The Government of Nepal is set to introduce new regulations for the import of fossil fuel run vehicles and battery powered vehicles. To this effect, the Department of Transport Management has prepared a draft of the ‘Directive on Import, Production and Assembly of Vehicles 2082’ to regulate the import of any type of vehicle.
Earlier the department had formed a drafting committee to set standards for import of vehicles. The draft which is now ready will be discussed with stakeholders to finalise as directive.
The directive proposes a provision that only those who meet given criteria and conditions will be allowed to import vehicles. Provision has been made that importers must obtain permission from the department for import and manage the necessary physical infrastructure, machinery, equipment, and technical manpower.
As electric vehicles have different features, different provisions have been made for electric vehicles. The directive specifies standards such as minimum ground clearance, range, peak power of the motor, rated power ratio, battery life, construction of charging stations, and construction of battery management for EVs. Additionally, standards have been set for managing physical infrastructure and human resources for after-sales service, repair and maintenance.
For the electric vehicles, it is proposed that the battery that serves as the energy source for operating electric vehicles should have a minimum lifespan of 7 years or 3,000 charging cycles, and should have a thermal management system as a safety feature.
The draft states that batteries used in vehicles must meet safety standards such as UL 2580 or IEC 62133 or AIS 049, IS 17017, in order to reduce electrical, mechanical, and chemical hazards in the design and use of batteries. It has been stated that the charging system for electric vehicles should be compatible with Nepal’s electricity grid and charging facilities.
The department has proposed that the minimum mileage (kilometre) to be run by one full charge should be 300 km for four-wheeled vehicles or 100 km or more for two or three-wheeled vehicles under Nepalese road conditions.
Similarly, motors used in electric vehicles must comply with the standards and quality specified in IEC 60034-1/60034-5. The draft directive states that for motors above 5 kW, the motor should have an efficiency class of IE4, protection class IP 55, insulation class F, duty type S2, and a ratio of peak to rated power of 1.5 to 2.5.
It is being planned to ensure that the nameplate of the motor clearly states the manufacturer’s name or logo, model number and type of the motor, rated and peak power (kW), rated voltage, current, speed (RPM) and frequency, year of manufacture of the motor, and serial number.
The ground clearance of vehicles is specified in the directive. It has been said that in the case of cars, it should be at least 180 mm, and in SUVs and buses, it should be 250-300 mm. Only vehicles that are suitable for Nepal’s geographical conditions and have ISO 8608 (road surface) will be allowed to be imported.
Similarly, safety features including Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Antilock Braking System (ABS) have been made mandatory for vehicle safety.
The EV importer should have fully ensured facilities for after-sales-service and repair and maintenance. Likewise, the importer who import up to 500 vehicles, should have main office (50 square meters), three after-sales service centres of 400 square meters each. Likewise, there should be 4 employees including 1 engineer. Similarly, those who import up to 1,000 vehicles must have one head office, 5 after-sales service centres, and 10 employees, including two engineers. Moreover, for the import who import up to 5,000 vehicles, 10 after-sales service centres and 15 employees, including 3 engineers will be required.
It has been proposed that when more than 5,000 vehicles are imported, there should be 15 after-sales service centres and 20 other employees, including 4 engineers. Importers of electric vehicles will be required to build at least 5 charging stations. Those importing 500 units of EVs annually will have to arrange for 5 charging stations, 3 service centres (400 square meters), 1 engineer and 5 technicians. Similarly, those importing 1,000 units of EVs will need 10 charging stations, 5 service centre s, and 10 technicians, while those importing up to 5,000 units will need 20 charging stations, one battery management centre, 10 service centre, and 15 technicians including 3 engineers, and those importing more than 5,000 units will have to maintain 50 charging stations, one battery management centre, 15 service centres, and 20 technical staff, including 4 engineers. In addition, they will have to maintain the necessary machinery and equipment for vehicle maintenance.
