The NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 has kicked off at the Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Ground in Kathmandu, marking a significant event for the Nepalese automotive industry. Organized by the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), the expo runs until July 31 and features more than 55 brands and 51 exhibition stalls. This year's expo is not just about vehicle sales but also serves as a platform for discussions and information sharing about mobility solutions.
Two different takes on 3-row electric family cars
India is finally starting to see more three-row family electric cars, and two names stand out early: the **Mahindra XEV 9S and Kia Carens Clavis EV. Both are priced under Rs 30 lakh ex-showroom in India (roughly Rs 48–55 lakh in Nepal** once taxes are added), and their spec sheets matter for Nepal because Mahindra and Kia already sell popular ICE SUVs and MPVs here.
- Mahindra XEV 9S (3-row SUV, RWD) – 79 kWh battery, rear-wheel drive, noticeably higher power, and a claimed range roughly 189 km higher than the Carens Clavis EV according to Indian tests.
- **Kia Carens Clavis EV (3-row MPV, FWD) – 51 kWh battery, front-wheel drive, lower power but better efficiency and stronger regeneration** at higher settings in city use.
Range: big battery vs smart regen
Despite lower efficiency, the XEV 9S’ much larger 79 kWh battery (around 54% bigger) gives it a clear real-world range edge.
- In city conditions, tests found the XEV 9S could go about 95 km further on a single charge.
- On the highway, the gap grew to roughly 114 km more range than the Carens Clavis EV, with the Mahindra holding its efficiency better at higher speeds.
What this means for Nepal
The Mahindra XEV 9S has made its debut at the NAIMA Mobility Expo 2026, marking its entry into the Nepalese market. Priced at Rs 60 lakh for the Pack One Above variant and Rs 86.50 lakh for the Pack Two Above variant, this new flagship electric SUV will join the BE 6 and XEV 9e, both already available in Nepal. As Mahindra's largest electric SUV to date, the XEV 9S also becomes the brand's first dedicated three-row EV.
The SUV is available with 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery packs in Nepal, and features a distinctive front design with an LED light bar, closed-off grille, and muscular bumper. The cabin emphasizes passenger comfort with a triple-screen dashboard layout, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, and dual-zone climate control. The 59 kWh version offers a claimed range of up to 350 km, while the 79 kWh version increases the claimed range to up to 450 km.
Neither the XEV 9S nor the Carens Clavis EV has been officially announced for Nepal yet, but both brands already treat Nepal as an export market from India:
- Mahindra sells models like the Scorpio and XUV range in Nepal through authorized dealers.
- Kia sells the Sonet and Carens here, and has experience positioning MPVs for Nepali families.
If either of these 3-row EVs comes to Nepal in the next few years, buyers can expect:
- Indicative price band: around Rs 70–90 lakh on-road for top variants, once import duties and dealer margins are added.
- Use case split:
- The Kia Carens Clavis EV would likely suit urban family buyers in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other cities where efficiency and regen matter more than outright performance.
- The Mahindra XEV 9S would be more attractive for intercity travel and highway use, where the larger battery and stronger performance help with hills and longer routes.
For now, these India-market models act as an early preview. Future 3-row EVs for Nepal are likely to offer 50–80 kWh batteries, 300–450 km real-world range, and a clear choice between efficiency-focused MPVs and performance-oriented SUVs.
Current prices on Nepal AutoMart
- Kia Carens price in Nepal: Rs 48.9 lakh – Rs 59.9 lakh ex-showroom, 3 variants
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.
