Nepal is a country rich in cultural and natural beauty with mountains that rise high and Terai, where there are lush green lands. Due to increasing tourism rates, transportation turns out to be more necessary, as well as flexible.
Car hiring in Nepal has gained popularity among travelers who prefer to have the convenience of driving wherever they want to go and at their own choice.
In the past few years, electric cars have been gaining popularity due to their eco-friendly nature, lower running costs. Nepal has been doing exceptionally well in the shift to electric mobility.
With the support of the hydropower sector, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming prevalent in cities, where they provide a clean, silent, and inexpensive means of transportation.
But as Nepal is a country of tough topography, steep hills, far mountain rights, and poor infrastructure in villages, petrol vehicles are still used for long-distance travel and off-road types.
Therefore, the large question is, are you supposed to rent a petrol car or an electric car in Nepal? It is a detailed comparison of the two options based on price, convenience, availability, performance, effect on the environment, and practicality in relation to various travel needs.
Understanding Nepal’s Road Conditions
It is very important to know about Nepal's road conditions before choosing between EVs and petrol. You will face both spectacular and difficult road conditions in Nepal. It has mountainous and rugged terrain, which affects the applicability of electric vehicles.
Road Conditions: Pokhara, Kathmandu, Chitwan
Travelling to the major cities of Nepal is ideal with electric cars because they have access to charging stations.
The road conditions in these regions are good and average, and, in some places, there are potholes and bumpy roads. Using EVs here is less noisy and gives smooth and comfortable rides.
Mountain and hilly roads: Manang, Mustang, Rara, Solukhumbu
The road condition in the hilly parts of Nepal such as Manang, Mustang, Rara, and Solukhumbu, needs strong 4WD cars to travel.
These terrains have steep slopes, rugged terrain, and fear of landslides. To travel in such areas, 4WD vehicles are preferable because they offer improved traction, strength, and portability.
Understanding Running Expenses and Fuel Availability
The cost of running as well as fueling is considerably different in electric vehicles and petrol cars. EVs are much more cost-efficient to operate, with operation costs of just around Rp. 0.8-2.5 per kilometer, depending on the source of electricity and the battery efficiency.
A full charge would be Rs. 200 to 500, and maintenance is minimal since there are no moving components and there is no need to change the oil.
However, there is a lack of charging stations in some places of Nepal. Although cities such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. It takes 6-8 hours charging with regular home chargers to full charge.
But petrol cars are still very common because they are easily available and the refueling takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Yet they are quite expensive to operate because the fuel at a rate equivalent of between NPR 10 to NPR 15 per kilometer, which is based on the fuel efficiency of the car and the condition in which it is driven.
The cost of filling a full tank of petrol is between 6 thousand to 10 thousand rupees, according to the size of the tank. Fuel availability is not a big problem in Nepal on the bright side. There are so many petrol stations around, and this makes them available even in remote areas across the country.
Environmental and Economic Benefits in Nepal’s Context
Talking about the ecological and economic benefits, electric cars are more impressive. It is the perfect choice for the green energy strategy of Nepal because more than three-quarters of its power grid is made up of clean, renewable energy.
It also has a positive impact on carbon emissions and air quality in the major cities of Nepal. EVs have a great economic implications because they reduce the billions of rupees that Nepal loses in importing fuel every year.
It is the fact that it helps to promote hydropower and directly aids the economy of the country by saving foreign currency.
On the other hand, petroleum vehicles increase the economy of Nepal because Nepal fully relies on the outsourcing of fuel. Nepal is losing billions of rupees in importing fuel. And the number reached 68.84 billion in the fiscal year 80/81.
In addition, fuel cars are expensive to run, maintenance, and fuel costs. For that reason, shifting to EVs in Nepal can achieve both sustainable and economical resilience.
Which Performs Better on Nepal’s Roads?
There are many factors that determine the performance of vehicles in Nepal. Whether it will be electric vehicles or petroleum, most of all it will be determined by the condition of roads as well as the types of the journey.
In the major cities of Nepal like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini, where roads are paved and distances are short, EVs are the best option because they are efficient in the city hills and moderately inclined highways because their instant torque offers smooth acceleration.
