NAIMA Expo 2026 Day 1: Nepal's EV Price War Ignites
Day 1 of Nepal's biggest auto show — 55 brands, 44 launches. Affordable EVs like the Proton e.MAS 5, Arcfox T1 and Wuling Mini EV headline a sub-Rs 40 lakh price war.
Nepal's biggest mobility show opens with an EV blitz
The NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 threw open its gates at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu today (August 11) and runs through August 16. Organised by the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), this year's edition is the largest yet — 55 vehicle brands across 53 stalls, with 44 new models slated to launch over the six days. Electric vehicles are unmistakably the headline act, with EVs on display spanning roughly Rs 20 lakh to Rs 3.5 crore.
The real story: a sub-Rs 40 lakh EV price war
The most consequential action on Day 1 wasn't the seven-figure flagships — it was the scramble at the affordable end. Three electric hatchbacks are lining up to fight for Nepal's mass-market buyer:
| Model | Battery | Range | Motor | Price (Nepal) |
| Proton e.MAS 5 | 30.12 / 40.16 kWh | — | — | Expected below Rs 40 lakh |
| Arcfox T1 | 42.4 kWh LFP | 400 km (CLTC) | 70 kW / 176 Nm | Expected ~Rs 45–50 lakh |
| Wuling Mini EV (4-door) | 16.2 / 25.1 kWh | — | 30 kW | Expected below Rs 20 lakh |
The Arcfox T1, brought in by Laxmi Group's EV division, is the most feature-loaded of the three: a 42.4 kWh LFP pack rated at 400 km CLTC, a 70 kW (95 PS) motor, 30–80% fast charging in about 17 minutes, and a genuinely premium kit list including Level 2 ADAS, a 540-degree camera and automatic parking. The Wuling Mini EV 4-door attacks from the opposite direction — if it lands below Rs 20 lakh, it becomes one of the cheapest four-doors you can buy new in Nepal.
The benchmark to beat: Wuling Binguo at Rs 31.99 lakh
Every one of those newcomers is measured against a car already on sale: the Wuling Binguo EV, listed at Rs 31.99 lakh with a 31.9 kWh LFP battery and a claimed 333 km range. It's the price-to-range yardstick the challengers have to undercut to win the segment.
Coming later this week: Leapmotor B03X
Not everything drops on Day 1. The Leapmotor B03X, distributed by Shangrila Motors, is scheduled to make its Nepal debut on August 13 with two battery options, expected in the Rs 40–45 lakh band. We'll confirm the exact price when it's official.
Made-in-Nepal Hyundai
Beyond the new EVs, one structural story stood out: Hyundai's Creta and Venue are now being assembled domestically, and that local assembly is translating into price cuts — a sign of where the market is heading as volumes rise.
What Day 1 tells us about Nepal's EV market
Two years ago the conversation was about whether EVs made sense in Nepal. In 2026 it's about which sub-Rs 40 lakh EV to buy. The centre of gravity has shifted decisively to the affordable segment, and that's healthy: real competition on price and range is exactly what pushes adoption past early adopters.
Our advice for buyers walking the halls this week: don't sign on Day 1 estimates. Expo prices tend to settle as rivals show their hand, and with three hatchbacks fighting for the same wallet, waiting a few days could be worth tens of thousands of rupees. Confirm the final on-road price — including tax and delivery — with the official distributor before you commit.
We'll be tracking every confirmed launch price from NAIMA 2026 all week. Bookmark BijuliSawari for the running list.