Since the introduction of the electric vehicle taxation policy, the Nepal government’s Budget plan regarding the cost of importing an EV has faced much criticism each year. With regards to the previous years’ budget plans, the Ministry of Finance has not yet made a water-tight plan on the taxation policy for the import of electric vehicles: the policy keeps changing with every new finance minister. This year, the government has introduced an additional 30% excise and 30% customs duties on EVs that are equipped with more than 100 kW motor power.

However, on the brighter side, EVs with a capacity of up to 100 kW motor power will be exempt from excise and customs duties. While most EV importers and buyers are fuming over the new policy, some still remain unaffected. Here is a list of EVs that won’t see any significant price hikes in the fiscal year 2079/80.

Tata Nexon EV and Tigor EV

When the Nexon EV was launched in Nepal, in 2021, it had already garnered as much  popularity (or more) than its ICE-powered sibling. The EV is powered by a 30.2 kWh lithium battery that is paired with a 94.8 kW motor, and it provides a range of 312 km. The Nexon EV was launched at a starting price of Rs 35.99 lakh, and the price for the EV has been raised by Rs 200,000 since its launch.

With the model’s huge success in Nepal, the company launched its more affordable EV offering–the Tigor EV, at a price of Rs 29.99 lakh in the first quarter of 2022. The electric sedan is powered by a smaller (26 kWh) battery that generates 54.4 kW motor power and provides a range of 306 km.

Specifications

Tata EV models price in Nepal

New BYD E6

The new BYD E6 is one of the most successful MPV models in Nepal, largely due to its all-electric powertrain, bigger battery range, and spacious interiors. The EV is equipped with a 71.7 kWh Blade battery (LFP), which is paired with a 70 kW AC permanent magnet synchronous motor.

The E6 takes approximately 12 hours to charge via a standard household charger, but a 60 kW DC fast charger will do the work in just 1.5 hours. On a single charge, the EV boasts a maximum range of 522 km, according to WLTP.

Specifications

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BYD new E6 price in Nepal

Hyundai Kona Facelift

Hyundai first launched the Kona EV in early 2019, at Rs 51.96 lakh. Over the years, the EV has seen serious price fluctuations. Owing to the 2077/78 Budget, the Kona equipped with a 100 kW motor cost up to Rs 76.96 lakh, but a year after, the price was slashed to Rs 56.96 lakh–thanks to the 2078/79 Budget. 

In 2021, the company launched Kona’s facelifted version at a starting price of Rs 56.96 lakh. 

And currently, the EV comes in two variants–the GL and the GLS–at a starting price of Rs 57.96 lakh. Furthermore, the EV’s 100kW model remains untouched by the new taxation policy and the price for the EV will be unaffected by this year’s budget.

Specifications

Hyundai Kona facelift price in Nepal

Neta V

The Neta V is CG Motor’s first EV offering in Nepal. The EV combines a 38 kWh battery pack with a 70 kW motor that provides a range (NEDC) of 401 km on a single charge. Regarding charging, the EV is compatible with both fast chargers and slow/home chargers. It takes 8 hours for the vehicle to charge fully via a home charger, and via a fast charger, the EV can go from 30 to 80% in 30 minutes.

The company provides 8 years or a 150,000 km warranty on the battery, motor, and power electronics; and the warranty also provides for absence of defects in the car’s body and structure for 10 years or 200,000 km.

Specifications

Neta V price in Nepal

Thee-go e8

Thee-go launched the e8 in the first quarter of 2020 at Rs 18.95 lakh. The electric hatchback comes powered by a 14.6 kWh battery that is paired with a 15 kW motor. The EV can be fully charged in 5 hours with a 3 kW charger, and on a full charge, it provides a range of 150 km.

Currently, the price for the EV is set at Rs 21.94 lakh.

Specifications

Thee-go e8 price in Nepal

Also read: Nepal-bound Citroen C3 set to launch in India on July 20