The Nepal Mobility Expo 2024 has generated renewed interest in the country’s automobile sector, with electric vehicles (EVs) emerging as the main attraction at the exhibition in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Organised by the Nepal Automobiles Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), the expo has brought dozens of vehicle brands under one roof, allowing visitors to compare models, prices and features without having to visit multiple showrooms. The event has also offered a boost to an automobile market described as sluggish, with strong footfall at EV displays highlighting growing consumer interest in electric mobility.
Visitors said the ability to compare vehicles across different brands was among the biggest advantages of the expo. Durga Nath Neupane of Naxal said he was looking for a vehicle priced between 4.5 million and 5 million Nepali rupees, with good mileage and adequate charging facilities. He also pointed to the discounts and other offers available at the exhibition. Sujit Basnet from Lalitpur, who previously drove a Toyota, said he was considering switching to an EV and welcomed the wide range of vehicles on display. According to him, prices at the expo range from about 2.8 million to 40 million rupees, providing options for customers with different budgets. He showed particular interest in GWM vehicles and was considering making a booking.
The expo has also brought attention to the economic arguments surrounding electric mobility in Nepal. Visitor Taraprasad Pokharel from Kirtipur said EVs could reduce dependence on imported fuel because Nepal has significant electricity generation potential from hydropower. He examined newer models, including Proton’s Imsa 7 and Chery vehicles priced between roughly 3 million and 4.2 million rupees. At the same time, he raised concerns about the long-term resale value of EVs compared with petrol-powered vehicles. Battery durability after five to seven years remains a consideration for potential buyers, although he noted that government customs concessions have made electric vehicles relatively more affordable and accessible.
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The strong response to the expo reflects the changing preferences of Nepal’s automobile consumers, with buyers increasingly weighing running costs, charging infrastructure and environmental considerations alongside conventional factors such as price and mileage. The presence of vehicles across multiple price segments is also giving customers an opportunity to assess the rapidly expanding EV market in a single location. With manufacturers and importers showcasing new models and promotional offers, the Nepal Mobility Expo is providing a platform for consumers to evaluate the transition towards electric mobility while also highlighting concerns such as battery life, resale value and charging facilities that could influence the sector’s future growth
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