A half- day workshop was organized on 6th of September 2007 in Kathmandu as a part of the process of formulating visions and building partnership among stakeholders for betterment of EVs industry in Nepal. It was jointly organized by Shree Eco- Visionary Pvt. Ltd (SEV), Clean Air Network Nepal (CANN) in support with Small Grant Program under Global Environment Facility (GEF) implemented by UNDP and Kathmandu Electric Vehicle Alliance (KEVA).

The main objective of this workshop was to share the concept with stakeholders how market for Electric Vehicle can be diversified in future and receive their inputs to formulate the vision for further improvement. The workshop also intended to bring all the stakeholders like Electric Vehicle Association Nepal, Department of Transport Management, Transport Entrepreneurs and other private sectors into single platform to explore the possibility of building partnership with them.

Mr. Gopal Raj Joshi, Coordinator for CANN, highlighted the issues of air pollution basically caused by vehicular emission. "Air pollution is a silent killer, it is a cause of approximately 0.8 million premature deaths annually throughout the globe. But we are not giving so much attention over it," he said. He said the best alternative solution to lessen the impact of air pollution caused by vehicle emission is electric vehicle. If electric vehicles are fostered in the market then, there will be less use of petroleum products, decrease of PM10 in air, save national currency spend in the import of petroleum products from foreign country.

He then highlighted the challenges, opportunities, future approaches and important activities that have to be carried out for the promotion of electric vehicle in Nepal.

Mr. Umesh Shrestha, director SEV, commenced his presentation with the background information on initiatives taken by his organization and other partner organizations for promotion of EVs in Nepal. He highlighted some potential markets for electric vehicles. And he stressed on government support for the promotion of electric vehicle. Concluding his presentation he said stakeholders’ participation is another important fact that can promote electric vehicles, therefore stakeholders’ participation is of utmost important.

Mr. Bibek Chapagain, In-country Coordinator of KEVA, concluded that Nepal’s transport sector is going to face serious problem in the days to come as the world is heading towards the peaking point in terms of fossil fuel production. "We should explore the possibility to use clean hydropower, which is locally produced in the country, in transport sector to ensure country’s energy security" he said.

The participants actively participated in the constructive discussion expressing their opinion and suggestions to the floor. They all appreciated the concept of geographical diversification and market promotion of electric vehicles. Some of the highlights of discussion are presented below:

• Government should formulate attractive policy and subsidy provisions to electric. There must be strong political will power.
• The projects should be demand driven; electric vehicles should be designed as per market demand.
• Conversion of old vehicles should be given more priority; government should look into safety measures rather than debating on the conversion method.
• Electric vehicles should be promoted more inside Kathmandu valley looking into environmental aspects rather than out of valley.
• More promotion, awareness, and advertisement are required.
• Regular communication and update on ongoing initiatives among stakeholders is necessary.
• Marketing and financial mechanism should be developed.
• Rapport building with journalists.