The Government of Nepal is preparing to introduce stricter regulations on electric vehicles (EVs), signaling a significant policy shift aimed at improving quality control, safety, and infrastructure standards across the sector.
The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has drafted a new directive that outlines comprehensive requirements for the import, assembly, and production of EVs within the country. The government has intensified its regulatory work by introducing the 'Vehicle Import, Production and Installation Directive, 2082'.
The proposed regulation comes amid growing concerns about the quality and safety of electric vehicles entering the Nepali market. The draft includes a range of technical and operational criteria for EV importers and manufacturers. Among the key provisions is a mandate that importers must meet specified quality standards for consecutive years or risk losing their import licenses.
Vehicles must meet minimum battery life and safety benchmarks, including the integration of battery management systems and compliance with high-voltage, pressure, temperature, vibration, and mechanical testing protocols. Batteries must adhere to safety standards such as UL 2580, IEC 62133, AIS 049, or IS 17017, and be compatible with Nepal’s local charging infrastructure.
Firms seeking to import EVs will be required to provide additional infrastructure such as battery maintenance facilities, technical service centers, and training programs for technicians. Approval applications must include detailed technical specifications, type approval certificates from recognized authorities, and comprehensive parts import documentation including invoices and quantity breakdowns.
The directive stipulates minimum range requirements for EVs in Nepal: 300 kilometers for four-wheelers and 100 kilometers for two- or three-wheelers. Motors must comply with international standards such as IEC 60034-1/60034-5, and meet benchmarks for insulation class, efficiency, torque, and frequency. Specifications like the year of manufacture and serial number must be clearly marked on each motor. For motors above 5 kW, the motor should have efficiency class IE4, protection class IP55, insulation class F, duty type S2, and a ratio of peak to rated power of 1.5 to 2.5.
The motor nameplate should clearly indicate the manufacturer's name or logo, the motor's model number and type, rated and peak power (kW), rated voltage, current, speed (RPM) and frequency, the year of manufacture of the motor, and the serial number.
Digital testing reports—evaluating motor power, efficiency, and torque—must be submitted in accordance with SAE J2908 standards. EV manufacturers and assemblers will also be subject to a licensing system for importing parts, with clear rules around completely knocked-down (CKD) and semi-knocked-down (SKD) kits.
The proposed directive by the department has made separate provisions for assembly and production in Nepal. It has provisions that the vehicle assembler will have to apply to the department with copies of official documents to obtain permission to import completely separate SKD or partially separate SKD parts required for any model of vehicle they want to assemble.
Production-related requirements include obtaining design approvals, prototype evaluations, type certifications, and renewal of type approvals at regular intervals. The regulation allows vehicles produced in Nepal to be tested abroad if necessary.
Post-sale obligations will also become stricter. Companies importing at least 500 units annually must set up five charging stations, three service centers covering a minimum area of 400 square meters, and employ at least five technical staff including one engineer. For firms importing up to 1,000 units, requirements rise to 10 charging stations, five service centers, and 10 technicians. Companies importing more than 25,000 units must establish 50 charging stations, one battery management center, 15 service centers, and employ at least 20 technical professionals including 10 engineers.
Through this directive, the government aims to ensure that Nepal’s rapidly expanding EV sector grows sustainably, with a focus on safety, reliability, and local capacity building.
