Experts discuss on EVs and its contribution at JAAM interaction

Journalist Association for Automobile and Mobility Nepal (JAAM Nepal) had organised an interaction programme at the NADA Auto Show venue, Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu on Friday 30th August. The topic of the discussions was Green Mobility and Economy. A number of transport experts and environment experts had participated the event as panelists where representatives of automobile dealers and journalists were present on the occasion.

Environment and non-polluting vehicles experts and campaigner Bhushan Tuladhar, Public Transport expert Ashish Gajurel, EV charging station expert at NEA Sagar Gyawali, SDE at Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Surestha automobile entrepreneur and Senior VP of NADA Akash Golchha were the panelists. The discussion programme was moderated by Sagar Gajurel who is also president of the organisation.

On the occasion, Suresh Shrestha, the senior divisional engineer at the MOPIT said that the Government is preparing a guideline for import of electric vehicles to control import of low quality and unsuitable electric vehicles. Sagar Gyawali siad that Nepal Electricity Authority has been successful in installation of charging points at strategic locations of highways. Private entrepreneurs are also installing such facilities. In some places charging hub are being installed where 12 vehicles at time can be charged. That will rely the users to reduce ‘range anxiety’.

Bhushan Tuladhar mentioned the importance of electric transportation in connection to the public health and clean air. He also highlighted government support to promote electric vehicles for public transportation.

Ashish Gajurel elaborated benefits of public transportation. The systems and safety should be the priority. The well managed public transport system can reduce private transportation and eventually reduce cost of operation and convenience to the users.

Moreover, the concern on electric vehicles for public transportation was one of the focus subject of the interaction. Almost all vehicles for passenger and goods transport operated currently as public transport are almost ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles. They consume diesel or petrol and belch toxic gases as smoke. It is stated by reliable international research agencies that millions of people die every year by vehicular pollution. In Nepal also it is said that air pollution including vehicular emissions is responsible for some 45 thousand premature deaths in Nepal. In addition, the cost of fuel to import is also very high that the country has to pay.

The panelists expressed satisfaction on the growth rate of electric vehicles which took place in less than a decade. The elaborated contribution of the evs in public health and support reduce import fossil fuel to reduce the trade deficits. Also praised the availability of electricity generated in the country. Moreover, the experts highlighted Government policy specially on customs and tax to be made stable for a longer period so as automobile dealers, lenders and even users can fully rely. Thus, focus on decarbonised public transportation should not be further delayed. The government authorities, automobile dealers, public transports entrepreneurs, bankers and users should be well informed on the benefits of electric public transportation. A few thousand of micro buses operated by electricity in various routes connecting city to cities and even in the Kathmandu Valley including electric bus services rendered by Sajha Yatayat and Sundar Yatayat had shown the success of eves for public transportation. However, the current status must not be taken as limit but have to bring out sizeable plans to implement for wider benefits. Thus, the government need to provide technical and financial supports in terms of subsidy or soft loans so as public transportation entrepreneurs invest in electric buses and microbuses.  (By R.P. Narayan)       

.  (By R.P. Narayan)