KATHMANDU: As Nepal’s electric vehicle (EV) market grew rapidly, competition intensified and several little-known brands entered the country. Many came with weak financial backing and low-quality products. Some companies pushed EVs aggressively despite poor reliability, leaving many early buyers facing losses.
Because Nepal’s regulations allowed almost any EV brand to enter the market, several companies brought cars that consumers cannot even find on Google today. Buyers were attracted by low prices but are now struggling with service issues and long-term maintenance costs.
Many of the discontinued brands no longer offer spare parts or after-sales support. Owners are forced to modify parts from other small cars like the Maruti Suzuki Alto just to keep their EVs running. Below are five EV brands that entered Nepal but have since shut down. Apart from these, nearly a dozen more brands are close to collapsing.
Raysince
Brought by Gemini Incorporate Pvt. Ltd., the Raysince mini EV gained quick attention, especially the variant with a solar panel. The company heavily promoted its claimed 230 mm ground clearance. After selling a few units, the showroom suddenly closed.
The Raysince EV featured a 23 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 15 kW motor. The small hatchback offered DRLs, combination headlamps, stylish tail-lamps, an infotainment display, a digital instrument cluster, adjustable front seats, a defogger, and safety features such as brake assist, EPS, rear-view camera, and overheat protection. The price was Rs 2.4 million.
Thee Go e8
The Thee Go Group launched the e8 under its own brand name, but the model has been discontinued for nearly three years. Spare parts are no longer available, though the company still operates a service center for its vans.
The e8 was launched at Rs 2.194 million and promoted with veteran actor Madan Krishna Shrestha as brand ambassador. It came with a 15.2 kWh lithium battery and a 15 kW motor. Many buyers now say they feel misled.
Derry Brand
Autohost introduced the Derry brand in Nepal with much publicity. Two models, EV7 and EM7, were sold from its showroom in Anamnagar. The EM7 also featured an optional solar panel.
Prices at launch were Rs 2.599 million for the EV7 and Rs 2.65 million for the EM7. Both models have now disappeared from the market, leaving several customers without reliable service support.
Hauzi
Hauzi Auto’s EVs never properly entered the Nepali market. Initially brought by the Sumargi Group and later taken up by the Chaudhary Group, the brand shut down before official sales began. Only two early units were imported, and both are still seen being used by Garud Securities.
The small Hauzi EV came with a 15-inch wheel setup, an 18 kWh battery, and a 24 kW motor. A pickup model under the company’s Kawei brand was also imported, but its status is unknown.
Neta Auto
CG Motors introduced Neta Auto in Nepal, but the brand went bankrupt in China, leading to a complete production halt. With manufacturing stopped at the source, Neta sales in Nepal also ended abruptly.
The Neta V, which entered Nepal in 2021, became one of the most successful EVs in the market. By 2024, 725 units of the Neta V were on the road, along with 63 units of the Neta X compact SUV. Despite strong sales, the brand collapsed after its parent company went bankrupt, leaving many owners uncertain about long-term service and parts availability.
