A large number of electric vehicles (EVs) have piled up at the dry port of Chobhar.
The accumulation of electric vehicles at Chobhar is due to a significant increase in the import of electric vehicles. Imports of EVs have risen through the customs offices of Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani (Sindhupalchowk).
More than 950 electric vehicles are kept at the Chobhar dry port alone,, while over 1,000 additional vehicles are parked at the Rasuwa and Tatopani border points, according to Ashish Gajurel, executive director of the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board.
Businesses have been rapidly importing vehicles to take advantage of rumors about potential customs duty hikes and the recent drop in EV prices in China. Some vehicles are kept without customs clearance, while others have been directly sent to showrooms outside the Kathmandu Valley.
The recommendations of the High-Level Economic Reforms Advisory Commission (Khanal Commission) have also fueled fears among businesses about possible increases in customs duties. The commission has suggested adjusting taxes on petrol and electric vehicles and imposing a green tax on carbon-emitting vehicles.
Due to this, importers are bringing in EVs in larger quantities, anticipating potential tax hikes. Consumers, however, complain that although showrooms have vehicles in stock, they are delaying sales to sell them at new, higher prices.
