KATHMANDU: More than 2,300 electric cars were imported into Nepal during Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September) of the current fiscal year. Around 70% of the imported EVs were SUVs, reflecting strong demand for electric SUVs in the Nepali market.
Importers brought in a large number of EVs to fulfill bookings made during the NAIMA Mobility Expo and NADA Auto Show. Imports continued through the Korala border despite the closure of the Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi border points with China. Imports from India, Thailand and other countries were not affected.
Around three dozen EV brands were imported during the month. BYD Atto 2 topped the list of electric SUVs with 412 units.
Cimex Inc., the authorized distributor of BYD in Nepal, imported 412 units of the Atto 2 during Bhadra. The Deepal S05 ranked second with 324 units, imported by MAW Vriddhi Autocorp.
The Nammi Vigo was the third-highest imported electric SUV with 276 units. MAW Vriddhi brought in the vehicles as demand for the model increased following its price reduction.
The Tata Punch EV ranked fourth with 221 units, while the MG S5 took fifth place with 105 units imported by Paramount Motors.
The iCAUR V23 ranked sixth with 102 units. The model has gained attention for its distinctive design. The Jaecoo J6 ranked seventh with 100 units, also imported by SPG Automobiles.
The Deepal Nevo Q05 was eighth with 80 units. MAW Vriddhi launched the model in Bhadra and imported the same number of units during the month.
The BYD Sealion 7 ranked ninth with 76 units, while the Jaecoo J5 completed the top 10 with 70 units.
Other EVs imported during the month included 38 Aion units, 35 Nexon EV units, 28 Leapmotor B10 units, 25 Omoda E5 units, 25 Hyundai Creta Electric units and 18 Ora 5 units. Other electric models were imported in smaller numbers.
