KATHMANDU: Small and affordable electric cars, which are very popular in countries like Japan, are struggling to gain market in Nepal.
In the 45 days leading up to the federal budget announcement on May 29, a total of 5,300 electric vehicles (EVs) from different brands were imported into the country. Of them, only 155 were mini EVs. The low import volume is not due to a lack of competition in the small EV segment, but due to a lack of interest from consumers.
Between January and May 2025, just 309 units of mini EVs were brought into the country. The volume is not significant, especially when spread across 13 different models. Except for a few, most mini EVs haven’t performed well in the market. The MG Comet, which led the segment last year, has seen a noticeable decline in imports this year. Similarly, the Wuling Air Mini EV has also failed to meet sales expectations.
The MG Comet, which led the segment last year, has seen a noticeable decline in imports this year.
The Kaiyi e-Qute model has taken the lead in the mini EV segment this year. The brand, represented by two official distributors in Nepal, imported 131 units in five months. The Kaiyi e-Qute is available in both two-door and four-door variants, with the latter, sold under the name e-Qute 02/04, emerging as a customer favorite.
While sales remain modest compared to past years, the MG Comet still holds the second spot in import volume, with 45 units brought in during the same five-month period. BAW Brumby (38), Henrey Volts (37) and Seres Mini (20) were in the third, fourth and fifth positions, respectively. Thirty-eight units of other brands were also imported into the country during the review period.
Despite targeting budget-conscious consumers, these small EVs have yet to make a significant impact in the market. Market response suggests that price alone is not enough to drive sales in this segment.
