Introduction: Electric Vehicle and its scenario in Nepal
Electric vehicles (EVs) began emerging slowly around 2010, but in recent years, their global adoption has accelerated rapidly. In Nepal, the EV market has seen significant growth, especially following the pandemic. The Nepali government has shown considerable flexibility in promoting EVs, with measures such as tax incentives and ensuring maximum electricity availability.
However, despite government efforts, EVs have not gained as much traction in Nepal as anticipated, primarily due to challenges related to range or mileage. The lack of a well-established charging infrastructure across the country remains a major obstacle, hindering EVs’ ability to meet user needs. Nonetheless, EV brands like BYD, Hyundai, KN, Tesla, and TATA have captured market share due to their impressive mileage ranges.
Many car manufacturers have turned to hybrid car technology in response to the range issue. Hyundai, for instance, is also set to introduce its first hybrid car in India by 2026, with plans for subsequent expansion into the Nepali market. This move reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry as companies strive to develop hybrid solutions to address consumers’ range of concerns.
Hybrid Car and its Advantages & Disdvanatges
What is a Hybrid Car?
A hybrid vehicle is powered by two distinct sources: an internal combustion engine utilizing petroleum-based fossil fuels such as gasoline, diesel oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and compressed natural gas (CNG), and an electric motor for propulsion, which draws power from DC batteries.
Hybrid cars offer several advantages but also come with some disadvantages:
Advantages:
- No mileage issues
- Reduced emissions, making them environmentally friendly compared to conventional vehicles
- Enhanced fuel efficiency
Cost-effective in terms of running costs - Better resale value, among others
Disadvantages:
- Higher initial cost compared to other cars
- Still requires charging, although to a lesser extent than fully electric vehicles
- Continues to produce CO2 emissions, albeit less than traditional combustion engine vehicles
Few Hybrid Cars and their Prices in Nepal:
1. Toyota Hybrid Car, Specification and Price:
Brand | Model | Starting Price |
Toyota | Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric | NPR 18,100,000 |
Toyota | Camry Hybrid Electric 2024 | Price Upon request |
Toyota | RAV4 Hybrid Electric | NPR 19,500,000 |
Specification for Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric:
Engine Type: 4-cylinder, in-line, 16-valve DOHC, chain drive with Dual VVT-i
Displacement: 1,798 cc
Max. Output: 97 BHP @ 5,200 RPM
Max. Torque: 142 Nm @ 3,600 RPM
Fuel Consumption: 15-20 km/L
Motor:
Max. Output 53 kW
Max. Torque 163 Nm
Battery Type: Nickel Metal-Hydride (Ni-MH)
Transmission Type: CVT
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson strut
Rear: Torsion beam
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated disc with floating caliper 1-cylinder
Rear: Solid disc with floating caliper 1-cylinder
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Steering Type: Electric power steering
Tyres & Rims: 225 / 50 R18 aluminum
Spare Tyre & Rim: Yes
Min. Turning Radius: 5.2 m
Weight: 1,850 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity:36 L
Overall:
Length: 4,460 mm
Width:1,825 mm
Height: 1,620 mm
Ground Clearance: 161 mm
Wheelbase: 2,640 mm
Tread:
Front: 1,559 mm
Rear: 1,571 mm
Seating Capacity: 5
Boot Capacity: 440 L
Side View Mirror: Auto-fold, Electric & Power Adjustable
Headlights:
Type: LED
Levelling:Manual
Rear Combination Lights: LED with light guide and bulb
Daytime Running Lights:Available
Fog Lamps:
Front: Available
Rear: Not available
Acoustic Windshield Glass: Available
Radiator Grille: Double trapezoid
Windshield Wipers: Rain-sensing
Moonroof: Tilt & slide
Interior Features:
Smart Entry and Start System:With panic button
Meter Panel: Multi-information Display 7″ colour meter
Audio System
Type:8″ touchscreen, AM/FM, Bluetooth
Speakers: 6
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™:Available
Air Conditioning:Auto, dual mode
Steering Wheel:
Type:3-spoke leather
Adjustment:Tilt & telescopic
Switches:Audio, telephone, voice command, cruise control
Shift Lever & Knob:Leather, PVC
Power Windows: With auto jam protection
Luggage & Back Door Opener: Power with kick sensor
Power Door Lock:Available
Drive Mode: Electric Vehicle (EV) mode
Seats:
Material:Leather
Front – Driver: 8-way power adjust
Front – Passenger: 4-way manual adjust
Rear – Type: 60:40 folding, reclining
Safety:
