Martin Chautari (part of a project of the Center for Social Research and Development (CSRD), Leaders Nepal, Abhiyan Group, Pro-public, Renewable Energy Program Support Office-Nepal-Winrock International and The Explore Nepal.

When the project was implemented in 1998, the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry in Nepal was struggling to make appreciable impact in expansion of Electric Vehicles to substitute for polluting vehicles, mainly diesel powered three-wheelers known as Vikram tempos. The EV industry was struggling because of various bottlenecks such as lack of adequate infrastructure (lack of charging stations and parking space,) and technical and legislative problems. As part of EV advocacy, Martin Chautari undertook two months research on identifying bottlenecks faced by the EV industry and finding ways to solve them. Based on those results, Martin Chautari started the advocacy campaign for EV promotion, both in media and public, (with financial assistance from REPSO-Nepal and active participation of local NGOs namely the Explore Nepal, Abhiyan Group, Leaders Nepal and Pro-public). A network of organizations carried out extensive writings in newspaper advocating non-polluting vehicles, environmental education in public schools, public mobilization, demonstrations and rallies, legal suits against the polluting diesel tempos.

Environmental protection and economic growth through EV industry.

The image of Kathmandu valley as the most polluted place is now gradually eroding. Thanks for unprecedented growth of electric tempos and expulsion of notorious smoke-belching diesel three-wheelers. The combination of activities created public demand for clean vehicles and enhanced pressure, which ultimately led the government to ban operation of diesel Vikram tempos in Kathmandu valley and provide incentives for Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs). Moreover, the government has decided to introduce Euro I standards by 2001. The public support for EVs, public pressure against polluting vehicles and government’s incentives for electric vehicles brought about tangible improvements in the air quality of the valley. After diesel Vikram tempos’ expulsion, the demand for electric tempos has impressively increased and in a few months time after ban on diesel tempos, there will be sufficient electric tempos to occupy the vacancy created after diesel Vikram tempos' expulsion. The road towards cleaner modes of transport has thus been initiated.

The project demonstrated well that by mobilizing environmental NGOs, it is possible to raise awareness among the people and build pressure on government to implement environmentally friendly policies like banning polluting vehicles, providing incentives such as import tax waiver and VAT exemption for EVs. Because of incentives provided for EVs, it has been possible to manufacture EVs at affordable price and compete with polluting vehicles in Nepal. Today, there are more than 350 electric tempos plying the streets of Kathmandu. This can be a source of other countries where electric tempos have yet become acceptable mode of transport both economically and technically.

Martin Chautari
Thapathali, Kathmandu
Tel./Fax (+977) 1 246 065
Email: chautari@mos.com.np
REPSO-Nepal

Winrcok International
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel. (+977) 1 254 687, 255110; Fax (+977) 1 262 904
Email: bpandey@mos.com.np