From Rs 2.7 Million EVs to Premium SUVs: What Cars Are at NAIMA Expo, How Much Do They Cost and What Will Buyers Pay in EMI?

Nepal’s largest concentration of new cars, electric vehicles and mobility technology has arrived at Bhrikutimandap with the opening of the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026, where more than 55 automotive and mobility brands are participating and over 40 new products are expected to be unveiled during the six-day exhibition.

For potential buyers, however, the biggest questions are not simply which new cars have arrived. The more practical issues are how far they can travel on a charge, what features they offer, how much they cost in Nepal, how much a bank will finance and what the monthly instalment would look like after taking an auto loan.

Those questions have become particularly important because Nepal Rastra Bank currently allows banks and financial institutions to finance up to 60 percent of the value of personal vehicles, including electric vehicles. This effectively means that a buyer generally has to arrange at least 40 percent of the vehicle price from their own funds, while the remaining amount can potentially be financed by a bank, subject to income, creditworthiness and the lending institution’s assessment.

Banks are also competing aggressively in vehicle financing. Global IME Bank, for example, currently lists fixed EV auto-loan rates ranging from 7.24 percent to 8.99 percent for loans of up to seven years, depending on the customer category. Everest Bank also allows EV financing up to 60 percent of vehicle value with repayment periods of up to seven years.

For comparison in this article, monthly instalments are calculated using a 60 percent loan, seven-year repayment period and 8 percent annual interest rate. The actual EMI paid by an individual customer can therefore be higher or lower depending on the bank, interest rate, loan tenure, insurance, processing charges and the borrower’s financial profile.

Tata offers one of the widest price ranges

Among established brands, Tata Motors has one of the broadest EV portfolios in Nepal.

Its Tiago EV currently starts at around Rs 2.749 million, making it one of the lower-priced mainstream electric passenger cars available in the country. Tata’s electric range then extends through the Punch EV, Nexon EV and Curvv EV.

At Rs 2.749 million, a buyer financing the maximum 60 percent would borrow about Rs 1.649 million and need to arrange roughly Rs 1.10 million as down payment. At 8 percent interest over seven years, the illustrative monthly instalment comes to around Rs 25,700.

The Punch EV is priced from about Rs 3.499 million, with higher variants reaching around Rs 3.999 million. It is offered with 25 kWh and 35 kWh battery choices, depending on variant, and is positioned as a compact electric SUV.

On a Rs 3.499 million Punch EV, a 60 percent loan would amount to around Rs 2.099 million, requiring at least Rs 1.40 million from the buyer. The indicative seven-year EMI at 8 percent would be approximately Rs 32,700 per month.

At the upper end of Tata’s electric line-up is the Curvv EV, priced at Rs 5.699 million.

The Curvv EV uses a 55 kWh battery and a 98 kW motor, with Tata estimating a practical C75 driving range of around 400–425 kilometres. It also carries a 12.3-inch infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera and six airbags.

Its safety package includes Level 2 advanced driver-assistance functions on the equipped variant, including adaptive cruise control, lane-related assistance and autonomous emergency braking.

A buyer taking the maximum loan on the Rs 5.699 million Curvv EV would finance about Rs 3.419 million and need approximately Rs 2.28 million upfront. At the same illustrative financing terms, the EMI would come to about Rs 53,300 per month.

Proton intensifies competition below Rs 4 million

One of the most closely watched additions in the affordable EV category is the Proton e.MAS 5.

The compact EV is offered in Prime and Premium versions. Its regular listed prices are around Rs 3.299 million for the Prime and Rs 3.699 million for the Premium, following an earlier introductory campaign under which initial buyers were offered lower prices.

The Prime uses a 30.12 kWh LFP battery, a 58 kW rear-mounted motor and offers a WLTP range of about 225 kilometres. The Premium receives a larger 40.16 kWh battery and extends WLTP range to about 325 kilometres. DC fast charging can take the battery from 30 to 80 percent in around 21 minutes.

Its equipment list is notable for the price segment. Depending on variant, it includes six airbags, electronic stability control, tyre-pressure monitoring, hill-start and hill-descent assistance, regenerative braking and other driver-assistance functions.

Using the Rs 3.299 million Prime as the benchmark, a buyer could potentially finance around Rs 1.979 million and would need at least Rs 1.32 million as equity.

At 8 percent for seven years, the illustrative instalment comes to about Rs 30,850 per month.

