Kathmandu- Cars consist of many different parts, with manufacturers producing both high-speed and specialized components.

Compared to internal combustion (IC) engine vehicles, electric vehicle (EV) parts are more expensive. IC engine automobiles have been developed and researched for decades, driving down the cost of parts due to competitive pricing and ample availability. In contrast, EVs, with lower sales and smaller production scales, lack the same economies of scale, leading to relatively higher component prices.

However, a troubling trend has emerged: instead of repairing minor issues, some repair centers  are replacing entire systems at exorbitant costs, rendering parts irreparable.

A recent case highlights this issue, involving Cimex Inc. Pvt. Ltd., the official distributor of BYD in Nepal. The company replaced an entire high-voltage battery system simply because a hook on the battery cover was damaged. Replacing only the battery cover would have cost around 200,000–300,000 rupee or even less, but BYD insisted on replacing the entire battery system, significantly increasing post-sales service costs for the customer.

Kamal Kumar Goyal, the owner of the affected BYD Atto 3, shared his experience. After a minor accident, he took his vehicle to the service center, where he was initially quoted Rs 2.5 million for repairs. Shockingly, the estimate was later increased to Rs 5.058 million due to a crack on the hook of the battery cover. The service center claimed this required replacing the entire high-voltage battery system.

Despite repeated requests for clarification, BYD's service center failed to provide a clear explanation as to why the battery cover alone could not be replaced. Instead, they allegedly made veiled threats, such as, 'What if a technical problem occurs later?'

The fact that repair costs for a minor accident amounted to the price of a new vehicle is deeply concerning. While hefty repair bills are expected in serious accidents, BYD—one of the world’s largest EV manufacturers—has left Goyal stunned with its excessive estimate.

BYD's authorized service center in Biratnagar charged Rs 5.058 million for the Atto 3’s repair, leading to allegations that the local importer was inflating prices to maximize insurance claims.

Reports indicate that BYD’s designated service provider, Superior Motors, had originally estimated  Rs 2.5 million  for repairs—without replacing the battery. However, under instructions from Cimex’s flagship service center, the estimate was revised to include a high-voltage battery replacement, doubling the cost to Rs 5.058 million.

Industry experts warn that if BYD engages in fraudulent insurance claims, it could disrupt Nepal’s EV insurance market.

' If a globally renowned company like BYD engages in such activities, Nepal’s entire EV market will suffer,' said an auto industry analyst. 'Forcing unjustified battery replacements to inflate insurance claims will discourage insurers from covering EVs in the future.'

A mechanical engineer condemned the alleged insurance fraud, raising concerns about potential quality issues in BYD vehicles.

'The most expensive component in an EV is the battery. If a simple battery cover needs replacement, swapping out the entire system isn’t just an insurance scam—it’s outright deception of customers and the industry,' the automobiles  engineer stated. 'Moreover, the vehicle was returned to the owner with insufficient repairs, making the situation even worse.'

Further questions have emerged about BYD’s build quality. If a minor accident can crack the battery cover, it raises serious doubts about durability.

'It’s difficult to criticize the R&D of such a large company,' another auto engineer noted. 'But cost-cutting to offer cheaper EVs may have come at the expense of quality. If minor impacts cause major component failures, that’s a serious issue.'

Other vehicle importers were also shocked by the Atto 3’s repair estimate, which included a total of 142 replacement parts. The most expensive part was priced at Rs 2.195 million, while the cheapest cost just Rs  577.50. 

Even though rival brands refrained from extensive commentary, none considered BYD’s repair quote reasonable.