Nepal literally cleans the air with green vehicles

THE NEW TREND: Electric cars are the hottest new trend in the polluted and congested valley.

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Kathmandu: Amid all the tradition and history of Kathmandu, a profound change is in the air. In fact it might literally clear the air, reducing the choking pollution, which has blighted this congested valley.

The streets of the capital are gradually being taken over by new electric vehicles (EVS). Known locally as safa tempos, they are clean, green and have become increasingly popular, especially since heavy-polluting Vikram Tempo rickshaws were outlawed in 1999. Nepal is already well ahead of the curve on adopting electric vehicles.

"In comparison to a fossil fuel vehicle, electric vehicle is much cheaper. The fossil fuel vehicle costs 10 cents per kilometre whereas electric vehicle costs 7 cents per kilometre," Technical Director, Shree Eco, Sachendra Dhakhwa explains.

With oil price going ever higher, the cost saving is likely to get even bigger. Most of these electric vehicles are run as mini-buses ferrying people around town. But four of the EVS are being used for sightseers with a green conscience.

This is being touted as a pollution free eco ride for tourists as it enables them to go 70 kilometres and the great thing is, it's easy to drive.

Shree Eco visionary estimates 125,000 people already hitch a ride on EVS each day in Kathmandu. Each of the vehicles cost $ 13,500 to buy, which is not cheap by Nepalase standards, but already 650 are on the road.

Shree Eco visionary hopes in five years there'll be 4000. That may sound too ambitious but if if they can offer a low-tech, simple solution to Nepal’s pollution problems, some say they could be perfect.