Source: The New York Times

Date Published: 07.28.2025

Link: The Country Where 76% of Cars Sold Are Electric

Nepal’s rapid shift to electric vehicles demonstrates how emerging economies can lead the transition toward net zero cities by leveraging clean energy and strong public policy. With over 75% of passenger vehicles sold in the country now electric, Nepal has capitalized on its abundant local hydropower by replacing cars run on imported fossil fuels with carbon-free electricity. Sparking a total market transformation, strategic government incentives—like reduced import taxes, subsidies for charging infrastructure, and low electricity rates—have made low-cost Chinese imported EVs more cost competitive than internal combustion vehicles. However, realizing a net zero city will also require scaling up electric public transit and ensuring a long-term political commitment to the government incentives. Nepal’s example however offers a model for other low- and middle-income countries aiming to grow economically without repeating the pollution-heavy paths of wealthier nations.