With two major automobile expos on the horizon and the festive season fast approaching, Nepal’s auto industry is gearing up for a fresh wave of product launches. But unlike past years, the 2025 season is marked by heightened anticipation and heightened competition.
The domestic auto market is now split between two rival industry groups—the Nepal Automobiles Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) and the NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal. Each is preparing to host its own marquee event this August.
NAIMA is organizing the Nepal Mobility Expo 2025 from August 6–10 at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, while NADA will stage its long-running NADA Auto Show 2025 from August 19–24 at the same venue. These back-to-back events are expected to set the tone for Nepal’s automobile market heading into the year-end shopping season.
At the heart of this year’s buzz is the electric vehicle (EV) segment, with models like Tata Harrier EV, Mahindra BE 6 and XUV 9e, and BYD Sealion 7 generating excitement ahead of their possible Nepal debuts.
Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e
Two electric SUVs from Mahindra, the BE 6 and XEV 9e, are being watched as likely showstoppers at the upcoming expos. Although launched in India last year, neither model has officially entered the Nepali market. Agni Incorporated, Mahindra’s authorized distributor in Nepal, is reportedly testing the models on local roads. “The vehicles are still undergoing evaluation, and no decision has been finalized yet,” said Santoshi Nepal, Senior Marketing Manager at Agni Incorporated.
Currently, Mahindra offers only the XUV400 in its EV lineup in Nepal. The addition of these two new models will significantly expand its electric portfolio.
Nepal is likely to see two variants of the Mahindra BE 6 and three variants of the XEV 9e, with prices ranging from Rs 7.63 million to Rs 10.07 million. These upcoming models are equipped with high-performance specifications designed to appeal to premium EV buyers.
Both SUVs offer dual motor options—a 99 kW standard motor and a more powerful 199 kW variant—paired with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery packs of 59 kWh and 79 kWh capacity. These battery systems support ultra-fast charging, enabling a 20% to 80% charge in just 20 minutes when using a 175 kW charger.
In terms of performance, the EVs deliver between 231 and 286 horsepower, and up to 380 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds. The BE 6 promises a driving range of up to 682 kilometers, while the XUV 9e offers a range of up to 656 kilometers on a single charge.
To further strengthen their appeal, both models will be backed by a lifetime battery warranty—a significant value addition in a market where battery durability remains a key consumer concern.
With their blend of advanced technology, long range, fast charging, and competitive pricing, the BE 6 and XEV 9e are poised to position Mahindra as a formidable player in Nepal’s growing premium electric vehicle segment.
BYD Sealion 7
BYD Sealion 7, which was showcased at the 2024 NADA Auto Show, is expected to go on sale in a couple of months.
Built on BYD’s advanced e-Platform 3.0 Evo, the Sealion 7 comes equipped with a 100 kW motor paired with an 82.5 kWh battery pack, delivering an impressive driving range of approximately 542 kilometers on a single charge. Beyond its strong performance credentials, the SUV is packed with a suite of cutting-edge features designed to enhance both convenience and safety. Inside, drivers and passengers can enjoy a large 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen complemented by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display that projects key information directly onto the windshield. Safety is a top priority, with the Sealion 7 offering six airbags, radar-based systems, a 360-degree camera setup, lane assist, and automatic emergency braking (AEB). Adding to the vehicle’s premium feel is a panoramic sunroof, creating an airy and spacious cabin atmosphere.
Though no formal launch date has been confirmed, Yamuna Shrestha, Managing Director of Cimex Inc—BYD’s official distributor in Nepal—said the company is planning for a rollout in the near future.
The expected price of Rs 7.2-7.5 million positions the Sealion 7 as a strong contender for buyers seeking a car with premium performance and futuristic features.
Tata Harrier EV
Since its launch in India on June 3, Tata’s Harrier EV has stirred excitement among Nepali consumers, many of whom are eagerly awaiting its arrival. The model is Tata Motors’ flagship electric SUV, built on the next-gen acti.ev Plus platform and offering two battery options—65 kWh and 75 kWh—with a claimed range of up to 627 km on a single charge (MIDC).
The vehicle’s specifications include dual motors powering an all-wheel-drive system, producing 390 bhp and 504 Nm of torque. Additional features include Level 2 ADAS, a 14.53-inch QLED touchscreen, panoramic sunroof and a lifetime battery warranty—making it a formidable entry in the premium EV space.
Despite the enthusiasm, Sipradi Trading, the official distributor for Tata in Nepal, has not confirmed a launch timeline. “Tata Motors has not yet started deliveries in India. We will introduce the Harrier EV at the appropriate time,” said Aviruchi Giri, Marketing Manager at Sipradi.
Pricing in India starts at around 2.149 million Indian rupees. However, official pricing and launch dates for Nepal have not been announced yet.
Twin Expos, One Electric Momentum
As NAIMA and NADA prepare for their flagship expos, the spotlight is squarely on Nepal’s rapidly evolving EV market. With several high-profile launches on the horizon, the expos are not just platforms for brand visibility—but also battlegrounds for shaping consumer preference in a growing electric mobility landscape. For Nepali buyers, it means more choices, better technology and the promise of a cleaner drive into the future.
(This report was originally publihsed in July 2025 issue of New Business Age Magazine.)
