KATHMANDU: Chinese EV brand Arcfox has entered Nepal with the T1 electric crossover. The model has made a strong debut in the market within a short period of its launch.
The Arcfox T1 is being imported and distributed in Nepal by Laxmi MotorHub. It competes in one of the most crowded segments of the Nepali EV market.
The company has started delivering the T1 to customers who booked the vehicle during the auto show. According to the company, deliveries of the auto show bookings will be completed before Dashain.
“We have started vehicle deliveries. Only a limited number of units have arrived so far. We plan to deliver the auto show bookings before Dashain,” said Akash Bikram Thapa, Brand Head of Laxmi MotorHub.
Price is one of the key attractions of the T1. The entry-level variant is priced at Rs 3.296 million, while the top variant costs Rs 3.596 million.
The company says buyers have also appreciated the T1 for its features, space, design and driving experience. Several customers have described it as a value-for-money product.
Premium experience, bigger footprint
The Arcfox T1 stands out with its premium-looking cabin and bigger size. At 4.3 meters long, it is larger than many compact EVs in its price range. It has a 4,337mm length and a 2,750mm wheelbase, which means more space inside and a stronger road presence.
What makes it more interesting is the price. Starting at Rs 3.296 million, the T1 offers the size and space of a more expensive EV while still costing less than Rs 4 million. This gives it an advantage over many smaller EVs.
The premium feel continues inside the cabin. It gets a large 15.6-inch touchscreen, comfortable seats and heated and ventilated front seats. The combination of space, comfort and features makes the T1 feel like a more expensive car.
For buyers who want a bigger and more comfortable EV without spending a lot more, the T1 offers a good balance of size, features and price.
What buyers look for
As the T1 is also targeted at family buyers, rear-seat comfort, legroom, headroom and boot space are important factors.
The T1 comes with a 2,720mm wheelbase. This provides good rear legroom and contributes to a comfortable ride. The rear seats also get an incline function.
Ground clearance is another consideration for Nepali buyers. The Arcfox T1 offers 181mm of ground clearance, which is suitable for highways and mixed road conditions.
Battery and range
The Arcfox T1 is equipped with a 42.3kWh battery pack. It offers a claimed range of 310km under the WLTP testing cycle.
The company claims energy consumption of around 11.2kWh per 100km. This makes the T1 relatively efficient for everyday use.
Power comes from a 70kW electric motor. The T1 uses a front-wheel-drive system.
The EV market is increasingly moving beyond range figures. Buyers are also looking at power, ride comfort, stability and overall driving experience. Arcfox believes the T1 performs strongly in these areas.
Backed by BAIC Group
The growing number of Chinese EV brands in Nepal has also made brand credibility an important consideration for buyers.
Arcfox is owned by BAIC Group, one of China’s major automotive groups. This gives the brand an established industrial background.
In Nepal, Arcfox is backed by Laxmi Group through Laxmi MotorHub. The group has an established presence in the automobile business and provides after-sales support.
For buyers of a new EV brand, service, spare parts availability and resale value remain important concerns. The backing of Laxmi Group could help Arcfox build customer confidence in the Nepali market.
