KATHMANDU: The demand for electric cars in Nepal continues to grow, with more than three dozen EV brands now available in the market. New brands and models are also entering the market regularly.
While some internal combustion engine models have remained popular for decades, establishing a new EV model has become increasingly difficult due to intense competition, price wars and the arrival of new products.
Amid this competition, the BYD Atto 2 has set a new record in Nepal within just one year. The electric SUV has become the first EV model to record more than 2,500 units in annual imports.
Cimex Inc., the authorized distributor of BYD in Nepal, introduced the Atto 2 in August 2025. By August 15, 2026, a total of 2,475 units had been imported into Nepal. This is the highest number of units of any EV model imported in a single year in the country.
The Atto 2 has also surpassed the previous record held by BYD’s Atto 3. In 2024, the Atto 3 recorded annual imports of 2,068 units.
Of the 2,475 Atto 2 units imported, 1,072 units arrived during the final four months of 2025, while another 1,403 units were imported in the first eight months of 2026.
The model’s BYD branding, attractive design, 200 mm ground clearance, Blade Battery and competitive pricing have helped attract buyers. Cimex’s nationwide sales network and investment in after-sales service and spare parts have also strengthened customer confidence.
More variants added
For the first 11 months after its launch, the Atto 2 was available in only one Premium variant. The variant is currently priced at Rs 4.899 million.
Cimex added two more variants within the past month. The company introduced the more affordable Essential variant with a 45.12 kWh battery at the NAIMA Mobility Expo. It is priced at Rs 4.599 million.
The company also launched the top-spec Superior variant at the NADA Auto Show. The variant comes with a sunroof and is priced at Rs 5.199 million.
With three variants now available, customers have more options based on their budget. This has further strengthened the Atto 2’s position in the competitive EV market.
Strong brand legacy
The success of the Atto 2 is also supported by BYD’s established presence in Nepal. BYD and Cimex have built a strong market image and ecosystem over the years.
BYD has been present in Nepal since 2017 and has sold more than 10,000 EVs in the country. The Atto 3 alone has crossed 4,300 units in sales, while the Dolphin hatchback has sold more than 2,500 units.
BYD’s strategy of offering models based on customer demand, expanding after-sales support and developing its charging network has helped the brand establish itself as a market leader in Nepal.
The Atto 2 has followed the path of the Atto 3 and established itself as one of the most popular EVs in the market. Its sales performance also reflects the growing trust of Nepali consumers in BYD’s electric vehicles.
Key specifications
The compact SUV measures 4,310 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width and 1,675 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,620 mm.
The Atto 2 is powered by a 100 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 290 Nm of torque. According to the company, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 seconds.
The EV is available with two battery options. The base variant gets a 45.12 kWh battery, while the two higher variants use a 51.13 kWh Blade Battery.
The two battery options offer claimed WLTP ranges of 312 km and 345 km, respectively. The Atto 2 supports up to 11 kW AC charging and 82 kW DC fast charging.
The SUV offers 380 liters of boot space, which can be increased to 1,320 liters with the rear seats folded.
Inside, the Atto 2 features a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. Other features include an eight-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats and an electric tailgate.
Safety features include six airbags, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking radar, TPMS, adaptive cruise control, intelligent cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, traffic jam assist and automatic emergency braking.
