FY 2077/78 was dull for the electric vehicle (EV) market as customers had to pay a total of up to 178% tax excluding 15-20% distributor profit to get their hands on an EV of their choice. Consequently, the year saw very less import of EVs. But in FY 2078/79, things are beginning to change as excise duty on EVs was completely waived and customs duty was also significantly lowered ranging from 10 - 40% depending on peak power of the vehicle. As a result, today we can see more EVs on the roads. In this issue of Business 360, we are featuring some of the most popular EVs on Nepali roads today.
Hyundai Kona
[gallery columns="1" link="file" size="full" ids="24403"] The Hyundai Kona EV is one of the most popular electric vehicles in the Nepali market today. Kona EV has gained immense popularity among Nepali customers since it first launched in 2019. Hyundai has recently launched the new 2021 Kona EV. The Kona is a sporty looking 5-seater electric SUV that comes with a 39.2 kWh battery pack. The company claims that the car can run up to 305 kilometres on a single charge and the electric motor generates maximum power of 134 hp and 395 Nm of torque. The car is loaded with tonnes of features such as 10.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, automatic climate control and more. The SUV is also equipped with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear-Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Driver Attention Warning (DAW) for safety. The Kona EV is available at a starting price of Rs 5,796,000.MG ZS EV
[gallery link="file" columns="1" size="full" ids="24404"] The MG ZS EV is another popular electric vehicle that can be seen on the Nepali roads today. Morris Garage’s first ever electric vehicle ZS EV is the electric version of the already popular SUV, the ZS. The midsize SUV is also well known for the number of features that it offers at an affordable price. The EV is equipped with a 44.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack providing a maximum range of 428 kilometres. The motor chunks out 148 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The vehicle has an impressive ground clearance of 175 mm making it easier going over bad roads. Other features include panoramic sunroof, steering mounted control, 8-inch infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, cruise control, electronically adjustable seats, rear parking camera and more. The previous model which we mostly see on the roads was priced at Rs 50,99,000. However, the recently launched new 2022 model is competitively priced at Rs 51,99,000.Kia Niro
[gallery columns="1" link="file" size="full" ids="24405"] The Niro EV is an electric crossover SUV from Korean automotive manufacturer, Kia. After the budget of FY 2077/78, Kia Nepal removed the Niro EV from its line up as its price would cross over Rs 10 million. However, after the new tax system, Kia has relaunched the Niro EV for Rs 66,90,000. Powering the Niro EV is a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor producing a maximum power of 201 bhp and 395 Nm of torque. The motor gets its juice from a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery which has a claimed range of 450 kilometres. The Niro EV comes standard with power front seats, heated front seats, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment, heated steering wheel, a power sunroof, wireless charging, two-zone automatic climate control, seven airbags, parking assist and more.Nissan Leaf
[gallery columns="1" link="file" size="full" ids="24406"] The Nissan Leaf is undoubtedly one of the most popular electric vehicles throughout the world. Nissan sold over 500,000 units of Leaf by December 2020 and it was also listed as the world’s all-time top-selling plug-in electric car until December 2019. In Nepal, Nissan has recently launched the Leaf and it has quite a presence on the road. Currently, the Leaf is available for Rs 62,99,000. The 40 kWh battery pack can take the car up to 311 kilometres on a single charge. The electric motor generates a maximum power of 147 hp and 320 Nm of torque. The car goes from 0-100kmph in under eight seconds and has a top speed of 155 kmph. Talking about the features, the car is equipped with Hill Start Assist, e-Pedal, heated front seats, 5-inch infotainment system, cruise control, automatic climate control and 7-inch driver’s information display.Tata Nexon
[gallery columns="1" link="file" size="full" ids="24407"] After gaining much popularity in India, Tata Nepal introduced the Nexon EV for the Nepali market almost a year ago. Tata Nexon was one of the most awaited vehicles of 2021 and as soon as it was introduced it created much hype. Not even a year and we see plenty of Nexon EVs on the Nepali roads. With a starting price of Rs 37,99,000 the electric compact SUV offers very similar features to its fuel driven counterpart. On the performance side, the Nexon EV is powered by a 95kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor which can produce up to 127 hp and 245 Nm of torque. The EV has a battery capacity of 30.2 kWH and a claimed range of 312 kilometres. The SUV is offered with features such as 7-inch floating infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, sunroof, rear AC, connected car app, automatic headlamps, Vehicle Stability Control System, crash sensor and more. READ ALSO:
Published Date: June 5, 2022, 12:00 am
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