KATHMANDU: Owning a car remains difficult for many Nepali buyers because of high vehicle prices and taxes. However, the growing number of affordable electric cars has made entry-level car ownership more accessible.
According to Nepal Rastra Bank’s lending rules, buyers can finance up to 60% of a vehicle’s value through an auto loan. The remaining 40% has to be paid as a down payment.
For a buyer earning Rs 60,000 per month, a monthly installment of around Rs 30,000 can be considered under the 50% debt-to-income limit. With a seven-year loan at around 5.5% interest, several EVs fall within this price range.
Several electric hatchbacks and compact cars are currently available in Nepal for around Rs 3.4 million or less. These include the Tata Tiago EV, Tata Punch EV, BYD Atto 1, Dongfeng Nammi Box E2, Arcfox T1 and Proton e.MAS 5.
Tata Tiago EV
The Tata Tiago EV is one of the most affordable electric hatchbacks in Nepal. It is priced from Rs 2.749 million to Rs 2.999 million.
The Tiago EV gets a 55 kW electric motor and a 24 kWh battery pack. It offers a claimed range of more than 200 km on a full charge.
Tata Punch EV
The Tata Punch EV is a compact electric SUV priced from Rs 3.299 million. Its entry-level version gets a 30 kWh battery pack and offers a claimed range of more than 375 km on a full charge.
BYD Atto 1
The BYD Atto 1 Dynamic is priced at Rs 3.08 million in Nepal. It gets a 45 kW electric motor and a 30.08 kWh battery. The model offers a claimed range of around 230 km on a full charge.
Dongfeng Nammi Box E2
The Dongfeng Nammi Box E2 is available in two battery and range options.
The 320 km version is priced at Rs 3.099 million, while the 430 km version costs Rs 3.299 million. The two versions use 31.4 kWh and 42.3 kWh battery packs, respectively.
Chery Q
The Chery Q Comfort is priced at Rs 3.449 million. This puts it slightly above the Rs 3.4 million price point used in the financing example.
It is powered by a 90 kW electric motor and a 41.3 kWh battery pack. The model offers a claimed range of more than 300 km on a full charge.
Arcfox T1
The Arcfox T1 LV2 is priced at Rs 3.296 million. It gets a 70 kW electric motor producing 170 Nm of torque. The EV uses a 42.3 kWh LFP battery and offers a claimed WLTP range of 310 km.
The T1 also has 181 mm of ground clearance.
Proton e.MAS 5
The Malaysian brand Proton’s e.MAS 5 Prime is priced at Rs 3.299 million. It is powered by a 58 kW electric motor and uses a 30.12 kWh LFP battery. The model offers a claimed WLTP range of 225 km.
