The Country Where 76% of Cars Sold Are Electric
Climate Change, Energy & Pollution Economic Development MobilitySummary
This New York Times article highlights Nepal as an unexpected global leader in electric mobility. While essentially zero five years ago, almost 76% of all new passenger vehicles are now electric. This far surpasses the global average. Nepal’s rapid transformation stems from a variety of factors:
- Abundant, clean hydropower that makes electricity cheaper than imported fuel;
- Smart policies that slashed electric vehicle (EV) import taxes while maintaining steep duties on gas‑powered cars to leverage the wealth of hydropower, ease dependence on imported fossil fuels, and clear smog; and
- A surge of affordable, feature‑rich Chinese EVs entering the market.
As the country expanded its charging network with government‑installed stations and widespread adoption, EV ownership became much more enticing. Operating an electric vehicle now costs Nepali drivers roughly 15 times less than refueling a gasoline car. Chinese automakers, especially BYD, have also began offering advanced models at competitive prices and scaling dealership networks across the country. Their rise is reshaping Nepal’s auto sector and outpacing Indian competitors. Nepal’s story proves that with the right mix of policy, pricing, and clean energy, even small nations can leap ahead in the global shift to electric transport.