Northern border disruptions and higher duties slow Nepal’s EV boom

Electric vehicle imports fell 24 percent last fiscal year as prolonged closures at Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani choked supplies. Dealers warn fresh disruptions could delay launches at this month’s major automobile exhibitions.

Months-long disruptions at Nepal’s two main northern border crossings have slowed the country’s fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) market, caused imports to fall sharply, and threatened the launch of new models ahead of this month’s two biggest automobile exhibitions.