Powering Nepal’s Highways: A Master Plan for 424 EV Charging Stations
17th August 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal is on the cusp of a major transformation in its transportation sector, driven by a visionary master plan to establish 424 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on national highways.
Nepal EV charging stations
This strategic initiative, led by the Secretariat of the Water and Energy Commission, is a significant step towards achieving the nation’s ambitious goals of sustainable development and energy independence. By creating a robust charging infrastructure, the government aims to eliminate “range anxiety” and accelerate the shift to electric mobility across the country.
This comprehensive plan, which proposes building charging stations at intervals of 25–100 kilometers, is a direct response to the increasing adoption of electric vehicles.
While the country currently has around 450 charging stations, most are concentrated in urban centers like the Kathmandu Valley, leaving long-distance travelers with limited options. The new plan will extend this network to cover approximately 14,913 kilometers across 80 national highways, ensuring that EV owners can travel confidently throughout Nepal.
The Public-Private Partnership Model
The master plan is set to be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This approach is designed to leverage the strengths of both the government and the private sector, sharing risks and resources to ensure the project’s success.
The selection of the 424 priority locations was based on a meticulous analysis of several factors, including traffic density, land availability, flood risk, road condition, and access to the power grid. This data-driven strategy ensures that each charging station is placed in an optimal location to maximize its usability and efficiency.
The plan outlines the installation of four types of charging stations, catering to a wide range of vehicles. This includes everything from standard Level 1 chargers for personal use to high-capacity 1-megawatt chargers for heavy vehicles like electric buses and trucks. This diversity is crucial for supporting a comprehensive and inclusive EV ecosystem that can serve all segments of the transport industry.
Fueling National Goals and a Greener Future
Nepal’s commitment to electric mobility is reflected in its ambitious national targets. The government aims to make 90% of private vehicles and 60% of four-wheelers electric by 2030. By expanding the charging infrastructure, the nation is laying the groundwork to meet these goals.
Moreover, the move to EVs is a strategic step toward managing the country’s growing hydropower generation. With a target of generating 28,500 megawatts of electricity by 2035, the government sees EVs as a key enabler for increasing domestic power consumption and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
This master plan is not just about building charging stations; it’s a living document. It emphasizes the need for continuous review and revision to adapt to emerging technologies, market dynamics, and new policy requirements.
This proactive approach ensures Nepal’s EV system will remain flexible, adaptable, and aligned with the country’s national goals for sustainable development. Ultimately, this initiative will pave the way for a cleaner, more energy-secure, and self-reliant Nepal.
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