5th April 2022, Kathmandu
The Nepalese Government Intends To Make It Possible For Fuel-Powered Vehicles To Be Converted To Electric Vehicles
Exemption Notice from the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport
The government has decided to allow the conversion of petrol and diesel automobiles to electric or alternative fuel vehicles. An official notice from the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport was published in the National Gazette. With a three-year exemption, the special provision permits fuel systems to be converted into environmentally friendly or energy-efficient alternatives.
With reference to The Transport Management Act, 2049 government has provided that no changes other than spare parts should be made in the vehicle without the authorization of the government.
Article 39(1) of the Transport Management Act, 2049 states “The owner of a motor vehicle owner shall not make any such alteration in the motor vehicle as to change its color, number of seats, structure, engine or chassis, without obtaining approval of the competent authority.“
Article 39(2) of the Transport Management Act, 2049 “If a request is made for approval to make an alteration pursuant to Sub-section (1), the competent authority shall make necessary inquiry into the matter, and may if it thinks appropriate to give approval for such an alteration, give such an approval.” After getting the approval, there was a provision to charge an additional 50% of the motor vehicle registration as a chargeable fee. However, the governing bodies have decided to exempt Article 39 (II), including the extra chargeable fees. Moreover, the exemption will be valid for 3 years.
To summarize, the government expects that this will promote the conversion of petrol and diesel automobiles to electric or other gas-powered vehicles. You will need appropriate permission to conduct such a conversion, but the extra charges have been waived.