NEVI Factory Setup in Kathmandu: Transforming Space for Nepal’s CleanMobility Future
For nearly three decades, NEVI has been a trailblazer in Nepal’s electric mobility scene. From the first Safa Tempos rolling through Kathmandu’s streets to the ambitious transformation of this factory, here’s how Nepal is putting cleaner, greener transport within reach—step by step, and wall by wall.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why This Factory Matters
1.1 Crafting a Safer Space for Electric Innovation
1.2 Sealing the Building Against the Monsoon
1.3 Brightening and Cooling with Fresh Paint
1.4 Solving the Water Tank Overflow Challenge
1.5 Upgrading Fire Safety for Lithium Batteries
1.6 Communicating Safety with Clear Signage
1.7 Innovating the Battery Cradle Prototype
1.8 What’s Next: Ongoing Improvements - Leadership & Vision
- Why This Matters for Investors & Partners
- Conclusion: Building the Future, Safely
- TL;DR
Introduction: Why This Factory Matters
Walk through Kathmandu today and you’ll see the echoes of NEVI’s vision everywhere. Nearly 30 years ago, NEVI pioneered electric transport with more than 360 Safa Tempos on the road, proving early on that electric mobility was not only possible in Nepal, but essential.
Now, that pioneering spirit has found a new home. An existing building is being transformed into a safety-first, future-ready factory — not through grand construction, but through practical, thoughtful upgrades that prepare it for the next generation of clean mobility. With the support of Innovate UK, this factory stands as a symbol of resilience, compliance, and readiness to scale.
Crafting a Safer Space for Electric Innovation
The factory is now divided into four dedicated zones: Electrical storage, Electrical operations, Mechanical storage, and Mechanical work. Each area is clearly marked, with a margin left around the water tank for safety.
Sealing the Building Against the Monsoon
Kathmandu’s rainy season once caused leaks through the walls. A five-day waterproofing project fixed the issue, protecting both equipment and operations for the long term.
Brightening and Cooling with Fresh Paint
Fresh white paint transformed the interior. It brightens the space, aids cooling, and is easy to maintain — a simple change that improves both safety and working conditions.
Solving the Water Tank Overflow Challenge
The on-site water tank previously spilled onto the floor when full. A new automatic float switch now shuts off the pump at capacity, eliminating the risk of flooding.
Upgrading Fire Safety for Lithium Batteries
With batteries at the heart of NEVI’s innovation, safety is non-negotiable. The factory is now equipped with Class D fire extinguishers, designed specifically for lithium fires using graphite and copper powders.
Communicating Safety with Clear Signage
Safety posters and signage have been installed across the factory to build awareness and encourage best practices daily.
Innovating the Battery Cradle Prototype
When aluminium wasn’t available in Nepal, the team improvised — constructing a prototype battery cradle from 1.5” x 1.5” mild steel bars and a printed flex sheet. It’s a practical demonstration of what the final cradle will look like, designed to house the batteries that will power Nepal’s next wave of electric vehicles.
What’s Next: Ongoing Improvements
The transformation is still underway. Work is progressing on dust- and moisture-controlled rooms to protect sensitive components, and ramps are being extended to improve the movement of vehicles and materials.
Leadership & Vision
Behind every upgrade are the people driving it forward:
- Managing Director Lobsang Lama has led NEVI for nearly three decades. His commitment to clean air for Kathmandu powered the launch of over 360 Safa Tempos and continues to shape every decision today.
- Director Tenphel Zoepa Lama brings strategic planning, economics, and international business expertise to the table, ensuring NEVI’s growth is not only visionary but also sustainable.
Together, they ensure this factory isn’t just a retrofit — it’s the foundation of Nepal’s long-term EV ecosystem.
Why This Matters for Investors & Partners
The Kathmandu factory offers lessons — and opportunities:
Open for Collaboration: With Innovate UK’s support, NEVI invites investors, partners, and technical collaborators to join in pilot deployments, workforce training, and scaling clean mobility.
Local Resilience: Repurposing an existing site reduces costs, speeds readiness, and adapts to Nepal’s realities.
Safety-First Compliance: From waterproofing to lithium fire extinguishers, every detail reflects international standards.
Scalable Blueprint: Zoning, SOPs, and prototypes create a repeatable model for future facilities.
Policy Alignment: NEVI’s approach is in lockstep with Nepal’s aggressive EV adoption and clean energy commitments.
Conclusion: Building the Future, Safely
From waterproofed walls to fire-safe battery zones, every improvement inside NEVI’s Kathmandu facility is a step toward Nepal’s cleaner future. This isn’t just a factory retrofit. It’s a statement: progress doesn’t always need a new building — it needs vision, care, and determination.
With leadership that has stood the test of decades and partnerships that span borders, this is only the beginning.
Follow NEVI’s journey, and be part of building Nepal’s clean mobility future.
TL;DR
- NEVI has transformed an existing building in Kathmandu into a safety-first EV facility.
- Upgrades include waterproofing, fresh paint, safety zoning, tank overflow fixes, Class D fire extinguishers, safety signage, and a prototype battery cradle.
- Ongoing works: dust- and moisture-free rooms, extended ramps for smoother operations.
- Leadership: Lobsang Lama (28+ years, MD) and Tenphel Zoepa Lama (Director, strategic expertise).
- Context: Nepal has 83,000 MW hydropower potential, EVs are already 76% of new sales, and national policy supports solar and battery reliance.
- Backed by Innovate UK, NEVI is building a factory that sets the stage for a greener, scalable transport future.
