KATHMANDU: Nepal’s automobile market will see the launch of six electric SUVs in the near future. Four of these models are from China, while two are from India.
Both automobile dealers and consumers are showing keen interest in these models, especially as the nation awaits the new fiscal budget announcement. This is because any changes in tax rates will significantly impact the prices of vehicles in the market.
Although a wide variety of EV options are already available in Nepal, consumers are eager to see how these new, feature-rich models will perform in terms of sales and popularity. These vehicles are expected to be more advanced and potentially more affordable, than current offerings, thanks to increasing competition among automobile brands.
Dealers have told MeroAuto that demo units of these electric SUVs will arrive in the country before the budget announcement. Automobile dealers are holding launching of new models until the budget, anticipating tax hikes which will result in price increases.
Mahindra XEV 9e and BE 6 (India)
Indian automaker Mahindra is preparing to introduce two electric SUVs, the XEV 9e and the BE 6, in the Nepali market through its authorized distributor. Both models were launched in India earlier this year and their demo units are expected to arrive in Nepal shortly.
Market trends show that the XEV 9e is doing better than the BE 6 in terms of sales and popularity in India. The XEV 9e is expected to gain attract similar attention in Nepal. Both vehicles are equipped with a 79 kWh battery and powered by 200 kW electric motor, offering a claimed range of over 500 kilometers. The SUVs also feature a sleek, futuristic design and an array of modern features.
Farthing Friday
Dongfeng’s electric sub-brand Farthing is also preparing to launch its Friday SUV in the Nepali market. A demo unit of the car has already arrived in Nepal. According to Laxmi eMobility, the Friday SUV features a 99 kW motor and a 64.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a range of up to 400 kilometers on a single charge.
Deepal S5
MAW Vriddhi is preparing to launch the Deepal S5 in the Nepali market shortly. Although its launch was delayed due to production timelines in Thailand, the company has confirmed that right-hand-drive versions are now ready. The demo model of the compact electric SUV is expected to arrive in Nepal soon for testing.
The international version of Deepal S5 includes a 175 kW motor. It is not clear whether MAW Vriddhi will retain the same configuration in Nepal. The S5 is equipped with a 56.12 kWh battery and is estimated to offer a range of around 400 kilometers.
Jaecoo V23
Chery’s i-Car V23 will enter the Nepali market as the Jaecoo V23. According to SPG Automobiles, a demo unit is expected to arrive in Nepal right after the budget announcement.
Already available in international markets, the V23 is equipped with a 100 kW motor in the rear and a 59.93 kWh LFP battery, offering an estimated range of 400 kilometers.
Leapmotor B10
Following the success of the Leapmotor C10, Shangrila Motors is preparing to introduce Leapmotor’s new electric SUV, the B10, in the Nepali market.
Slightly smaller than the C10, the B10 comes with a 160 kW motor and battery options of 56 kWh and 67 kWh, offering driving range above 400 km.
