Kathmandu-The Nepali market has seen a sharp rise in imports of electric cars, microbuses, and vans due to lower operating costs and easy import from China.

This surge has been accompanied by an increase in the number of commercial electric vehicle brands imported from China.

Demand for electric microbuses, especially those with 11-seat and 14-seat capacities, has grown significantly, catering to short and medium routes and commercial use. Currently, the Nepali market offers over 30 electric microbus and van brands, along with numerous models.

The import of microbuses and vans has attracted both large business houses and startup entrepreneurs. While some imported brands are established, many are non-branded, including Chinese startups and financially distressed brands.

Consumers are advised to purchase vehicles from brands with regular spare parts and service availability, are widely used in China, and are exported to countries beyond Nepal.

In 2025, Nepal imported a total of 3,761 electric commercial vehicles, including vans, microbuses, minibuses, electric pickups, and trucks.

China remained the primary source of these imports, with a significant portion consisting of 11-seat vans and microbuses with up to 14 seats.

King Long emerged as the most popular electric commercial vehicle brand in 2025, with 509 units imported. SRM followed closely, with 450 units imported.

KYC ranked third with 451 units, followed by DFSK in fourth place with 445 units. Joylong secured the fifth position with 375 electric vehicles imported in 2025.

Following Joylong, Foton recorded imports of 227 electric vehicles, while Kama imported 196 units. Kave followed with 181 units imported in 2025. Dongfeng imported 151 electric vans and microbuses, and Sokon imported 145 electric vehicles in the same year.

In 2025, customs data showed that 41 brands of electric commercial vehicles were imported, with ten brands alone accounting for over 100 vehicles. However, 17 brands failed to reach double-digit import figures, and about half a dozen brands are being imported by multiple companies.

Transport entrepreneurs prefer electric microbuses and vans for commercial use due to their lower operating costs. Since they can operate at fares comparable to diesel microbuses, operators are increasingly shifting towards electric microbuses.

However, as imports rise, consumers have complained about the lack of timely service and affordable spare parts, which could lead to frustration among electric microbus and van users. Business operators emphasize the need for importers to address this issue promptly.

Here are the electric commercial vehicle brands and their import numbers in 2025:

- King Long 509

- SRM 450

- KYC 451

- DFSK 445

- Joylong 375

- Foton 227

- Kama 196

- Kawei 181

- Dongfeng 151

- Sokon 145

- Neosi 90

- Higer 71

- Keyton 61

- Chery Wanda 60

- Sunlong 52

- Skyworth 30

- Chery 30

- Gonow 26

- Skywell 25

- Iveco 25

- SRM 24

- Golden Dragon 22

- Huazi 18

- Wanda 12

-Aucwell 12

- Victory 9

- Purple Elephant 9

- Wuling 7

- Zhongtong 6

- RZM 6

- Feidi 3

- Farizon 3

- AIMO 3

- Vanch 2

- Tenglong 2

- Linx 2

- Gecko 2

- Central 2

- BuloCk 2

- ZEV 1

- CHTC 1

- Centro 1

Monthly import numbers of electric commercial vehicles were as follows:

- January: 231

- February: 437

- March: 419

- April: 381

- May: 1,554

- June: 0

- July: 34

- August: 40

- September: 24

- October: 118

- November: 332

- December: 194