Nepal’s Green Revolution: Lalitpur Metropolitan City Adopts Foton TM1 Electric Waste Trucks
17th April 2026, Kathmandu
In a historic move toward sustainable urban governance, Lalitpur Metropolitan City (LMC) has officially integrated 11 units of Foton TM1 Electric Waste Collection Vehicles into its municipal fleet.
Lalitpur Metropolitan Adopts Foton TM1
This initiative, facilitated by MAW Vriddhi, the authorized distributor of Foton Motor in Nepal, marks the first time electric vehicles (EVs) have been deployed for large-scale urban waste management in the country.
As cities globally pivot toward eco-friendly infrastructure, Lalitpur is setting a national precedent for clean, efficient, and cost-effective public services.
Efficiency Meets Sustainability: The Foton TM1 Advantage
The introduction of the Foton TM1 EV is not just an environmental win; it is a strategic financial and operational upgrade for the metropolis.
Significant Cost Savings: Technical projections suggest that transitioning to these electric vans will save Lalitpur Metropolitan City approximately 7 million rupees annually in fuel and maintenance costs compared to traditional diesel-powered trucks.
Precision Engineering for Narrow Streets: Unlike standard commercial vehicles, these TM1 units are customized for Nepal’s unique geography. With a 4.9-meter turning radius, they are designed to navigate the ancient, narrow alleyways of Lalitpur, where larger trucks often struggle.
Advanced Tech Integration: Each vehicle is equipped with GPS for real-time route tracking and automated “electric booms” to streamline the unloading process, reducing the need for manual labor.
A Catalyst for Social Impact
Beyond environmental metrics, the Foton TM1 project is driving social change:
Workforce Optimization: Due to the vehicle’s ergonomic and user-friendly design, waste collection teams have been optimized from three members down to two, increasing overall efficiency.
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Gender-Inclusive Employment: Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan highlighted that this initiative has opened new doors for Nepalese women in the waste management sector, promoting gender-inclusive job opportunities in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Expert Insights: Leading the “Fossil Fuel-Free” Mission
Chiri Babu Maharjan, Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, reiterated the city’s strict “no-pollution” policy:
“Our city operates on a simple rule: pollution is strictly prohibited. We were looking for a robust solution that eliminates petrol and diesel usage in waste collection. Foton has delivered exactly what we needed, and we are proud to be the first to implement this in Nepal.”
Anil Baral, CEO of MAW Vriddhi Commercial Vehicles, emphasized the readiness of Nepal’s EV ecosystem:
“This is just the beginning. With over 171 CCS2 DC fast-charging stations and 14+ service centers nationwide, we are fully equipped to support municipalities across Nepal in their transition to green energy.”
Technical Specifications: Foton TM1 EV at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Battery Capacity | 38.64 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate |
| Max Power / Torque | 60 kW / 220 Nm |
| Range | Approximately 280 km |
| Charging | CCS2 DC Fast Charging (0-100% in ~6 hours AC; faster via DC) |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm |
| Safety | ABS with EBD, Reverse Camera, Electric Power Steering |
The Future of Commercial EVs in Nepal
The successful deployment in Lalitpur serves as a “proof of concept” for other local governments. It demonstrates that commercial EVs are no longer a “future dream” but a practical, ready-to-use solution for institutional needs from schools and hospitals to municipal logistics.
Contact for Inquiries:
Municipalities and fleet operators interested in customized Foton EV solutions can contact MAW Vriddhi at 9802375421 or 9802340671, or visit any Foton showroom across Nepal.
