For decades, Safa Tempos have been a quiet yet indispensable part of everyday urban life in Kathmandu. They represent clean mobility, social impact and local value creation. However, many of these vehicles have now reached their structural limits – not due to a lack of technology, but because of ageing basic designs.

Despite successful technical upgrades, such as the transition from lead-acid to modern lithium batteries, many vehicles today struggle with worn-out chassis, fatigued structures and bodywork that no longer meets current requirements for safety, comfort and appearance. The result is increased maintenance effort, reduced driving stability and an image that no longer reflects what Safa Tempos truly stand for.

From outdated and obsolete to renewal

The Safa Tempo Modernisation and Innovation Programme addresses this challenge directly – with a clear and forward-looking step. Its aim is not merely to replace old frames, but to develop entirely new vehicles that are technically, structurally and visually aligned with the present day.

At the heart of the programme is a newly developed chassis, designed to withstand the demands of modern urban traffic while forming the basis for significantly improved driving characteristics. Ride comfort, stability and safety are rethought in a holistic way – without becoming lost in technical detail, but with a clear focus on a smoother, more confident driving experience for both passengers and drivers.

At the same time, the project remains deliberately resource-efficient. Proven components such as motors, batteries and axles are reused wherever this makes sense. The result is a modern vehicle platform that combines innovation with sustainability.

A new appearance for a proven idea

Modernisation means more than technology alone. The new Safa Tempos are intended to visibly demonstrate that they are part of contemporary urban mobility. The vehicle body is therefore being redesigned, with cleaner lines, a functional and uncluttered design language, and a robust, durable construction.
The look evolves from an improvised utility vehicle into a modern, confident urban vehicle – without losing its practical character. A design that builds trust, fosters pride among drivers and conveys safety and quality to passengers.

Developed locally, built locally

A key pillar of the programme is local development and manufacturing in Nepal. Know-how transfer, training and collaboration with local workshops and institutions create the foundation for an independent and sustainable production ecosystem. This approach delivers not only new vehicles, but also long-term perspectives: skilled jobs, technical expertise and economic independence.

Impact with a future

The Modernisation and Innovation Programme secures the long-term future of the Safa Tempo fleet while simultaneously strengthening its impact:

• Social, by safeguarding thousands of livelihoods – particularly for women working as drivers
• Environmental, by preserving an emissions-free transport system over the long term
• Economic, by creating local value instead of relying on costly imports

Safa Tempos will remain – but they will evolve. Not as a relic of past innovation, but as a modern response to the mobility challenges of today and tomorrow.

Funding / Sponsors Wanted

Enabling Mobility with Real Impact

The Safa Tempo Modernisation and Innovation Programme is far more than a technical upgrade project. It is a proven, locally rooted mobility model with strong social and environmental impact – providing locally operated electric vehicles (Safa Tempos) with high social and ecological value.

Today, many so-called “Lady Drivers” are active – mostly single mothers or women without family support. For them, a Safa Tempo represents not only an income, but also security, independence and social participation.

Why This Project Deserves Support

Social Impact

More than 3,000 people currently benefit directly or indirectly from the Safa Tempo fleet. The high participation of women, particularly single mothers, gives the project strong social relevance and makes it a flagship initiative for social inclusion. Safa Tempos transport around 143,000 passengers every day and are central to social participation.

Environmental Protection

Safa Tempos make a measurable contribution to reducing the severe air pollution in Kathmandu. Every modernised or newly built Safa Tempo replaces a fossil-fuel vehicle and improves the quality of life in Kathmandu, one of Asia’s most heavily polluted metropolitan areas.

Sustainability

The project stands for local manufacturing, resource efficiency, circular economy principles and long-term independence from costly vehicle imports. It demonstrates to the government and other cities that sustainable mobility solutions can be realised through local capacity and expertise.

Call for Support

To ensure that Safa Tempos can continue to deliver social and environmental benefits, we require seed funding for the construction of new chassis and the modernisation of the existing fleet.

Your support will help to continue this proven and impactful mobility and sustainability project, create new jobs, and make a direct contribution to climate protection, poverty reduction and gender equality.

Become part of this impact.

As a funding partner or sponsor, you invest in measurable impact, long-term sustainability and a model project with international relevance.

Please contact us – we would be delighted to discuss potential partnerships with you.