KATHMANDU: The festive season is a key period for Nepal’s automobile market, with many customers planning to buy new vehicles during Dashain and Tihar. However, four-wheeler sales during Dashain fell short of expectations this year.
Electric vehicle deliveries were affected by disruptions at the Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi border crossings, which limited imports from China. Some vehicles brought through the Korala border were also stranded in Mustang after heavy rainfall damaged roads between October 8 and 11.
Automobile businesses expect sales to improve during Tihar as more vehicles arrive in the market. Customers planning to buy an electric car for less than Rs 3.5 million have several options across hatchbacks and compact SUVs.
Here are seven EVs available in Nepal within this price range.
- Tata Tiago EV
The Tata Tiago EV is one of the most affordable electric hatchbacks in Nepal. Sipradi Trading offers the Pure variant at Rs 2.89 million and the Creative variant at Rs 2.99 million.
The Tiago EV comes with a 55 kW electric motor and a 24 kWh battery pack. It offers a claimed driving range of more than 205 km on a full charge.
- Tata Punch EV
The Tata Punch EV is a compact electric SUV priced below Rs 3.5 million. Its base variant is available at Rs 3.29 million.
The model comes with a 30 kWh battery pack. According to the information provided, it offers a claimed range of more than 375 km on a full charge.
- Proton e.MAS 5
The Proton e.MAS 5 is another option in the electric hatchback segment. Jagdamba Motors offers the Prime variant at Rs 3.29 million.
The Prime variant features a 58 kW electric motor and a 30.12 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. It offers a claimed WLTP range of 225 km. The Premium variant comes with a larger 40.16 kWh battery and is priced at Rs 3.69 million, placing it above the budget limit.
- Dongfeng Nammi Box
The Dongfeng Nammi Box, distributed by MAW Vriddhi Autocorp, is available in two range options within the budget.
The variant offering a claimed range of 320 km is priced at Rs 3.09 million. The version with a claimed range of 430 km costs Rs 3.29 million. Both variants feature a 49.5 kW electric motor. The Nammi Box E2 is also listed with 31.4 kWh and 42.3 kWh battery options.
- Chery Q
The Chery Q entered Nepal through the NAIMA Mobility Expo. SPG Automobiles offers the model in different variants.
The Comfort variant has an official price of Rs 3.44 million, while the Premium variant is listed at Rs 3.59 million. Under the company’s festive offer, however, the Premium variant is available at Rs 3.39 million.
The Chery Q features a 90 kW electric motor and a 41.3 kWh battery pack. It offers a claimed range of more than 300 km on a full charge. The hatchback also uses a rear-wheel-drive system.
- Arcfox T1
Laxmi Motor Hub offers the Arcfox T1 in two variants. The LV2 variant is priced at Rs 3.29 million, while the LV3 variant costs Rs 3.59 million.
The model features a 70 kW electric motor producing 170 Nm of torque. It has a 42.3 kWh LFP battery pack and offers a claimed WLTP range of 310 km.
The Arcfox T1 also has 181 mm of ground clearance. Heated and ventilated seats are among its available features. Only the LV2 variant falls within the Rs 3.5 million budget.
- BYD Atto 1
The BYD Atto 1 is available in two variants through Cimex Inc. The Dynamic variant is priced at Rs 3.07 million, while the Premium variant costs Rs 3.48 million.
Both variants fall within the Rs 3.5 million budget. The Atto 1 comes with a 45 kW electric motor and a 30.08 kWh battery pack. It offers a claimed driving range of 230 km on a full charge.
