Nepal’s EV shoppers now have multiple electric cars priced under Rs 40 lakh, with new models and special expo offers pushing more feature-packed vehicles into this budget-friendly bracket. Buyers looking around Rs 30–40 lakh can now choose between compact SUVs and hatchbacks with long claimed range, fast charging and advanced safety tech.
In this price band, these EVs sit below larger and more expensive electric SUVs already familiar to many Nepali buyers. **BYD’s ATTO 1 now runs from Rs 30.75 lakh to Rs 34.80 lakh, undercutting bigger BYD models like the Dolphin and Atto 3. Proton’s e.MAS 5 opens at Rs 32.84 lakh and goes to Rs 36.84 lakh, well below the Proton e.MAS 7 and X50 crossovers. Tata’s Punch EV ranges from Rs 33.99 lakh to Rs 37.99 lakh, sitting just above the Tata Tiago EV and Tigor EV and below the Nexon EV. This means most of the cars in this story are positioned as entry-to-mid level EVs**, priced noticeably lower than the larger mainstream electric SUVs already on sale.
Key contenders under Rs 40 lakh
Nammi Vigo: compact EV SUV with big-car tech
Nammi Vigo (EV SUV, 44.94–51.87 kWh, up to around 350 km claimed range)
The Nammi Vigo targets buyers wanting a compact SUV-style EV below Rs 40 lakh but with features usually seen in higher segments. A lower-priced Vigo E2 variant was introduced with a special show price, and a higher regular price set after the NADA Auto Show, but Kuzu Nepal has not announced a price for this variant in the sources provided. The Vigo range includes 44.94 kWh and 51.87 kWh battery options, paired with a 99 kW electric motor. The larger battery version offers a claimed range of around 350 km, making it suitable for both city use and occasional intercity runs.
Feature-wise, the Vigo emphasises technology. It comes with a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, plus a 360-degree camera for easier parking and manoeuvring. Comfort and convenience highlights include 167 kW DC fast charging with 3C charging technology, wireless phone charging, Wi-Fi connectivity and a heated and ventilated driver’s seat.
On safety, the Vigo offers six airbags and Level 2 ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, hill-hold and traction control, along with other driver-assistance systems. For buyers who want an affordable EV SUV with strong safety equipment and fast charging, the Vigo is one of the lead choices.
Arcfox T1: sleek compact SUV with balanced range
**Arcfox T1 (EV SUV, 42.3 kWh, 310 km WLTP-claimed range)**
The Arcfox T1 is another compact electric SUV positioned below Rs 40 lakh. It is offered in two variants, with prices at Rs 32.96 lakh for the LV2 and Rs 35.96 lakh for the LV3. The T1 measures 4,337 mm in length, 1,805 mm in width and 1,573 mm in height, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase and 181 mm ground clearance, putting it in the compact SUV class with usable cabin and road clearance for Nepali conditions.
For Nepal, the T1 uses a 70 kW electric motor producing 170 Nm of torque, paired with a 42.3 kWh LFP battery. The claimed WLTP range is 310 km, which should comfortably cover everyday urban driving and moderate highway trips. The EV supports DC fast charging, able to take the battery from 30% to 80% in around 25 minutes.
Inside, the Arcfox T1 is designed as a tech-forward cabin with a 15.6-inch HD touchscreen, six-speaker audio, voice control and Apple CarPlay. It also offers heated and ventilated seats, a feature still rare in this price bracket. Safety equipment includes cruise control, automatic parking and lane departure warning, plus ABS, EBD, ESP, four airbags and front and rear parking sensors.
Chery Q: compact hatchback with long claimed range and big boot
Chery Q (EV hatchback, 41.2 kWh, up to 400 km claimed range)
The Chery Q is one of the newest entrants in the under-Rs 40 lakh segment, positioned as a compact electric hatchback. It is offered in Comfort and Premium variants, but the sources provided do not state any prices for the Chery Q; its regular and expo prices are not officially announced in those sources.
The Q uses a 41.2 kWh battery and a 90 kW electric motor, driving the rear wheels. The car offers a claimed range of up to 400 km, which, if achieved in everyday use, makes it one of the longest-range options in this price band. It supports DC fast charging up to 85 kW, with the battery able to charge from 30% to 80% in around 16 minutes.
Inside, the Q’s cabin centres on a 15.6-inch touchscreen and a 540-degree surround-view camera, combining a classic 360-degree view with additional underbody or blind-spot visibility. Modern connectivity features and V2L (vehicle-to-load) functionality allow the car to power external devices, which can be useful during camping, outdoor work or emergencies.
