Nepal's dam projects drive electric vehicle boom: Video
Nepal is seeing a surge in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). This is a result of the availability of cheap electricity generated from a series of new dam projects.
Emissions-free vehicles are gradually replacing older, fuel-powered cars, particularly in Kathmandu.
The country is experiencing a rise in hydropower output which is reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuel imports.
According to government estimates, more than 40,000 electric vehicles are now on the roads, with demand growing fast.
EV imports nearly tripled last year, accounting for a quarter of all new vehicle purchases. China, a major global player in electric vehicles, supplies about 70% of the Nepalese market.
While EVs are seen as a green solution, there are concerns about the disposal of lithium-ion batteries, which are hazardous if not properly managed.
Nabin Bikash Maharjan, CEO of Blue Waste to Value, warned, "Ion batteries need proper management. It needs to be recycled, and the residue should be managed properly so that leakages won't mix in the ground, water, or air."
