Image: dongfeng official image
Dongfeng Motor is preparing to enter the Canadian electric car market with the Nammi Box (Box 01) and Vigo from 2027, targeting a price below about USD 25,000 (around Rs 33–34 lakh) according to the company’s announcement.
For Nepali buyers, this move matters because both models are already on sale here, and a launch in a mature market like Canada suggests stronger global backing for future parts, software updates and long‑term brand support.
What Dongfeng is planning in Canada
- Dongfeng has announced plans to introduce the Box 01 (Nammi Box) and Vigo EVs in Canada in 2027, with target pricing under USD 25,000 according to the announcement.
- The plan follows a Canadian policy that allows a limited number of Chinese‑built EVs to be imported each year at reduced import tariffs, which helps keep prices lower.
- The company has already put up a Canadian website listing six models as being under homologation and regulatory approval, meaning final specs and launch dates may still change.
Nammi Box (Box 01): same core package as Nepal
In Canada, the Box 01 is positioned as a compact 5‑door electric hatchback with a single front motor.
- Motor: 94 hp front‑mounted electric motor (around 70 kW), matching the global spec.
- Claimed range: up to 430 km on a full charge (manufacturer figure, test cycle not specified).
- Seating: 5‑seater urban‑focused layout.
In Nepal, the Nammi Box (also marketed as Nammi 01) is already available with:
- Powertrain (Nepal): options around 70 kW or 49.5 kW, depending on variant.
- Battery (Nepal): 31.4 kWh or 42.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate packs.
- Range (Nepal, claimed): up to around 430 km on the larger battery under CLTC, with lower figures under WLTP‑type estimates.
- Price in Nepal: currently from about Rs 30–32 lakh for lower variants up to around Rs 36 lakh for higher‑spec trims, depending on motor, battery and colour choices.
For Nepali buyers, the key takeaway is that the same basic platform and battery combinations that Canada will get are already on our roads, reinforcing confidence in the product.
Vigo: compact electric SUV targeting Seltos‑class rivals
Dongfeng also plans to sell the Vigo as a compact electric SUV, aimed at the segment where models like the Kia Seltos sit (similar size, but the Seltos is ICE or hybrid in most markets).
According to the announcement, Vigo will offer two main versions:
- Vigo Air – up to around 401 km claimed range, 161 hp front motor
- Vigo Pro – up to around 480 km claimed range, 161 hp front motor
While detailed Canadian‑spec battery sizes are yet to be confirmed, both versions are described as front‑wheel‑drive, using the same 161 hp motor, with the Pro gaining a larger battery and longer range.
In Nepal, the Dongfeng Vigo is sold as an electric SUV positioned above the Nammi Box, with:
- Motor (Nepal): about 99 kW (as per Dongfeng Nepal’s EV lineup overview).
- Price in Nepal: official listings put higher‑spec Vigo variants up to roughly Rs 44 lakh, depending on features and trim.
Other models shown, but not directly relevant to Nepal yet
At the Canadian event, Dongfeng also displayed:
- 007 electric sports sedan (fully electric)
- Voyah Free luxury SUV (plug‑in hybrid)
- MHERO II off‑roader (plug‑in hybrid)
- Voyah Dream premium MPV (plug‑in hybrid)
Only the full EVs are expected to benefit from the lower Canadian EV import duty, so the Nammi Box, Vigo and 007 are the main focus for that market.
What this means for Nepali buyers
For Nepali customers already considering or owning these models, the Canadian plan suggests:
- Stronger long‑term product support: If the Nammi Box and Vigo are engineered to meet Canadian safety and regulatory standards, that usually means better crash structures, more mature software and improved quality control, which indirectly benefits existing markets like Nepal.
- Better resale confidence: EVs that are sold in multiple major markets typically hold value better than region‑only models.
- Technology stability: With both Nammi Box and Vigo now confirmed for wider global rollout, the chances of continuous software updates, spare parts availability and future‑proofing are higher.
For now, Nepal continues to get these EVs earlier than Canada, meaning local buyers are already driving vehicles that Dongfeng is preparing to take to one of the world’s more demanding automotive markets.
Current prices on Nepal AutoMart
- dongfeng Nammi Box price in Nepal: Rs 32.49 lakh – Rs 35.99 lakh ex-showroom, 4 variants
- dongfeng Nammi Vigo price in Nepal: Rs 40.99 lakh – Rs 43.99 lakh ex-showroom, 2 variants
Reported by the Nepal AutoMart news desk. Prices verified against Nepal AutoMart's own distributor-sourced data.