Moreover, it offers a quiet, smooth, and very economical choice. But in the rugged terrain or mountainous roads, its performance begins to deteriorate. It becomes difficult to navigate the hilly or cold regions due to its battery drain, and in the long travel, charging problems may arise.
On the contrary, petroleum vehicles are much more suitable for difficult terrains. Almost 55 percent of the Nepalese roads are unpaved and difficult.
These vehicles are capable of tackling steep hills, rugged terrain, mud, snow, and crossing bridges. Petrol engines supply power consistently, even on long hills.
Further, 4WD vehicles are built of petrol and diesel, which is durable and has high ground clearance, which can survive any road conditions of Nepal.
The gasoline stations are so common, even in the most distant locations, so the reliable journeys are guaranteed without any stops.
To sum up, EV is the best choice in cities and highways where there are charging points, whereas petrol vehicles are suitable in the mountains, off-roads, and long, unpredictable trips in Nepal.
Popular models of EV and Petrol Cars
Both of the cars are popular on their own. Here are some in-demand EVs and Petrol cars in the context of Nepal:
Popular EV car Models in Nepal
BYD Atto 3
This car is already one of the most popular EVs in Nepal. It gives a range of approximately 420 to 480 km, which is a compact small electric SUV. It has a large interior, high-level safety, and is ideal for driving in cities and on plain roadways.
Tata Nexon EV
The Nexon EV is cheap and durable electric car. It can easily be used in major cities of Nepal and gives 312 to 453 km in its range, depending on the type, as well as it gives fast charging options.
MG ZS EV
This EV is a family-oriented SUV with over a 320 to 440 kilometers range. MG ZS EV is a modern looking car, with a comfortable ride and very economical in Nepal.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The Kona Electric Car is another established EV in Nepal. It gives you a premium feel and a range up to 452 km. It is perfect for city rides and between city transfers.
Popular Petrol Cars on Nepal’s Roads
Maruti Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift is one of the all time best selling hatchbacks in Nepal. It is suitable to drive on both city roads and congested roads. It is a popular sedan in Nepal due to its size, price and fuel efficiency.
Hyundai i20
The Hyundai i20 is very popular among the Nepali youngsters. It is ideal for sightseeing in Major cities like Pokhara, Kathmandu, and Lumbini. It comes with a sleek finish and fuel efficiency well in both urban and semi-urban places.
Toyota Hilux
This strongest truck is very much in demand in Nepal because of its capability in hilly and off-road regions. The Hilux is very robust with durable suspension and can go through tough terrains and carry heavy loads without any problem. For the off-road trips, renting a Hilux can be the smartest decision for a few people.
Suzuki Baleno
Baleno is a luxury hatchback with more space, has a smooth drive, and fuel consuming. It is popularly and commonly used in Nepal because of its features and good performance.
Which Vehicle Should You Use for Your Trip in Nepal?
Recommendations depend on where you want to travel. For travelling in rural areas in Nepal, petrol cars are a more suitable and best option, especially for those who are eager to explore different terrains.
Half of the roads in Nepal are unpaved and challenging. Because of this, travelers need vehicles that can handle all the road types and have good performance, durability, and easy accessibility to fuel and maintenance.
Petrol cars with SUVs and 4WD drives are very preferable cars and fit into steep paths and muddy and unpredictable climate conditions like Mustang, Manag, Rara, and Solukhumbu.
And if you are willing to travel in cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini and flat regions of terai, electric vehicles are mostly recommended.
They are eco-friendly in nature and have low running costs. Even in the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, EV gives you a smooth and quiet ride. But these cars are quite risky in rough road conditions. So your purpose of travel determines your type of car.
In Summary
In recent days, electric vehicles are becoming more popular in Nepal. But both of the vehicles in Nepal are effective in their own ways based on the travel destinations and purpose.
Electric vehicles are ideal in terms of city driving, highways, plain land such as terai along with accessible charging stations.
Nevertheless, petroleum vehicles are more convenient and practical to travel in mountainous areas, rugged terrain and off roads. They are made for rough terrain and are very flexible in terms of range and fuel is easily available.
