Chery Q vs Proton e.MAS 5: which smart EV fits your budget?

Nepal’s mass-market EV choices in the Rs 30–37 lakh bracket have grown quickly, with the Chery Q and Proton e.MAS 5 now both on sale as rear-wheel-drive electric hatchbacks.

Where the Proton e.MAS 5 sits in Proton’s Nepal range

Proton has placed the e.MAS 5 below its existing petrol and larger EV models. The e.MAS 5 Prime sits at Rs 32.84 lakh ex-showroom, while the e.MAS 5 Premium is priced at Rs 36.84 lakh ex-showroom. It slots below the Proton Saga at Rs 42.99–49.99 lakh, below the Proton e.MAS 7 at Rs 49.78–59.78 lakh, and well under Proton’s SUVs, the X50 at Rs 71.99–84.99 lakh and X70 at Rs 86.99–107.99 lakh. For many buyers, this makes the e.MAS 5 the entry point into the Proton family.

Chery Q: value-focused, feature-heavy EV

Chery Q key numbers (Nepal spec): 41.2 kWh battery, 90 kW motor, up to 400 km claimed range, 175 mm ground clearance, 375–1,450 liters boot.

The Chery Q is pitched at buyers who want a feature-packed EV at a relatively lower price. It uses a 41.2 kWh LFP battery pack paired with a 90 kW rear-mounted motor, giving a claimed up to 400 km driving range on a single charge under NEDC testing. Ground clearance is 175 mm, aimed at tackling broken city roads and light rough stretches.

For daily use, the Q’s cabin and storage options stand out. There is 375 liters of boot space with all seats up, rising to 1,450 liters when the rear seats are folded. A 540-degree surround-view camera, a large 15.6-inch touchscreen, and a set of ADAS safety features help the Q feel more modern than many similarly priced small cars. Rear-wheel drive supports good stability in corners, which matters on Nepal’s twisty highways.

Proton e.MAS 5: two variants, stronger focus on driving feel and practicality

Proton e.MAS 5 key numbers (Premium): 40.16 kWh CATL LFP battery, 85 kW motor, 150 Nm torque, 325 km WLTP range, multi-link rear suspension, V2L.

Jagadamba Motors sells the Proton e.MAS 5 in Prime and Premium variants. The Premium gets a 40.16 kWh CATL LFP battery, an 85 kW rear motor with 150 Nm of torque, and a 325 km WLTP claimed range. Rear-wheel drive is common to both variants, but the Premium adds a more advanced multi-link rear suspension, which should help with comfort and grip on hilly, winding roads.

Storage solutions in the e.MAS 5 are more detailed. You get 375 liters of boot space, a 70-liter trunk, 28 liters of under-seat storage, and 20 liters below the center console, so small items and bags can be spread out neatly. Features such as a 360-degree camera, G-Trac traction control, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) power export widen its use case for trips and light outdoor work.

Which EV makes more sense for Nepali buyers?

For buyers looking at the lowest possible EV entry price with strong features, the Chery Q is the more attractive option on paper, thanks to its combination of battery size, claimed range, high ground clearance, and roomy boot.

The Proton e.MAS 5, especially the Premium at Rs 36.84 lakh, better suits drivers who care more about suspension setup, driving dynamics and clever storage, and are willing to pay a bit more for a more premium feel and WLTP-rated range.

Verdict: Chery Q delivers stronger value for budget-conscious EV buyers, while the Proton e.MAS 5 Premium is the smarter pick for those prioritising driving comfort and practicality over a lower upfront price.