The Q also scores high on practicality, offering 375 litres of boot space, expandable to about 1,450 litres with the rear seats folded. It is further equipped with more than 20 ADAS functions, making it one of the best-equipped small EVs in terms of active safety and driver assistance.
Tata Punch EV: familiar brand, city-friendly EV SUV
Tata Punch EV (EV SUV, 30–40 kWh, 275–365 km claimed range)
The Tata Punch EV is aimed at buyers who prioritise brand familiarity, service reach and everyday practicality. The facelifted Punch EV is available in three variants, priced from Rs 33.99 lakh to Rs 37.99 lakh. Battery choices include 30 kWh and 40 kWh packs, with a claimed range of about 275 km to 365 km, depending on configuration.
The Punch EV supports DC fast charging, with the battery able to go from 20% to 80% in around 26 minutes. Tata also claims that a 15-minute fast charge can deliver up to 135 km of range, which is helpful for quick top-ups in daily use.
Inside, the Punch EV features a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. Comfort and tech options include wireless charging, ventilated seats, ambient lighting and connected-car technology.
Safety equipment includes six airbags, a 360-degree camera, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring and ISOFIX child-seat mounts. Beyond the hardware, the Punch EV benefits from Tata’s existing EV portfolio in Nepal and Sipradi’s nationwide sales and service network, which is a major plus for buyers concerned about after-sales support.
Other notable EVs in the same price window
Alongside these four models, several other EVs now compete in the same Rs 30–40 lakh space:
- **BYD ATTO 1 (EV SUV, Rs 30.75–34.80 lakh)** – BYD’s most affordable SUV-style EV in Nepal, sitting below the Dolphin’s upper trims and far under the Atto 3 and M6. It provides an entry point into BYD’s range for buyers who want the brand’s battery and EV expertise without paying premium SUV prices.
- **Proton e.MAS 5 (EV SUV, Rs 32.84–36.84 lakh) – Available in Prime (Rs 32.84 lakh) and Premium (Rs 36.84 lakh)** variants, positioned below larger Proton EVs like the e.MAS 7 and X70. It is aimed at buyers seeking a more traditional SUV stance with an EV powertrain.
- **Kia Syros EV (EV SUV, 42 kWh, 443 km claimed MIDC range) – The Syros EV HTK variant has arrived in Nepal and is being showcased in Kathmandu, with bookings already open. It is priced at Rs 37.90 lakh, while the first 100 customers at the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo were offered a special introductory price of Rs 35.90 lakh. The Syros EV uses a 42 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery, paired with a 99 kW (135 PS) motor delivering 255 Nm of torque**. Kia claims a 443 km driving range under the MIDC cycle, and the vehicle supports CCS2 DC fast charging. Design highlights include Kia’s Digital Tiger Face, Star Map LED DRLs, Ice Cube LED headlamps and Star Map LED tail lamps, riding on 16-inch dual-tone aero alloy wheels with 215/60 R16 tyres.
How to choose among these EVs
For Nepali buyers shopping under Rs 40 lakh, these models cater to slightly different priorities:
- Nammi Vigo – best suited to those wanting SUV styling, strong safety (six airbags, Level 2 ADAS) and rich features like a large infotainment screen and fast 3C DC charging, though current sources do not confirm its exact pricing.
- Arcfox T1 – attractive for buyers seeking a balanced compact SUV with 310 km WLTP-claimed range, good ground clearance and comfort features like heated and ventilated seats.
- Chery Q – ideal for drivers who prioritise long claimed range (up to 400 km), big boot space and extensive ADAS in a compact hatchback footprint; its Nepal pricing is not stated in the sources provided.
- Tata Punch EV – appealing to those who value Tata’s brand recognition, established EV presence and wide service network, with practical range for city use within a clearly defined Rs 33.99–37.99 lakh bracket.
- BYD ATTO 1, Proton e.MAS 5 and Kia Syros EV – round out the segment for buyers who want more brand choices and are comparing claimed range, styling and equipment within similar budgets, with clearly announced prices.
With this many options, the decision will mainly depend on whether a buyer favours SUV stance or hatchback practicality, prioritises maximum claimed range or strongest safety and tech, and which brand’s dealer and service network they trust most.
Writes on vehicle pricing, taxation and the Nepali auto market from ongoing tracking of distributor price lists. Every price in this piece is read live from the Nepal AutoMart catalog — how we verify prices.
