NEA first brought into operation 51 electric charging stations in Nepal in 2023. However, the number continues to increase. Kulman Ghising has shared that as of now (August 2024), the authority operates 62 charging stations in total across the country.
The authority established 51 EV (Electric Vehicle) chargers at 32 separate spots along the major highways in 2023. As per the news, all of those electric charging stations are now in active operation adding 11 more to the list.
Sharing the latest details on the occasion of the third year in his second tenure as NEA MD, Ghising also said that private companies are operating 400 charging stations as of now.
One of the major reasons people have chosen to stay away from EVs is the lack of charging convenience. That concern can now gradually subside for many as NEA’s project would cover long-distance EV riders/drivers across the highways.
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Charging Stations on the Highways
NEA installed charging stations along the highways to make them accessible to possibly every EV owner. As per the plan, the authority set up 5 charging stations in each province. Kathmandu has 10 and the remaining five have been allocated as per the need. The figures have likely changed but NEA hasn’t provided explicit details about them as of now.
NEA has determined the charging spots in the designated areas. The authority has reached an agreement for the procurement of charging machines. Currently, it is connected to connect the charging points to establish electricity.
Some stations will require cables up to 200 meters which will require up to 6 utility poles. Some stations will have the capacity to charge 3 and others 6 vehicles simultaneously. Under this project, the East-West Highway, Prithvi Highway, BP Highway, and Madan Bhandari Highway among others will have charging stations set up.
Asian Development Bank has extended financial support for this project. Each charging station will cost Rs 80 lakh.
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Full Charge Won’t Take Long
NEA Spokesman said that the EVs won’t take long to fully charge with their charging stations. He informed me that their charging stations can charge an electric car within 30 minutes. Meanwhile, a bus will take an hour for a complete charge.
NEA is installing one transformer of 100 KW capacities for each charging station for their power needs.
If charging stations along the highways are not enough, then mobile booking and payment will be more delightful for EV owners. Users can pay for charging using the NEA Charge app.
EV Riders can book their preferred charging stations and also pay online on their smartphone. Restaurants will be set up at the charging stations for snacks, and meals for the riders.
All 51 charging stations will be operated from a control center in Kathmandu.