Electrification of public transport

KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 10 : The transportation sector plays a vital role in the progress and prosperity of any nation. The role of the sector is much more crucial for a socio-economic transformation in a developing country like Nepal.  So, experts have long been pointing out the need for sustainable development of the entire transportation system.   The wide adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) can go a long in fulfilling the very need. The prime reason behind this is that such vehicles are far more environment-friendly and economical compared to those based on Internal Combustion Engine.

In recent times, the country’s market of automobiles operating on batteries has been witnessing steady growth. This could be ascribed to the formulation of EV-friendly policies and programs, growing consumer awareness of green technology, and aggressive sales and marketing strategies of EV manufacturers.

The government has not only deducted the custom duty as well as renewable and registration charges of EVs but also arranged the floating of a great amount of credit to those buying such vehicles. General consumers are also realizing the importance of green technology for the betterment of their day-to-day lives. Similarly, EV companies have been introducing cutting-edge products (in terms of design, comfort, safety, etc) but also developing state-of-the-art infrastructure with well-trained manpower.   

 Of late, there also have been some initiatives to promote the use of EVs particularly in pubic transport. The setting of the criteria for quality, operation, and management of taxi service by the provincial government of Bagmati sometime back is a case in point. The very criteria talk about making the use of EVs mandatory while providing taxi service to general passengers as well as to international tourists at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in the province.

These vehicles belonging to the sedan model inherently promise more elegant design, more spacious interiors and more safety, among others So, both the general passengers and foreign tourists are sure to enjoy the eco-friendly, quality, and safe taxi service.

The exerts are advocating for commencing electric taxi service in all seven provinces of the country. According to them, the very move will have positive repercussions not only on public transport but also on the tourism industry.

Moreover, they also opine that there should be massive electrification of cars, jeeps, vans, tippers, mini-trucks, trucks, etc used by government offices, schools/colleges, and other private companies. “For this, it is mandatory for the government to come up with a separate strategic plan.”

No doubt, this kind of plan offers multi-dimensional benefits to the country. This will pave the path towards revolutionizing the transport sector most sustainably. At the same time, the proposed strategic plan reserves immense potential to improve the economic situation of the country. For instance, the wide adoption of EVs will significantly minimize the import of petrol and diesel for which the country spends as much as Rs 150 billion annually. The import minimization of fossil fuel can help reduce the ballooning trade deficit and attain the much-needed economic balance.

Not only the EU nations but also the two neighboring countries-India and China have already declared not to produce gasoline vehicles from 2030. Similarly, Nepal is also planning to shift from gasoline-powered light vehicles to electric ones by 2031. The said strategic plan, if formulated, will surely help to catalyze the very shift.