With the new wave of electric vehicles entering the Nepali market, and the steady increase in demand for electric vehicles all over the world, we can confidently say that Nepal has caught on to the trend of switching to electric vehicles.

Residents of Kathmandu by now know that they breathe some of the dirtiest air in the world. One in every 10 people in Kathmandu suffer from chronic lung diseases like COPD, bronchitis and emphysema. In view of this level of pollution, it is common to see people put on protective glasses and layered masks to shield themselves from lethal gases and dust in the air when travelling in Kathmandu. 
We all know that fossil-fuel cars contribute significantly to this problem. Hence, electric vehicles are now a necessity, and that idea should not be limited to environmental statements. Nepal is slowly and steadily jumping into this bandwagon of change. Electric cars are exempt from road tax, which can be Rs 30-50,000 per year for fossil-fuel cars. 
Fig. Stating the customs, excise and vat tariff for EV, Hybrid, Petrol/Diesel vehicles along with loan availability

 

Petrol/Diesel 

EV

Hybrid

Customs Duty 

80%

10%

40%

Excise duty

70-100% (per cc.)

30%

30%

Vat

13%

13%

13%

Loans from Banks and interest rate

50% at 12% 

80-85% at 9.5%

80-85% at 9.
  • A Cleaner, Greener and Quieter AlternativeNepal is the only country in the world with such a huge relative tax difference. In fact, Hyundai launched Kona in Nepal before it did so in Australia and the US. The Korean car maker listed Nepal as a top priority market in the Asia-Pacific because of tax breaks for electric vehicles here. Why Electric Vehicles (EVs)?
  • Money Saving and Cheaper in the long run
  • Dependent on domestic Energy Source.

In addition to the obvious benefits of not needing to spend on fossil fuel or worry about fuel shortages, electric vehicle owners also do not need to change the lubricant or conduct periodic maintenance as often as for fossil fuel vehicles. It is a one-time investment, equipped with all the features that one may find in a luxury car. A cause of concern however for electric cars is whether they are suitable for long routes and off-road situations. But Nepal Electricity Authority is already doing its bit by setting up charging stations around Nepal to encourage electric transportation.

Considering the differences in custom, duties, and increasing public preference for replacing traditional sources of energy with clean energy, we may see a new wave of electric vehicles across the nation. The government and vehicle management authorities should also leave no stone unturned to formulate new regulations that expedite a favorable ground for electric vehicles in the current market. Here is a brief information on five top of the line electric cars in Nepal.

MG eZs
Packed with innovative features, ZS EV is designed to provide customers with a stress-free driving experience. MG Pilot is a driver assistance suite which complements the driver and offers support when required. It majors on interior space, making it ideal for busy families and those who value practicality. Boasting some of the most generous shoulder, leg and headroom in its class, the ZS EV also features a substantial, full-sized boot. With hidden storage areas, a split-level boot and practical features to keep items secure on the move, ZS EV can handle bikes, pushchairs, luggage and bulky loads with no trouble at all.

  • Authorized Dealer: Paramount Motors Pvt. Ltd
  • Contact: 01-4443233 
  • Location: Narayanchaur, Naxal, Kathmandu 
  • Price: NRs. 49.99 lakhs *
  • Charging Time: 6 1/2 hours 7 KW Charger | 80% in 43 minutes (44.5kW Fast Charge)
  • Mileage: 428 kms on Full Charge

Technical Specifications

  • Max Power: 148bhP
  • Max Torque: 300Nm
  • Battery: 44.5 kWh lithium polymer
  • Kerb Weight: 1258 kg
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Dimensions:(L) 4314 mm *(W) 1809 mm *(H) 1648 mm 
  • Ground Clearance: 6.5 Inches



Kia Niro
With an attractive design and looks combined with zero-emission powertrain, the e-Niro is an absolute mixture of a great electric vehicle.The Niro EV receives a unique futuristic design with Kia’s trademark ‘tiger-nose’ grille with a twist along with a charging port integrated into it. The firm also provides an official guarantee in the battery as well as the electric motor for 7 years or 160 thousand kilometers.Although being an electric vehicle, the Kia e-Niro provides an optimum driving pleasure as the petrol-run cars. 

