KATHMANDU: Mini electric cars are steadily losing their share in Nepal’s growing EV market as buyers increasingly prefer hatchbacks and SUVs. While mini EVs remain affordable and practical for city driving, demand has slowed in recent years.
With hatchback EVs now available at slightly higher prices, many buyers are choosing larger vehicles instead. As a result, mini EVs accounted for less than 2% of Nepal’s total electric car imports in the last fiscal year.
More than 12,700 electric cars were imported into Nepal during FY 2025/26. Of these, only 234 units were mini EVs. Around a dozen brands currently compete in the segment.
Despite the shrinking market, KAIYI remained the segment leader. The brand imported 120 units of its e-Qute 02 and e-Qute 04, giving it a 51.28% share of all mini EV imports.
However, KAIYI’s imports declined from the previous fiscal year, when it brought 152 units into the country.
The brand’s competitive pricing, relatively larger size, longer driving range, and after-sales support have helped it maintain its position in the market.
MG Comet ranked second with 39 units, followed by Jinpeng LingBox with 32 units. Henry Volts secured fourth place with 30 units.
Other brands recorded limited imports during the fiscal year. These included six Mahindra e2o, four BAW Brumby, one Wuling, and two units from other brands combined.
KAIYI e-Qute 02 and e-Qute 04
KAIYI currently offers two mini EV models in Nepal: the e-Qute 02 and e-Qute 04. Both models are sold by Laxmi E-Mobility and G.O. Automobiles.
Both EVs are powered by a 40 kW electric motor, but they use different battery packs. The e-Qute 02 comes with a 20.8 kWh battery, while the e-Qute 04 features a 28.08 kWh battery. The company claims a driving range of up to 300 km on a full charge.
The e-Qute 04 is the larger model. The e-Qute 02 measures 3,345 mm in length and has a 2,150 mm wheelbase, while the e-Qute 04 is 3,720 mm long with a 2,520 mm wheelbase, offering more cabin space.
The e-Qute 02 is priced at Rs 2.296 million, while the e-Qute 04 costs Rs 2.596 million.
The e-Qute 02 features LED headlamps, flush door handles, a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera, push-button start, air conditioning, and a four-speaker audio system.
The e-Qute 04 comes with a 6.7-inch touchscreen, a 6.7-inch driver information display, a steering column-mounted gear selector, a multifunction steering wheel, six speakers, and Sport and Eco driving modes.
For safety, the e-Qute 02 offers dual airbags, hill start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera.
The e-Qute 04 adds dual airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), front and rear parking sensors, ABS, EBD, ESP, traction control, downhill control, a 360-degree camera, and a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat.
