Image: Proton official image
The arrival of the Proton e.MAS 5 adds a new option for buyers looking for an electric car in the Rs 30–35 lakh range, a price band already crowded by models like the BYD Atto 1 and **Dongfeng Nammi Box**. According to Jagdamba Motors, the e.MAS 5 is aimed at families who want more space and range than a typical city EV, but still at an accessible price.
Positioning in Nepal’s affordable EV market
Until now, many budget EVs in Nepal have been compact city cars, designed mainly for short commutes and tight urban roads. The Nammi Box attracted attention with its bold styling and rich features for the price, while BYD’s Atto 1 leveraged the brand’s global battery reputation and aggressive pricing.
The Proton e.MAS 5 is taking a different route. It is a larger hatchback based on the Geely Xingyuan platform, with a focus on cabin space, usable range and safety technology.
- Proton e.MAS 5 (Premium, Nepal): 85 kW motor, 150 Nm, 40.16 kWh battery, claimed range around 310–325 km, rear‑wheel drive, 5‑seater hatchback.
- BYD Atto 1 (city EV): small city‑focused EV, built around BYD’s LFP battery tech, positioned as an entry EV with compact dimensions and urban usability.
- Dongfeng Nammi Box (compact EV): boxy compact EV, known for its futuristic design, strong features list and competitive pricing in the lower end of the city‑car segment.
Price and variants
In Nepal, the e.MAS 5 is offered in Prime and Premium variants. Booking campaigns and early announcements indicate a price window of roughly Rs 30–40 lakh, with special introductory ranges of Rs 29.99–34.99 lakh for Prime and Rs 34.99–39.99 lakh for Premium, limited to early customers according to Proton Nepal’s campaigns.
BYD Atto 1 and Nammi Box are generally positioned in a similar bracket, with Nammi Box targeting buyers who want a feature‑rich compact car, and Atto 1 aimed at value‑seeking urban users. That puts all three models into direct competition for first‑time EV buyers and city families.
Space, features and safety
Where the e.MAS 5 tries to stand out is interior space and technology. With a length of over 4.1 metres and a wheelbase of 2650 mm (according to technical disclosures), it offers a roomier cabin than most small city EVs. The Premium variant in particular is equipped with features such as a 14.6‑inch touchscreen, 8.8‑inch digital cluster, wireless phone charging, six airbags, 360‑degree camera and Level 2 ADAS.
The Nammi Box focuses more on compact size and distinctive design, but still offers modern features for its segment. The BYD Atto 1, meanwhile, relies on BYD’s battery expertise and brand trust, but is physically smaller and more city‑oriented than the Proton.
What this means for Nepali buyers
For buyers comparing these three:
- Proton e.MAS 5 is the most family‑oriented choice, with longer range, larger body and advanced safety tech, suited for mixed city–highway use.
- BYD Atto 1 is a city‑focused EV, attractive to those who prioritise brand reputation and proven battery technology in a compact package.
- Nammi Box is a style‑driven compact EV, appealing to buyers who want a small footprint, eye‑catching design and strong features at a lower price point.
Key takeaway for Nepali buyers: if you need more space and higher range around Rs 30–35 lakh, the Proton e.MAS 5 now offers a serious alternative to the BYD Atto 1 and Nammi Box, especially in its Premium 40.16 kWh, ~310–325 km range configuration.
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
- BYD Atto 1 EV price in Nepal: Rs 28.95 lakh – Rs 32.99 lakh ex-showroom, 2 variants
- dongfeng Nammi Box price in Nepal: Rs 32.49 lakh – Rs 35.99 lakh ex-showroom, 4 variants
Reported by the Nepal AutoMart news desk. Prices verified against Nepal AutoMart's own distributor-sourced data.
