Image: Proton official image
China’s current best‑selling electric car, the Geely E2 hatchback, is coming to Nepal in rebadged form as the Proton e.MAS 5. For Nepali buyers considering their first EV, this model mixes compact size, usable range and relatively accessible pricing.
What is Proton e.MAS 5?
The Proton e.MAS 5 is Geely’s Xingyuan/E2 hatchback reworked for Proton’s home market and export countries, including Nepal. In China, the E2 has become one of the top‑selling compact EVs, beating several larger and more expensive electric SUVs and sedans according to industry reports.
For Nepal, Jagdamba Motors — Proton’s authorised distributor — is preparing to launch the e.MAS 5 as an affordable city‑focused electric hatchback, placed below larger crossovers and premium EVs.
Expected price and positioning in Nepal
- Expected price in Nepal: Rs 30–40 lakh (before final confirmation), based on Malaysian pricing and local duty estimates.
- This puts the e.MAS 5 against smaller EVs and below many larger electric SUVs already on sale.
Final pricing has not yet been officially announced; dealers are calling it an indicative range based on current tax structures and Proton’s positioning.
Key specs for Nepali buyers
The e.MAS 5 will be offered internationally in two main variants, and a similar structure is expected for Nepal:
- Prime variant: 58 kW motor, 30.12 kWh LFP battery, claimed range about 225 km (WLTP)
- Premium variant: 85 kW motor, 40.16 kWh LFP battery, claimed range about 325 km (WLTP)
Both versions use rear‑wheel drive, which is unusual in this price segment. The battery is LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate), a chemistry known for long cycle life and better tolerance to frequent charging.
Charging details from markets where the car is already on sale: - AC charging (6.6 kW): roughly 5–7 hours to 100%, depending on battery size - DC fast charging (Premium): around 30–80% in about 20–30 minutes, useful for highway stops
Size, cabin and features
The Geely E2 platform is around 4.1 m long with a 2.65 m wheelbase, making the e.MAS 5 similar in footprint to popular compact hatchbacks.
That means:
- Easier manoeuvring on narrow city roads
- Enough cabin space for small families
Feature highlights (spec may vary by Nepali variant, but internationally the model offers):
- Digital instrument cluster and large central touchscreen
- Full‑LED lighting
- Adaptive cruise control in higher variants
- Two‑box hatchback layout with practical boot space; some markets also get a small front trunk
Why this matters for Nepal
For many buyers, the biggest barriers to EV adoption are price and range. The Proton e.MAS 5 directly targets these concerns with:
- Price around Rs 30–40 lakh, undercutting many larger electric SUVs
- Realistic urban range of 225–325 km per charge, enough for daily commuting inside the valley or regular trips in and around major cities
- Compact size and rear‑wheel drive, giving easier city use with a more engaging driving feel than some front‑wheel‑drive rivals
According to Proton and Geely, strong sales of the E2 in China point to growing demand for simple, affordable electric hatchbacks. If Jagdamba Motors can keep pricing close to expectations and ensure solid after‑sales support, the e.MAS 5 is likely to become a key new option for Nepali families shifting from small petrol hatchbacks to their first EV.
Takeaway for buyers: expect a compact, rear‑wheel‑drive EV around Rs 30–40 lakh, with up to about 325 km claimed range and everyday practicality rather than luxury. Detailed variant specs and final price will be clearer once the official Nepal launch is announced.
Current prices on Nepal AutoMart
- Proton e.MAS 5 EV price in Nepal: Rs 32.49 lakh – Rs 37.49 lakh ex-showroom, 2 variants
Reported by the Nepal AutoMart news desk. Prices verified against Nepal AutoMart's own distributor-sourced data.
