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Electric vehicles worth more than Rs. 4 billion have been imported through the Birgunj customs checkpoint during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year. With the growing attraction toward electric mobility, both imports and revenue collection have seen significant growth.

According to Udaysingh Bista, Information Officer at the Birgunj Customs Office, a total of 15,271 electric vehicles of various types were imported during the 10-month period of the current fiscal year. The total value of these imports reached Rs. 4.02 billion, which is Rs. 2.37 billion or 143.60 percent higher compared to the same period last fiscal year.

During the first 10 months of the previous fiscal year, 9,042 electric vehicles worth Rs. 1.65 billion had been imported through the Birgunj checkpoint. Revenue collection from those imports stood at Rs. 814.7 million.

In the current fiscal year, 657 electric cars, jeeps, and vans with capacities ranging from 51 kilowatts to 100 kilowatts have been imported. These vehicles were valued at Rs. 1.87 billion, generating Rs. 1.19 billion in revenue. In comparison, only six such vehicles worth Rs. 20.6 million had been imported during the same period last year.

Similarly, 8,867 electric motorcycles and scooters were imported during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year. These vehicles were valued at Rs. 1.17 billion, generating Rs. 385.5 million in revenue. During the same period last year, 4,834 electric motorcycles and scooters had been imported.

According to the customs office, imports of fuel-powered and electric vehicles, along with their spare parts, through the Birgunj checkpoint totaled Rs. 31.31 billion during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year. This is Rs. 9.65 billion or 44.58 percent higher compared to the same period last fiscal year.

During the same period, 628 jeeps, cars, and vans worth Rs. 1.25 billion were imported, contributing Rs. 3.17 billion in government revenue. However, the number of imported petroleum-powered vehicles has declined compared to last year.

Likewise, 51,423 unassembled motorcycles worth Rs. 7.32 billion were imported. According to the customs office, these motorcycles alone generated Rs. 7.09 billion in revenue.

As consumer attraction toward electric vehicles continues to grow, imports through the Birgunj checkpoint have increased sharply. This indicates a gradual expansion in the use of clean energy-based transportation in Nepal.

Jalasarokar