That puts Proton directly into competition with Tata’s lower-end EVs, BYD’s entry models and several new Chinese EV brands.

Leapmotor brings 505-km claim below Rs 5 million

Another major talking point surrounding the expo is the Leapmotor B03X Pro Max.

Shangrila Motors introduced the compact electric SUV in Nepal at Rs 4.499 million for the first 100 customers, after which the announced price rises to Rs 4.699 million.

The B03X carries a 53 kWh LFP battery paired with a 145 kW front-wheel-drive motor. The company claims a range of 505 kilometres under the CLTC testing cycle.

Buyers should, however, be cautious when comparing that figure directly with WLTP or real-world ranges because CLTC figures tend to be more optimistic.

The vehicle offers 190 mm of ground clearance, 18-inch wheels, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel and a large 14.6-inch 2K infotainment screen. It also includes 360-degree dash-camera recording and Level 2 ADAS.

At the introductory Rs 4.499 million price, a buyer financing 60 percent would take a loan of about Rs 2.699 million and arrange around Rs 1.80 million personally.

The illustrative EMI would be around Rs 42,100 a month for seven years at 8 percent.

This makes the Leapmotor particularly aggressive on specification because it offers a comparatively large battery and powerful motor while remaining below the Rs 5 million threshold.

GWM Ora 5 targets the crowded mid-market

Great Wall Motor’s Ora 5 EV is another important entrant in Nepal’s increasingly competitive compact and mid-size electric market.

The model was initially launched from Rs 4.699 million, while subsequent pricing adjustments have pushed the entry figure higher. Current market listings put the lower variant around the upper-Rs 4 million range.

Using a representative price of around Rs 4.849 million, the maximum 60 percent bank financing would be approximately Rs 2.909 million, leaving the buyer to arrange around Rs 1.94 million.

At 8 percent for seven years, the estimated EMI comes to about Rs 45,350 per month.

The Ora 5 is positioned as a technology-heavy compact electric SUV and carries around 200 mm of ground clearance in the Nepal-specification model, making it better suited to uneven road conditions than many low-slung EVs.

Hyundai relies on brand confidence and after-sales support

Hyundai has a major presence in the exhibition with both electric and internal-combustion vehicles.

Its Creta EV is particularly important because it combines one of Nepal’s most familiar SUV nameplates with an electric drivetrain.

The Creta EV starts at Rs 5.196 million, while variants extend to Rs 7.696 million.

The lower Nepal-specification version uses a 42 kWh battery, a 99 kW motor and has a claimed MIDC range of around 390 kilometres. It also offers 200 mm ground clearance, six airbags and a broad range of safety equipment. Higher-equipped versions add Hyundai SmartSense Level 2 ADAS functions.

Other available features include a 10.25-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, powered driver’s seat, wireless charging and a 360-degree camera depending on variant.

At Rs 5.196 million, a 60 percent loan would be about Rs 3.118 million, while the buyer would need about Rs 2.078 million upfront.

At the benchmark financing rate used here, the EMI would be approximately Rs 48,600 per month.

One of Hyundai’s strongest advantages may not appear on the specification sheet. The company already has an established nationwide service network, while its Creta EV battery carries an eight-year or 160,000-km warranty according to published Nepal-market information.

That factor could become increasingly important as Nepal’s EV market fills with new brands whose long-term parts and service networks have not yet been tested.

Omoda E5 Pro puts technology at the centre

Omoda’s E5 Pro is another electric SUV in the roughly Rs 5 million category.

SPG Automobiles has listed the model at Rs 5.159 million for the single-tone version and Rs 5.199 million for the dual-tone model, following a lower introductory offer.

The broader E5 line uses a 58.9 kWh battery and offers a claimed 430 km WLTP driving range, giving it one of the stronger certified range figures in its segment.

At Rs 5.159 million, a maximum 60 percent loan would amount to about Rs 3.095 million, requiring roughly Rs 2.064 million as down payment.

The seven-year illustrative monthly repayment would be about Rs 48,250.

Omoda and sister brand Jaecoo have also previously offered aggressive financing and promotional packages, including limited-period interest and exchange campaigns, although buyers need to verify whether any such offers are specifically valid during the current NAIMA Expo.

Deepal S05 brings premium technology at Rs 5.4 million

Deepal’s updated S05 Plus is priced from Rs 5.399 million in Nepal.

