Large Chinese electric SUV now testing next door
A premium electric SUV from Chinese brand Chery, the Exlantix ET, has been seen running test miles on Indian roads. The camouflaged vehicle was first thought to be Tata’s Avinya EV project, but later identification pointed to Chery’s Exlantix ET, a model that could be brought to India via JSW Motors.
For Nepali car buyers, this matters because most new EVs reach Nepal only after being launched in India or China. A big, long-range electric SUV being tested just across the border is a clear sign of more choice coming to the region.
Size and design
The Exlantix ET is a full-size electric SUV, around 5 metres long with a 3-metre wheelbase, putting it close to large three-row SUVs in footprint. Spy photos show:
- An upright nose with a full-width LED light bar
- Vertical front fascia elements
- Headlamps mounted low in separate pods on the bumper
- Aerodynamic alloy wheels similar to the international version
This makes it more of a high-end urban family SUV than a compact city EV.
Battery and powertrain options
In its home market, the Exlantix ET is sold with several battery choices, typically from about 66 kWh up to around 97–100 kWh, depending on variant. International reviews mention single-motor and dual-motor versions, with:
- Single-motor rear-wheel-drive versions aimed at efficiency
- Dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions focused on performance and grip
Chery also offers a range-extender version: it uses an electric drivetrain for driving, plus a 1.5-litre petrol engine that only charges the battery, not the wheels. This setup can give a total claimed range of well over 1,000 km on a full tank and full charge, while still allowing around 170–180 km of pure EV driving on battery alone.
Fast-charging figures vary by battery type, but some Exlantix ET versions abroad support very high DC charging speeds, allowing a large portion of the battery to be topped up in about 15–20 minutes.
What is being tested in India?
It has not been confirmed whether the test vehicle is a pure battery electric version or the range-extender hybrid. There is currently no official launch date, price, or variant list for India. Both Chery and JSW Motors have stayed silent on the purpose of the tests.
If the Exlantix ET does enter India, Nepali buyers could eventually see:
- A large electric SUV with around 600–700 km claimed range (on regional test cycles) for long-distance use
- Or a range-extender EV that uses petrol only to recharge the battery, which may appeal to buyers worried about charging infrastructure
Possible pricing for such a high-end imported EV, if it reached Nepal, would likely be above Rs 50 lakh and could easily go much higher, depending on duties and final specs. This is an estimate based on current premium EV prices and is not an official figure.
What it means for Nepal
For now, the Exlantix ET remains in the testing phase in India, with no confirmed plans for Nepal or even India. However, its combination of big battery options, long driving range and available range-extender technology shows the type of EVs that may arrive in South Asia in the next few years.
Nepali buyers looking at future premium EV purchases should keep an eye on:
- Whether JSW and Chery announce a formal India launch
- Which battery sizes and powertrains are selected
- Whether a right-hand-drive export plan includes Nepal through local distributors
If these pieces fall into place, the Exlantix ET could become one of the more capable long-range electric SUVs available to Nepali customers in the mid- to high-end price band.
Writes on vehicle pricing, taxation and the Nepali auto market from ongoing tracking of distributor price lists. Editorial policy.
