Nepal has witnessed a significant rise in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) over the past few years. With the push for sustainability and the rising costs of fuel, EVs have become an attractive option for many consumers. However, a troubling trend has emerged: frequent safety incidents, ranging from vehicle fires to major accidents. This has raised a pressing question—are EVs truly safe in Nepal?
As the world moves towards green energy and electric mobility, Nepal’s market has been flooded with Chinese electric vehicles, often promoted as affordable and eco-friendly alternatives. But with weak regulations, unreliable charging infrastructure, and an increasing number of safety incidents, Nepal is at risk of becoming a dumping ground for low-quality EVs.
List of EV Accidents and Fires
In the past two years, several serious accidents and fire incidents involving electric vehicles have raised alarms regarding the safety of these cars. Below is a chronological list of major EV-related accidents that have occurred in Nepal:
- September 29, 2023: Eleven injured as an EV carrying teachers overturned on BP Highway in Sindhuli; cause unspecified.
- October 18, 2023: One dead, multiple injured as an EV microbus collided with a motorbike in Dhulikhel.
- December 25, 2023: An MG ZS EV caught fire while charging overnight in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, due to a suspected electrical short circuit.
- May 11, 2024: No injuries, but an EV car crashed into an electricity pole in Kupondole, disrupting power; cause suspected to be overspeeding.
- August 23, 2024: Six injured as a speeding EV microbus slipped and overturned in Dhading.
- October 8, 2024: Two injured as an EV microbus lost control and overturned near Mulghat on the Koshi Highway.
- October 21, 2024: An EV emitted smoke at Seres Service Center in Sitapaila, Kathmandu, likely due to a wiring short circuit.
- October 25, 2024: Eleven injured, including the driver, as an EV microbus met with an accident in Dhading; the cause is under investigation.
- November 8, 2024: Five dead, five injured as an electric vehicle collided with a bus on the Narayangadh-Muglin road; cause unspecified.
- February 1, 2025: One dead, nine injured when an EV Hiace and a bus collided in Dumkibas Jungle, Nawalparasi.
- February 11, 2025: One dead, one injured as an electric microbus collided with a motorcycle in Nuwakot.
- March 3, 2025: One dead, 14 injured as an untested electric microbus lost control and fell 15 meters off the road in Gorkha.
- March 12, 2025: Nine injured as an EV bus carrying wedding attendants overturned in Arghakhanchi while giving way to a school bus.
- April 03, 2025: 11 injured, as an EV microbus collided with a motorcycle on the Madan Bhandari Highway, Sindhuli, leaving the motorcyclist in critical condition due to reckless driving.
These incidents paint a concerning picture of EV safety in Nepal. The lack of stringent safety regulations and quality control has made electric vehicles a major public safety hazard.
Is Nepal a Dumping Site for Electric Vehicles?
The growing demand for EVs in Nepal has attracted numerous Chinese manufacturers, many of whom are flooding the market with low-quality electric vehicles. Brands such as Seres, MG, King Long, and KYC EV vans have entered Nepal, offering cheaper alternatives to Western and Japanese EVs. However, affordability has come at the cost of safety and reliability.
Unlike established brands from the US or Europe, which adhere to rigorous safety standards, many Chinese EVs have been reported to suffer from battery malfunctions, faulty wiring, and compatibility issues with Nepal’s charging infrastructure. This lack of quality control has led to dangerous situations where vehicles catch fire either while charging or even when parked. The recent incidents involving Seres 3 and MG ZS EV catching fire are a stark reminder of these risks.
Weak governmental regulations have further exacerbated the problem, allowing unsafe EVs to enter the market with little oversight. Nepal lacks a dedicated agency to thoroughly test and certify the safety of electric vehicles before they are sold to the public. This regulatory gap has turned Nepal into a testing ground for unproven and potentially hazardous vehicles.
The Role of Poor Charging Infrastructure
One of the biggest challenges in Nepal’s EV market is the lack of a reliable and standardized charging infrastructure. Many charging stations are not built to international safety standards, leading to voltage fluctuations and overheating issues that increase the likelihood of battery fires.
For instance, in the December 25, 2023, Budhanilkantha incident, the MG ZS EV caught fire while charging, suggesting a possible link between poor charging infrastructure and vehicle fires. Similarly, in Sitapaila, the Seres 3 EV erupted into flames while parked, which also points towards battery or wiring faults exacerbated by Nepal’s unstable electricity grid.
Without strict regulation and quality control, both the EVs and their charging systems pose significant risks to public safety. Consumers purchasing EVs in Nepal are often unaware of these hidden dangers until they experience mechanical failures or fires firsthand.
The Consumer Experience: Safety Risks and Poor Support
Beyond safety concerns, Nepali consumers face numerous challenges with after-sales service and maintenance of Chinese EVs. Many of these brands offer limited warranties, and spare parts are often unavailable, leaving customers stranded when issues arise.
Unlike established automakers, many Chinese EV brands fail to provide comprehensive support, leading to long delays in repairs and servicing. This lack of customer-centric policies has deterred many potential buyers from considering EVs as a long-term solution.
Furthermore, in the case of fire accidents or mechanical failures, customers often struggle to find legal recourse due to unclear warranty policies and the lack of accountability from manufacturers and importers. Consumers are left to deal with the financial burden and safety risks on their own.
The Need for Stronger Regulations
To ensure public safety and improve the quality of electric vehicles in Nepal, the government must take immediate action. Stricter regulations on EV imports, mandatory safety testing, and improvements in charging infrastructure are necessary to prevent future disasters.
Nepal’s push towards electric mobility is commendable, but it should not come at the cost of public safety. Without proper oversight, the EV market risks collapsing due to widespread dissatisfaction and increasing safety concerns. The government must step up to ensure that only high-quality, safe EVs are allowed in the market and that necessary infrastructure improvements are made to support their safe usage.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles hold great potential for Nepal’s sustainable future, but their safety must not be compromised. The increasing number of accidents and fire incidents highlight the urgent need for better regulations, improved charging infrastructure, and stricter import policies. If left unchecked, Nepal will continue to be a dumping ground for substandard EVs, endangering the lives of consumers and setting back the progress of sustainable mobility in the country.
As the world moves towards greener transportation, Nepal must prioritize quality and safety over affordability. The government, manufacturers, and consumers must work together to ensure that EV adoption is both safe and sustainable for the long term.
