Opinion | Petrol to EV conversion sounds easy. Is it actually safe?
Summary
Nepal's government has approved converting petrol vehicles to electric, marking progress in green mobility, but safety concerns remain due to lack of regulatory standards for vehicle conversions.
Key Points
- Nepal's cabinet approved legal arrangements for converting internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles, removing previous legal barriers.
- Technical challenges exist, including vehicle engineering mismatches and risks of battery thermal runaway due to uncertified components in conversions.
- Institutional gaps include lack of certified workshops, trained engineers, and first responders equipped for electric vehicle emergencies.
- Clear legal frameworks and stringent safety standards are necessary to ensure safe and sustainable EV conversions in Nepal.
