooter.

Right now, most EV charging stations in Nepal are found in big cities and along main highways. The government, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), and many private companies are helping set up more ev charging points in Nepal so that it becomes easier for people to travel with ev in Nepal.

Major Cities with EV Charging Stations

1. Kathmandu Valley

• Many ev charging stations in Nepal are in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.

• EV charging stations can also be found in malls, public parking lots, hotels, and showrooms.

• Some big brands are also providing in-house chargers.

2. Pokhara

• EV Charging stations or points are available at hotels, resorts, and EV dealers.

• Useful for locals and tourists using EV cars in Nepal around the city and lakeside areas.

3. Butwal, Bharatpur, Hetauda, and Itahari

• These cities are part of Nepal’s growing highway network.

• More ev charging stations are being added at fuel stations and rest stops.

4. Lumbini and Chitwan Areas

• Important tourist destinations now have EV charging station for travelers.

• NEA and private partners are working to build more in these areas.
  
  

Highway Charging Stations

• Charging stations are now available along the East-West Highway, Araniko Highway, and Prithvi Highway.

• These are important for people taking long trips across Nepal.

• Some electric vehicle charging station in Nepal provide fast charging, which is very useful during long travel.
  
  

How to Find Electric Vehicle Charging Station

• Some companies have their own EV charging apps or websites.

• You can also ask at local EV showrooms for the nearest charging station.

• Maps like Google Maps are starting to show electric vehicle charging station locations in Nepal.

Cost of Charging & How It Works

Charging an electric vehicle (EV) is very different from filling petrol or diesel. It’s much cheaper in the long run than using petrol or diesel and it's also cleaner, and quieter. 

Now let’s break it down and see how electric vehicle charging station work in Nepal and how much charging costs in charging station.

How EV Charging Works

When you buy an EV in Nepal and own it, you don’t need to go to a petrol pump to recharge it. Instead you simply plug your car into a charging station at home or in an electric vehicle charging station.

There are two main types of chargers:

1. Slow Chargers (AC Charging):
   These are like home chargers i.e. they take way more time which is around 6 to 8 hours, to fully charge your car. Many people install these at home or in office parking.

2. Fast Chargers (DC Charging):
   These are available at public electric vehicle charging stations in Nepal. They can charge a car in less than 1 hour, depending on the vehicle which is way faster than slow charges.
   
   

Cost of EV Charging in Nepal

Now, let’s talk about the money needed to charge your ev in Nepal. Charging an EV is much cheaper than buying petrol.

• At home (AC charging):
  Electricity costs are usually around NPR 7 to NPR 12 per unit (kWh) depending on time and usage.
  A small EV might use around 20 units, so charging it fully would cost just about NPR 200–300 which will last you a long time while driving.

• At public charging stations (DC fast charging):
  These may cost more because of the faster speed and service. The price is usually at around NPR 15 to NPR 20 per unit (kWh).
  So a full charge could cost you around NPR 400–600, depending on your car’s battery size.

How to Pay for Charging

• Many electric vehicle charging station in Nepal use QR codes or mobile apps for payments.

• Some electric vehicle charging station in Nepal let you pay with cards or cash.

• Apps like NEA EV Charging or dealership-specific apps help track your usage and make payments simple.
  
  

Charging at Home vs Public Station

Future of EV Charging in Nepal

EV cars are getting more and more popular every year in Nepal. That means we also need more electric vehicle charging station in Nepal. The good news is, the future looks bright!

Let’s explore what the future of electric vehicle charging station in Nepal looks like in simple terms.

1. More Charging Stations Everywhere

In the future, we’ll see electric vehicle charging stations in more places in Nepal, not just in big cities like Kathmandu or Pokhara, but also in smaller towns and villages.

• Charging will be possible at shopping malls, hotels, schools, and even roadside tea shops.

2. Faster Charging Technology

Right now, some EVs take a long time to charge at electric vehicle charging station. But in the future, new fast-charging technology will make it quicker to charge in an electric vehicle charging station ,just like fast charging your phone in just 15 minutes!

• Ultra-fast chargers will help electric cars charge in less than 30 minutes.

• This will be super helpful for people who travel long distances.

3. Solar-Powered Charging Stations

Nepal has lots of sunlight. In the future, many electric vehicle charging stations in Nepal might run on solar power.

• That means free, clean, and unlimited energy from the sun.

• It’s better for the environment and saves electricity costs.

4. Charging at Home Will Be Easier

Right now, not everyone can charge at home. But in the coming years:

• People will be able to set up small home electric vehicle charging stations in Nepal easily.

• Some new homes and apartments will be built with electric vehicle charging stations included.

5. Smarter Charging with Apps

Future EV charging will be more smart and digital:

• You’ll use your phone to find the electric vehicle charging station near you, see if it’s busy, and even pay through apps.

The future of EV charging and electric vehicle charging station in Nepal is exciting. With support from the government, and big brands and better technology, charging your EV cars in Nepal will become easier, faster, and cheaper. Nepal is moving towards a cleaner and greener future, and EV cars are a big part of that change.

If you are interested to read more articles related to EV in Nepal you can check our other article Government policies and Incentives that EV Owners in Nepal NEED to know about which explains all the benefits that you as an EV owner can get in Nepal.