The compact electric SUV combines a technology-focused cabin with features including a 159-litre front storage compartment, connected-car functions and a remote system capable of moving the vehicle in and out of tight parking spaces. The model has also received a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

For a Rs 5.399 million S05, a buyer using the full allowable financing would borrow about Rs 3.239 million and contribute roughly Rs 2.16 million.

The estimated seven-year EMI at 8 percent is approximately Rs 50,500 per month.

This Rs 5 million to Rs 6 million segment is emerging as perhaps the toughest battleground in Nepal’s EV market, with Deepal, Tata, Hyundai, Omoda, GWM, Leapmotor, BYD and several other companies competing for essentially the same urban and family SUV buyer.

Jaecoo J6T moves into the rugged EV category

The Jaecoo J6T targets customers looking for a more rugged-looking electric SUV.

Its Nepal price is Rs 6.899 million, while a limited introductory offer had previously brought the price down to Rs 6.699 million.

The model offers a claimed driving range of around 431 kilometres and, importantly for Nepal, 225 mm of ground clearance.

The high ground clearance differentiates it from many urban-focused electric crossovers and may appeal to buyers who regularly travel outside Kathmandu or encounter damaged roads.

At the Rs 6.899 million standard price, maximum financing would reach approximately Rs 4.139 million. The buyer would need about Rs 2.76 million upfront.

The indicative seven-year EMI would be around Rs 64,500 per month.

MG IM6 moves into the premium class

At the higher end is MG’s IM6, priced at approximately Rs 7.499 million.

The premium electric SUV uses a 75 kWh LFP battery and offers a claimed 450 km WLTP range, or 505 km under the more generous NEDC testing standard.

Its Nepal-specification powertrain produces 109 kW and 450 Nm of torque, while the model is positioned around AI-assisted technology, performance and a premium cabin.

A buyer financing 60 percent of the Rs 7.499 million purchase price could potentially borrow around Rs 4.499 million, but would still need roughly Rs 3 million as down payment.

At the assumed 8 percent interest rate over seven years, the monthly instalment would be approximately Rs 70,100.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 pushes EMI close to Rs 90,000

For premium EV buyers, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 remains one of the most recognisable models in Nepal.

Current prices begin at roughly Rs 9.296 million, with higher variants exceeding Rs 10 million. The Nepal model is offered with a 58.9 kWh battery and a 125 kW motor, while published specifications put its driving range at around 375 kilometres.

At the Rs 9.296 million entry price, the maximum 60 percent bank loan would reach approximately Rs 5.578 million.

That means the buyer must provide at least Rs 3.718 million independently.

The estimated monthly repayment at 8 percent for seven years would be about Rs 86,900.

The Ioniq 5 also illustrates an important point about vehicle financing: while a 60 percent LTV ceiling allows a large nominal loan, banks still assess whether the borrower’s regular income can support the monthly obligation.

A customer does not automatically qualify for the full 60 percent simply because NRB allows it.

Several important Expo vehicles still do not have final prices

A number of vehicles drawing attention at NAIMA are in the debut or showcase stage, meaning their final Nepal prices have either not been formally announced or were not publicly confirmed before the opening of the exhibition.

Among them is the Hyundai Ioniq 9, Hyundai’s large three-row electric SUV.

It is more than five metres long and is positioned as a flagship family EV. Earlier Nepal-market estimates placed it around Rs 19–20 million, but that should not be treated as an official showroom price until the distributor formally announces it.

Mahindra is also using the expo to highlight the XEV 9S, its first dedicated three-row electric SUV, joining the BE 6 and XEV 9e in the company’s new electric portfolio.

Nissan’s Tekton is making its Nepal debut as a new SUV with connected LED lighting, a muscular design and a more premium positioning, but its local price had not been formally established in publicly available information before the show.

The Chery Q electric urban crossover is another model being unveiled during the expo, while the Arcfox T1 is targeting the compact EV market. Pre-launch industry estimates placed the Arcfox at around Rs 4–4.5 million, but buyers should rely on the distributor’s final expo price rather than earlier estimates.

GWM may also use the show to present the Jolion Max EV, with pre-launch estimates placing the model at around Rs 6–6.5 million. Again, that figure remains indicative until an official Nepal price is announced.

Wuling, meanwhile, is introducing a new-generation MINIEV, targeting buyers looking for a small urban electric vehicle. The vehicle has undergone a substantial redesign compared with the previous generation, with improvements in space, technology and safety.

What does a 60 percent auto loan actually mean?

