Nepal Oil Corporation increased the price of petroleum products just recently. The current price of a liter of petrol is record-high NRs 160. Petroleum product prices are expected to rise even more as petroleum products in the international market have been continuously growing.
Fuel prices have continued to rise, especially in the wake of the crisis between Russia and Ukraine. In such a case, the government spends a significant amount of money on the purchase of petroleum products.
Fuel price increases are often a subject of concern in the country since they have a ripple effect on all sectors. Following the soar, the cost of daily consumed goods has skyrocketed, making life more difficult for people on minimum wage.
Furthermore, the number of individuals driving their vehicles is expanding year after year. Every individual who drives his car must suffer additional charges based on the price list supplied by the Indian Oil Corporation every 15 days and the price decided by the corporation.
The government, on the other hand, has been encouraging the usage of electric cars. In the current fiscal year’s budget, only one percent customs duty has been levied on the import of electric vehicles. Similarly, the government has offered Fuel-Powered Vehicles To Be Converted To Electric Vehicles with an Exemption Notice from the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport
The Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) has formed a logical conclusion by analyzing electric scooters from the government level in the context of Nepal being the only market for selling goods.
Most institutions in Nepal have attempted to send a new message by building electric scooters, despite accusations that they are unable to operate efficiently and are not involved in research.
The organization claims to have created a model suited for the land and roads of Nepal and has paved the path for others who wish to build scooters by establishing a factory.
Dr. Sunil Babu Shrestha, Vice-Chancellor of the Electric Scooter Foundation, and Bamdev Chhetri, Vice-Chairman of the Lumbini Planning Commission, have previously experienced the Foundation’s electric scooter.
The scooter has already been reported to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation by the foundation. It is set to be inaugurated in a few days in the presence of Energy Minister Pampha Bhusal.
On the other hand, electric vehicles manufactured by international makers can go 1,000 kilometers on a single charge and are already accessible. Both China and India have made significant advances in the production of electric vehicles.
Various varieties of electric vehicles have begun to circulate on Nepal’s roads. Consumers will be compelled to seek alternatives if the price of petroleum products continues to skyrocket.
According to Rabindra Dhakal, the Foundation’s Head of Technology and the Head of the Electric Scooter Manufacturing Program, a model appropriate for Nepali geography has been developed. The institute recently built a prototype. Similarly, the foundation is carrying up a survey of the Lumbini state government to evaluate what technical and financial preparations should be taken when establishing a manufacturing plant in Nepal.
On the establishment’s grounds, an electric scooter laboratory has been constructed. Dhakal stated that plans are being made to rename the present scooter ‘Sarathi.’
Manpower has also been prepared with the goal of providing manufacturing support in Nepal. The institute has released the results in seven months with the necessary studies.
The foundation spent over three lakh rupees to build a scooter. Electric scooters can be mass-produced in Nepal at a price ranging from NRs 150,000 to NRs 200,000. Since all of the items must be imported from overseas, the organization anticipates that it will be somewhat costly.
Dhakal expressed optimism that electric scooters can be manufactured in Nepal, noting that they have investigated the subject to make Nepal not just a market but also a site of production.
Under his supervision, the institution also performed a project to create petrol from plastic. The research, which was done under India’s unannounced blockade, vanished as the situation restored to normal. Prahlad Gupta, the scooter’s team leader, has played a crucial role in its development.
The foundation’s current scooter has a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of two kilowatts. The capacity of the battery can be increased. On a single charge, the current scooter can travel up to 50 kilometers. According to Dhakal, when battery and motor capacity increase, more kilometers can be driven.
The issue of batteries, which are utilized in the majority of electric vehicles, has been highlighted in particular. Nepal is conducting a study on lead cell batteries. In this regard, the Foundation is offering technical and academic support.
To promote the usage of electric vehicles, charging stations must be created everywhere. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has said that 50 charging stations will be built around the nation in the first phase, but no real progress has been done thus far. Similarly, Hyundai is investing in the private sector to build 40 charging stations.
In addition, the NEA has cut the electricity tariff for charging electric vehicles. Charging at night is significantly less expensive. However, not every charging station has been constructed. Motorcycles and scooters may be charged at home.
On its initiative, the private sector is establishing charging stations throughout Kathmandu Valley. It should be enlarged further. Even though the NEA has proposed many initiatives to promote domestic power use, progress has been slower than planned due to legal constraints.
Dhakal, who is also a senior scientist at the institution, believes that the government and industry should collaborate to develop a common vision for the development and usage of electric vehicles in the country.
He states that to get a new job, you must be willing to take some risks. The organization has also created technology that allows motorcycles to be started using a smartphone app.
Petroleum product use must be steadily decreased. On the one hand, environmental risks are growing, while on the other, vast sums of money have been sent abroad. The only way to avoid this is to drive electric automobiles.
Dhakal, the foundation’s senior scientist, added that time will progressively drive people to adopt electric vehicles and that the organization has offered technological and intellectual help in this area.
He further says that the government should take the lead in engaging in the market. It is also vital to build trust in the country’s ability to manufacture electric vehicles. Dhakal stated that the foundation has taken the initiative in this regard.