Kathmandu, June 26 The government has said it is committed to and fully supports promotion of electric vehicles and the proper utilisation of available energy in Nepal for reduction of carbon gas, as well as fossil fuel import. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Barsha Man Pun, speaking at a programme titled ‘Electric Vehicle Promotion Conference’ organised by Energy Development Council (EDC) in the Capital today, said the government is working towards maximising use of electric vehicles in the country. “Nepal will switch from non-renewable fossil fuel to sustainable and clean energy very soon,” he claimed, adding that the government is gearing up to introduce policies promoting clean energy to replace traditional energy sources. He also noted the pressing need to phase out all petrol scooters and motorcycles. Replacing all two- and four-wheeler private vehicles with electric vehicles will create 6,000 MW market for Nepal’s electricity. He further said it will save Nepal more than $2.5 billion in petroleum bill, thereby reducing the trade deficit drastically. Speaking at the programme, Sujit Acharya, chairman of EDC, highlighted the need to promote EVs in Nepal in light of public health and environmental benefits as compared to traditional fossil fuel vehicles. In the conference, the panellists emphasised on the importance of energy independence and self-reliance. Bijaya Man Sherchan, chairman of Electric Vehicle Manufacturers’ and Importers’ Association – Nepal, highlighted the history and achievements of EVs in Nepal. “The government should create a favourable environment for the electric vehicles in Nepal, but it is yet to even introduce the guidelines to regulate the EV sector.”