The financing structure is important because many buyers misunderstand the phrase “60 percent financing.”

If a car costs Rs 3 million, the bank can finance a maximum of about Rs 1.8 million under a 60 percent LTV structure, meaning the buyer needs around Rs 1.2 million in their own money.

For a Rs 5 million vehicle, the possible loan rises to Rs 3 million, but the customer needs about Rs 2 million upfront.

For a Rs 10 million car, the buyer must arrange approximately Rs 4 million personally even before registration, insurance and other costs are considered.

NRB’s 60 percent LTV ceiling therefore limits leverage and requires buyers to have substantial equity before purchasing higher-priced vehicles.

Interest rates can change the EMI significantly

Interest rate is the second major factor.

Global IME Bank’s current published EV financing rates show that a seven-year fixed loan can range from 7.24 percent to 8.99 percent, depending on customer classification. Its fuel-vehicle rates are slightly higher, ranging from 7.74 percent to 9.49 percent for comparable seven-year fixed schemes.

Nepal SBI Bank, meanwhile, lists a fixed personal auto-loan rate of around 8.99 percent for up to five years, while its floating EV loans are linked to the bank’s base rate with an additional premium.

This means two buyers purchasing the same vehicle may pay different monthly instalments depending on their bank, credit score, salary relationship and loan structure.

A lower advertised interest rate should also be examined carefully to determine whether it applies for the entire loan term or only for the first few years.

EV buyers should compare more than range and price

The NAIMA Expo demonstrates how crowded Nepal’s EV market has become.

A buyer with around Rs 3 million can now choose among several compact electric cars.

Around Rs 4–5 million, the number of alternatives rises sharply.

Once the budget reaches Rs 5–7 million, consumers can choose among larger SUVs with panoramic roofs, large displays, ADAS, 360-degree cameras and longer-range batteries.

This abundance of choice is positive for consumers, but it also makes vehicle selection more complicated.

The longest claimed driving range does not automatically make one vehicle better.

Consumers need to identify which testing standard produced the number. A 500-km CLTC claim is not directly equivalent to a 500-km WLTP figure, and neither necessarily represents the distance a car will deliver on Nepal’s highways with passengers, air-conditioning, hills and changing temperatures.

Battery warranty, service centres, availability of body and mechanical parts, resale value, fast-charging capability and insurance costs should therefore be considered alongside the purchase price.

Loan affordability may be more important than Expo discount

Dealers are expected to offer booking discounts and other incentives during the NAIMA Expo, but the real financial cost of a vehicle is often determined more by financing than by a one-time discount.

A Rs 200,000 cash discount can appear attractive, but a higher interest rate applied for seven years can easily offset a large part of that saving.

Customers therefore need to compare the final vehicle price, required down payment, effective loan rate, repayment period and total interest payable rather than focusing only on the monthly EMI.

A longer seven-year loan reduces the monthly burden but increases the total interest paid.

A shorter loan increases the EMI but usually reduces the total financing cost.

Nepal’s auto market has clearly entered the EV era

The broader message from NAIMA Mobility Expo 2026 is unmistakable.

Electric vehicles are no longer a niche category in Nepal.

They dominate many of the most important new launches, and competition has spread from basic city cars to compact SUVs, rugged EVs, family crossovers and premium electric vehicles.

More than 55 brands are participating in the expo, which runs from August 11 to 16 at Bhrikutimandap.

For buyers, the increasingly crowded market creates both opportunity and risk.

Prices are becoming more competitive and equipment levels are rising rapidly, but many brands remain relatively new to Nepal.

The strongest purchase decision may therefore not be the vehicle with the biggest screen, longest claimed range or largest expo discount.

For a buyer taking a seven-year loan, service support, battery reliability, spare parts, resale prospects and the ability to comfortably pay the monthly instalment may matter far more than what looks attractive on the exhibition floor.

In practical terms, someone considering a Rs 3–3.5 million EV should expect to arrange roughly Rs 1.2–1.4 million upfront and face an EMI of around Rs 28,000–33,000 under typical seven-year financing.

At around Rs 5–5.5 million, the required cash rises to about Rs 2–2.2 million and the EMI approaches Rs 47,000–51,000.

A Rs 7.5 million premium EV can require close to Rs 3 million upfront and around Rs 70,000 per month.

That financing reality may ultimately determine which of the dozens of new vehicles displayed at NAIMA turn into actual sales once the excitement of the expo is over.