KATHMANDU: The BYD Dolphin entered Nepal’s electric vehicle (EV) market in September 2023 as a feature-rich yet budget-friendly hatchback. With its stylish design and comfortable interior, the Dolphin quickly gained popularity, especially among drivers who valued its performance.
However, Dongfeng’s Nammi Box has begun to challenge the Dolphin’s dominance in the market.
The Nammi Box was officially launched in Nepal in September 2024. In less than a year of its launch, over 1,000 units have been imported. It has surpassed the Dolphin in monthly sales in recent months.
Strong sales
The Nammi Box, which is distributed in Nepal by MAW Vriddhi, is available in three variants—E1, E2, and E3, with prices ranging from Rs 3.02 million to Rs 3.65 million. Buyers can choose between two motor options: 70 kW or 49 kW and two battery sizes: 31.4 kWh or 42.3 kWh.
In comparison, the BYD Dolphin, which is sold by Cimex Inc, features a 70 kW motor paired with a 44.9 kWh battery. It is priced at Rs 4.11 million.
So far, 2,491 Dolphin units have been imported over nearly 20 months, making it one of Nepal’s most successful EV models. But the Nammi Box is catching up quickly, with 1,018 units imported in just 10 months.
Between January and May, 664 units of Nammi Box have been imported into the country compared to 585 units of Dolphin.
Design and dimensions
The Nammi Box measures 4,030 mm long, 1,810 mm wide and 1,570 mm tall. It features a 2,660 mm wheelbase, 176 mm ground clearance and comes with 17-inch alloy wheels.
The BYD Dolphin, while slightly longer at 4,290 mm, is 40 mm narrower and has the same height as Nammi Box. It has a 2,700 mm wheelbase, 175 mm ground clearance, and is equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels.
Features and safety
Both models come equipped with modern tech and safety features. The Dolphin offers features like a 5-inch instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch rotating infotainment screen, six airbags, six speakers, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and automatic AC. Additional features include a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, high beam assist, ABS, EBD, ADAS with ESC, NFC keyless entry and V2L functionality.
The Nammi Box is similarly well-equipped, with a 5-inch instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch infotainment screen, automatic AC, a 360-degree panoramic camera, wireless phone charging, and a heated, ventilated, memory-function driver seat. It also offers front airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, brake assist and hill assist.
It is also the first car in its segment to feature frameless doors, flush door handles and automatic parking.
Performance
Both EVs come with a 70 kW motor. However, the Dolphin holds a slight edge in torque, offering 180 Nm versus the Nammi Box’s 160 Nm. The Dolphin can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.3 seconds and offers a range of 340 km per charge. It supports DC fast charging up to 60 kW.
The Nammi Box, with its 42.3 kWh battery, provides a range of up to 317 km and supports up to 88 kW DC charging.
While the BYD Dolphin remains a strong performer in Nepal, the Dongfeng Nammi Box is clearly on the rise. With competitive pricing, impressive features, and fast-growing sales, Nammi is fast emerging as a serious contender in the electric hatchback market.
