Nepal has emerged as the world’s second-largest market for electric vehicle (EV) sales by share of new car purchases, according to recent global estimates for 2025. Only Norway ranked ahead of Nepal in terms of the proportion of electric vehicles sold.
Data shows that EVs accounted for an estimated 73 per cent of all new car sales in Nepal in 2025. This marks a dramatic rise from just 8 per cent in 2019, highlighting the country’s rapid shift toward cleaner transportation.
Norway topped the global ranking, with electric vehicles making up about 97 per cent of new car sales in 2025. This means nearly every new vehicle sold in the country was electric. Nepal followed as the second-highest market by share, reflecting strong growth in EV adoption over the past few years.
While Nepal ranks high in percentage terms, China remains the world’s largest EV market in total volume. China is estimated to have sold more than 13 million electric vehicles in 2025, accounting for about 53 per cent of its total new car sales. The country continues to dominate global EV production and consumption due to its large automobile market.
Globally, electric vehicles have gained significant momentum since 2019, when they accounted for only a small share of new car sales in most countries. By 2025, EVs have become mainstream in several markets, with many countries crossing the 50 per cent threshold in new vehicle sales.
According to data from international energy research organisations, EV figures include both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Nepal recorded one of the sharpest growth rates in EV adoption between 2019 and 2025, increasing its share by 61 percentage points.