KATHMANDU: Nepal’s electric vehicle segment continues to expand, with EVs now accounting for over 70 percent of new car sales in the country. More than three dozen EV brands are currently available in the market, ranging from mini electric cars to hatchbacks, SUVs, sedans and premium models, with prices spanning from around Rs 1.9 million to over Rs 30 million.
While SUVs and hatchbacks dominate the market, together making up more than 95 percent of sales, with hatchbacks priced above Rs 3 million and SUVs above Rs 3.5 million, a separate category of mini EVs has emerged for buyers looking for something more affordable. These compact electric cars are designed for city driving, offering lower price tags, smaller footprints and practical daily usability.
Half a dozen brands currently sell mini EVs in Nepal, including Kaiyi, MG, Wuling, Henry and BAW, with most models priced between Rs 1.9 million and Rs 2.5 million. With so many options crowding the same price bracket, choosing the right one can be confusing. Based on pricing, technology, safety features, size, range, practicality and brand value, here is a look at three of the best electric cars available under Rs 2.5 million.
Kaiyi e-Quote 02
For buyers hunting for an affordable EV, the Kaiyi e-Qute 02 from Chinese automaker Chery’s sub-brand Kaiyi is a strong contender. In Nepal, it is distributed by Laxmi E-Mobility and G.O. Automobiles at a listed price of Rs 2.296 million, although it is currently available for as low as Rs 2.096 million under a special discount offer.
The e-Qute 02 is powered by a 40 kW motor paired with a 20.8 kWh battery pack, delivering a claimed range of over 200 km on a single full charge.
The car measures 3,345 mm in length, 1,685 mm in width and 1,605 mm in height, riding on a 2,150 mm wheelbase. Its front fascia features Hawk-Eye-inspired LED headlamps, flush door handles and an aerodynamic rear tail wing.
Inside, the e-Qute 02 gets a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen along with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. It also comes with a segment-first 360-degree camera, a column-mounted gear selector, four hi-fi stereo speakers, air conditioning, push-button start and a two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel.
On safety, the car includes dual airbags, hill-start assist control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.
MG Comet EV
Another attractive option in the mini EV space is the MG Comet, which has been on sale in Nepal for the past four years. The car is currently distributed by G.O. Automobiles, the authorized dealer for GSW MG India Motor, at a price of Rs 1.875 million.
The Comet EV runs on a 17.3 kWh battery, which the company claims delivers a range of 230 km on a full charge. It supports 45 kW fast charging, taking the battery from zero to 100 percent in around 45 minutes.
It uses a 31 kW electric motor producing 42 PS of power. The car measures 2,974 mm in length, 1,505 mm in width and 1,640 mm in height, with a 2,010 mm wheelbase.
With 165 mm of ground clearance, the Comet EV features dual vertically stacked headlamps, LED daytime running lights and LED tail lamps. Inside, it offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen head unit, a 10.25-inch digital instrument console, voice command support and a multi-function steering wheel.
Safety features include two front airbags, ABS, EBD and a reverse parking camera.
Wuling Mini EV
The Wuling Mini EV is a newer entrant for buyers looking for an affordable car in the Nepali market. Paramount Motors launched the Wuling Mini EV at the NAIMA Mobility Expo held in Kathmandu last month.
The car is offered in two variants; Standard and Long Range, priced at Rs 2.099 million and Rs 2.299 million respectively.
This four-door mini EV measures 3,268 mm in length, 1,520 mm in width and 1,575 mm in height. It is powered by a 30 kW “three-in-one” motor with three selectable driving modes, Standard, Eco and Sport, depending on the driver’s needs.
The car is offered with two battery options: 16.2 kWh and 25.1 kWh, claimed to deliver ranges of 205 km and 301 km respectively on a full charge. It supports DC fast charging, taking just 35 minutes to charge from 30 to 80 percent.
The Wuling Mini EV also comes with mobile app connectivity along with a range of safety features, including an electric parking brake, two airbags, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, dynamic brake function, traction control, hydraulic brake assist and auto-hold.
