Image: BYD official image
BYD’s two latest electric cars, the Atto 1 and Atto 2, have quickly become some of the most common EVs on Nepali roads, especially in the main urban centres. Together they push BYD’s reach beyond the earlier Atto 3 and Dolphin and give buyers more choice at different budgets.
Market performance
According to market import figures shared by industry sources, around 3,500+ units of Atto 1 and Atto 2 entered Nepal in their first year on sale. Of these, the Atto 2 accounts for more than 2,200 units, while the Atto 1 contributes roughly 1,300 units. That points to solid demand for both the compact SUV and the small city hatchback.
For distributor Cimex Inc., these numbers help offset slowing interest in older BYD models and keep annual sales targets on track. The two new cars are also pulling first-time EV buyers into BYD showrooms.
BYD Atto 2: compact SUV for families
- Positioning: Compact electric SUV placed between the Dolphin and Atto 3 in BYD’s Nepal line-up.
- Price: The Atto 2 was introduced at an introductory price of around Rs 44 lakh (according to launch announcements), aimed at buyers moving up from popular petrol SUVs like Brezza and Magnite.
- Battery and range: The Atto 2 uses a 51.13 kWh LFP battery and a 100 kW motor with 290 Nm, with a claimed range of about 345 km per charge.
- Ground clearance: With around 200 mm ground clearance, it is positioned as suitable for mixed urban and highway use and typical Nepali road conditions.
On paper, the Atto 2 sits among the more usable mid-range EV options for families that need space and clearance but want running costs that stay in check.
BYD Atto 1: small hatchback for city use
- Positioning: BYD’s entry-level electric hatchback targeting daily commuters and first-time EV buyers.
- Price: Local dealers pitch it as an affordable option below the Atto 2, aimed at buyers who would otherwise look at small petrol hatchbacks.
- Use case: The Atto 1’s compact size and short footprint are a key selling point for dense city areas such as Kathmandu, where parking and tight lanes are everyday issues.
Industry analysts say many Atto 1 customers were specifically looking for a small EV from a brand with an established track record in Nepal, from a name they already recognise rather than a new or untested manufacturer.
Why these models are working in Nepal
Several clear factors are driving buyer interest:
- Brand trust: Earlier BYD models like the Atto 3 and Dolphin have built a reputation for battery reliability, range stability and resale value, and that confidence carries over to the Atto 1 and Atto 2.
- Pricing: With one compact SUV (Atto 2) and one city hatchback (Atto 1) at different price points, BYD is able to reach a broader spread of EV buyers.
- Practical specs: Ground clearance, usable range and proven LFP battery tech matter for Nepali conditions and have been stressed in dealer communication.
- Support: Buyers also cite after-sales service, spare parts availability and warranties as reasons to stay with or switch to BYD.
For Nepali vehicle buyers weighing their options, Atto 2 fits families wanting a higher-riding compact EV, while Atto 1 suits budget-conscious urban users. Both lean on BYD’s existing reputation rather than price cuts alone, and their early sales show that this mix is connecting well with Nepal’s growing EV crowd.
Current prices on Nepal AutoMart
- BYD Atto 1 price in Nepal: Rs 29.75 lakh – Rs 33.8 lakh ex-showroom, 2 variants
- BYD Atto 2 price in Nepal: Rs 48.99 lakh ex-showroom
- BYD Atto 3 price in Nepal: Rs 61.99 lakh – Rs 67.8 lakh ex-showroom, 2 variants
- BYD Dolphin price in Nepal: Rs 41.15 lakh ex-showroom
Reported by the Nepal AutoMart news desk. Prices verified against Nepal AutoMart's own distributor-sourced data.
