Kathmandu- Electric vehicles (EVs) often promote themselves as having lower maintenance costs than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, citing fewer moving parts.

In Nepal, most EV distributors offer two to three years of free servicing.

However, BYD in Nepal, has been found charging high fees for routine maintenance, unlike its competitors. Routine servicing, which includes software updates, brake checks, battery care, and cleaning, is supposed to be complimentary. Additional services or spare parts replacements are charged separately.

Cimex Inc. Pvt. Ltd., BYD's official distributor in Nepal, charges Rs 2,825 (including 13 percent VAT) for the first service, despite advertising free routine maintenance.

According to the service manual provided to BYD Atto 3 buyers, the first service costs Rs 2,500, the second is free, and the next three are charged, followed by another free service at the sixth. From the seventh to the tenth service, customers are charged again, with only the eleventh service free.

Thus, Cimex only offers three free services in the first eleven visits, contradicting its marketing claim of 'free service after each service.'

Biznessnews collected service manuals and VAT bills from BYD service centers and compared them with nine other EV distributors offering vehicles in a similar price and battery range. Seven companies provide free servicing for two to three years, while two others charge nominal fees of Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500, respectively. Compared to them, Cimex's servicing fees are the highest.

While BYD promotes itself as an environmentally responsible brand, Cimex’s high servicing charges tell a different story.

Previously, Biznessnews exposed another controversy where Cimex issued a repair bill of Rs 5.058 million for a minor crack on an Atto 3 priced at Rs 5.69 million — almost matching the vehicle’s purchase price.