万花筒 2008-06-04&-06-05（在线收听）

Amid all the tradition and history of Katmandu, a profound change is in the air. In fact, it might literally clear the air, reducing the choking pollution which has blighted this congested valley. The streets of the capital are gradually being taken over by these new electric vehicles, or EVs. Known locally as safa tempos, they are clean, green and have become increasingly popular especially since heavy-polluting Vikram Tempo rickshaws were outlawed in 1999. Nepal is already well ahead of the curve, it seems, on adopting electric vehicles.

This is one of two companies producing EVs on a small scale. Shree Eco Visionary is churning out five to ten vehicles a month and the waiting list is already eight weeks.

In comparison to the fossil fuel vehicle, electric vehicle are much cheaper. The fossil fuel vehicles cost 10 cents per kilometer, whereas an electric vehicle is 7 cents per kilometer.

With oil going ever higher, that cost saving is likely to get even bigger. Sachendra shows me how each vehicle runs on 12 car batteries, six up front, and six at the back. Charging is no problem.

These vehicles are very easy to charge. We just have to take the cord, and just plug it into our normal household 15-amp socket. And this vehicle is with onboard charger, which is very efficient, and charges from seven to eight hours.

But if the driver is in a hurry to recharge, they can go to one of 32 power stations and simply swap out the batteries for fresh ones in a matter of minutes.