  • Authorized Dealer: Continental Associates Pvt. Ltd
  • Contact: 01-4426465
  • Location: Gairidhara, Kathmandu 
  • Price: NRs. 66.90 lakhs *
  • Charging Time: 7.2 KW charger on Board | 20 to 80% in 42 minutes (100KW Charger)
  • Mileage: 485 kms on Full Charge

Technical Specifications

  • Max Power: 201 bhP
  • Max Torque: 395Nm
  • Battery: 64 kWh lithium polymer
  • Kerb Weight: 1737 kg
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Dimensions:(L) 4355 mm * (W)1805 mm *(H) 1545 mm
  • Ground Clearance: 6.3 Inches


Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Kona is the first fully electric subcompact SUV that features a unique exterior design with closed grille, and a dedicated center console in the interior for intuitive operation of the shift-by-wire module. It is an all-purpose car with unique design and cutting-edge technology which makes it ideal for everybody.

  • Authorized Dealer: Laxmi Intercontinental Pvt. Ltd
  • Contact: 01-4101556 
  • Location: Thapathali, Kathmandu 
  • Price: NRs. 55 Lakhs *
  • Charging Time: 80% in 54 minutes using a 100KW charger (6 hrs using a commonly available charger)
  • Mileage: 290 kms on Full Charge

 

Technical Specifications

  • Max Torque: 395Nm
  • Battery: 39 kWh 327 V lithium polymer
  • Kerb weight: 1,535 kg
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Dimensions: (L)4180 mm *(W) 1800 mm * (H)1570 mm
  • Ground Clearance: 6.7 Inches


Hyundai Ioniq
Hyundai Ioniq hybrid is worth a look if you want a small family car. It is a car that’s cheap to run and easy to drive around town. The Hyundai Ionic features compact five-door liftback manufactured and marketed by Hyundai in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric variants. The nameplate Ioniq is derived from the word ion and unique.

  • Authorized Dealer: Laxmi Intercontinental Pvt. Ltd.
  • Contact: 01-4101556 
  • Location: Thapathali, Kathmandu
  • Price: NRs. 52.96 lakh *
  • Charging Time:9-10 hrs (28KW Charger) 80% in 33 minutes (50KW Charger)| whereas 24% (100KW Charger)
  • Mileage: 200 kms on Full Charge

Technical Specifications

  • Power: 118 hP
  • Torque: 295Nm
  • Battery: 28 kWh 360 V lithium polymer
  • Kerb weight: 1,505 kg
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Dimensions: (L) 4470 mm * (W)1821 mm *(H) 1445 mm
  • Ground Clearance: 5.5 Inches

Audi e-tron
Audi e-tron is a battery-powered crossover packed with cutting edge technology, and it looks like conventional SUVs as it exhibits exterior styling. Audi e-tron offers the full range of driver assistance system. The rear cross-traffic and intersection assist along with pre-sense 360 can detect the surrounding traffic and brake the vehicle to help avoid a collision. An array of cameras and sensors support the rear available semi-autonomous drive mode such as adaptive cruise control and self-parking assist. Apart from that, it also produces the imitation of engine sound when slowed down or in reverse.

  • Authorized Importer: Ramro Motors
  • Contact: 01-4446464 
  • Location: Sanogaucharan, Kathmandu
  • Price: NRs. 1.75 crores *
  • Charging Time: 90 minutes (50KW Charger) | 80% in 30 minutes (150 KW Fast Charge)
  • Mileage: 328 kms on Full Charge

Technical Specifications

  • Max Power: 403 bhP
  • Max Torque: 664Nm
  • Battery: 95 kWh 360 V lithium polymer
  • Weight: 2,490 kg
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Dimensions: (L) 4901 mm *(W)1935 mm *(H)1616 mm 
  • Ground Clearance: 6.7 Inches