Vehicles mostly run on fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel and release carbon dioxide. The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are responsible for air pollution, global warming and climate change. Vehicles which are eco friendly are considered as green vehicles. gasoline/electric hybrids, pure electric cars, hydrogen cars, and solar cars are considered as green vehicles. The use of green vehicles is increasing all over the world with the increase in the focus of people and governments on the issues of climate change.

Why should green vehicles be encouraged in Nepal?

Dependence on imported fossil fuel is rising. Nepal is a landlocked country and all fossil fuels are imported with the large economy of the nation going out.

Green Vehicles provide energy independence with the reduced import and use of expensive oil. Green vehicles decrease greenhouse gas emission. They run on renewable energy sources and are eco friendly, cheaper.

Green vehicles are the ways to combat climate change and enhance renewable energy reducing the use of non renewable resources. In our fight against air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, the electrification of the transport sector is an important goal.

In 2016, the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) of Nepal’s air quality ranked 177th out of 180 countries and, in Asia, Kathmandu is ranked one of the most polluted cities. Use of electric vehicles reduces air pollution and health related issues due to pollution. 

The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is a mechanism by which countries agree to manage climate change. It is the principal mechanism of the Paris Agreement, adopted by 196 parties of the UNFCCC, during the 21st Conference of the Parties, in December 2015.

Nepal’s NDC includes ambitious targets for low-carbon sustainable transport. NDC outlines a series of 14 targets out of which targets related to the transportation sector are: 

By 2050, Nepal will decrease its dependence on fossil fuel in the transport sector by 50% through mass public transport, while promoting energy efficient and electric vehicles. 

Nepal will develop its electrical (hydro-powered) rail network by 2040 to support mass transportation of goods and public commuting.

By 2025, Nepal will strive to decrease the rate of air pollution through proper monitoring of sources of air pollutants like wastes, old and unmaintained vehicles, and industries.

Gaps in the policy and governance system for electric vehicles undermine operational action and progress on the ground, insufficient infrastructure and underdeveloped electric vehicle markets discourage consumers and inhibit, private sector investment and entrepreneurship, insufficient financing, limited technical and human resources, and limited data availability restrict investment and business activity for electric mobility and undermines decision-making are the major barriers for green vehicles in Nepal.

Reference

GGGI (2018). National Action Plan for Electric Mobility: Accelerating Implementation of Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contribution. Seoul: Global Green Growth Institute.