Govt develops EV battery management action plan with third-party study

Kathmandu / June 28: The government has commissioned a third-party study to develop an action plan for the management of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) has assigned Abhiyantriki Karmshala Pvt Ltd to conduct the study. According to Suresh Shrestha, an under secretary at the MoPIT, the ministry will formulate an action plan based on the study report provided by Abhiyantriki Karmshala.

Shrestha explained, “We have initiated a study on the condition of EV batteries after their ‘first life’ and how they can be managed during their ‘second life’ even after the warranty period. The study is focused on efficient battery management.”

In some countries, used EV batteries are repurposed as ‘second-life’ batteries. Abhiyantriki Karmshala will suggest ways to use these batteries in their second life after being removed from vehicles. The company will also explore battery recycling methods and techniques, conducting a study termed ‘After Life Battery Management.’ Shrestha said, “Once we receive the study report, we will proceed with developing battery management procedures.”

Abhishek Karki, chief executive officer of Abhiyantriki Karmshala, confirmed that the technical study on battery management is underway as per the ministry’s directives. Abhiyantriki Karmshala is an engineering company focused on innovation and green mobility.

This initiative follows the Supreme Court’s directive for the government to establish a management plan for lithium batteries in EVs. A year ago, the then Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat required businesses to submit a battery management plan to the customs office through the national budget.