Cruise control (CC): Available
Vehicle Stability Control(VSC): Available
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): With brake assist and EBD
Hill-start Assist Control : Available
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS): Available
Parking Sensors:
Front (x2), rear (x4)
Reverse Camera: Available
Tire Pressure Warning System: Available
SRS Airbags: 7 (1 driver, 1 driver’s knee, 1 front passenger, 2 side, 2 curtain shield)
Seatbelts:
Front: 3-point emergency locking retractor (ELR) with pretensioner and force limiter (x2)
Rear: 3-point ELR (x3)
Reminder: Available
Child Locks: Rear doors
Child Restraint System: ISOFIX: 2. Tether anchor: 2
Security:
Anti-theft System Immobiliser and security horn
Specification for Camry Hybrid Electric 2024:
Dimensions:
Length: 4,885mm
Width: 1,840mm
Height: 1,455mm
Weight 2,100 kg
Wheelbase:2,825 mm
Ground Clearance:155 mm
Engine type: 4-cylinder hybrid electric, In-line type, 16-valve DOHC with VVT-iE (Intake), VVT-i (Exhaust)
Engine capacity:2,487 cc
Maximum power (engine): 178 bhp @ 5,700 rpm
Maximum torque (engine):221 Nm @ 3,600-5,200 rpm
Motor power:88 kW
Motor torque: 202 Nm
Battery: Nickel metal hydride battery
Transmission: CVT
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
Fuel tank capacity: 50 litres
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson strut
Rear: Multi-link
Tyres: 215 / 55 R17 aluminium
Wheel:17-inch
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated disc with floating calliper 1-cylinder
Rear: Solid disc with floating calliper 1-cylinder
Specification for RAV4 Hybrid Electric:
Engine:
Type:4-cylinder hybrid electric, In-line type, 16-valve DOHC with VVT-iE (Intake), VVT-i (Exhaust)
Displacement:2,487 cc
Max. Output:178 BHP @ 5,700 RPM
Max. Torque:221 Nm @ 3,600–5,200 RPM
Fuel Consumption:15-19 km/L
Motor & Battery:
Max. Output:88 kW
Max. Torque:202 Nm
Battery Type:Nickel metal hydride battery
Transmission:
Type: Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Chassis:
Brakes:
Front:Ventilated disc brake with floating caliper 1-cylinder
Rear:Solid disc brake with floating caliper 1-cylinder
Drivetrain:All-wheel drive (AWD)
Steering Type:Electric power steering
Tyres & Rims:225 / 60 R18 aluminum
Spare Tyre & Rim:18-inch ground tyre
Min. Turning Radius:5.5 m
Measurements:
Weight:2,230 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity:55 L
Overall:
Length:4,600 mm
Width:1,855 mm
Height:1,685 mm
Ground Clearance:195 mm
Wheelbase:2,690 mm
Tread:
Front:1,610 mm
Rear:1,640 mm
Seating Capacity: 5
Boot Capacity:733 L
Exterior Features:
Outside Rear View Mirror:Power adjustable, power retractable, side turn signal light, mirror heater
Headlights:
Type: LED
Levelling:Auto
Rear Combination Lights:All LED
Daytime Running Lights:Available
Fog lamps:
Front:Available
Rear:Not available
Radiator Lower Grille:Paint
Windshield Wipers:Auto rain-sensing with mist control
Moonroof: Tilt & slide, Wide
Interior Features:
Smart Entry and Start System: Available
Meter Panel:
Multi-information Display:7″ instrument panel
Audio System:
Type:7″ touchscreen, DVD
Speakers:6
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™:Available
Air Conditioning: Auto, dual mode and front spot
USB Charging Ports:Front: 1, Rear: 2
Steering Wheel:
Type:3-spoke leather
Adjustment: Manual tilt & telescopic
Switches:Audio, voice command, cruise control
Shift Lever & Knob:Leather
Power Windows:Power with jam protection
Luggage & Back Door Opener:Upwards
Power Door Lock:Available
Drive Mode:Electric Vehicle (EV) mode
Seats:
Material:Leather
Front – Driver:4-way power adjust with memory
Front – Passenger: 2-way manual adjust
Rear – Type: 60:40 separate folding
Seat Ventilation:Available
Sun Visor: With mirror
Wireless Charger: Available
Safety
Cruise Control (CC): Available
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC):With trailer sway
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS):With brake assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC):Available
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS):Available
Parking Sensors:Front, Rear
Reverse Camera:Available
Parking Brake:Electric with brake hold
Tire Pressure Warning System Available
SRS Airbags:7 (1 driver, 1 driver’s knee, 1 front passenger, 2 side, 2 curtain shield)
Seatbelts:
Front:3-point emergency locking retractor (ELR) with pretensioner and force limiter (x2)
Rear:3-point ELR (x3)
Reminder:With buzzer
Child Locks: Available
Security:
Anti-theft System: Immobiliser
2. Mitsubishi Hybrid Car, Specification and Price:
Brand | Model | Starting Price |
Mitsubishi | Outlander Plug-in-Hybrid | NPR 15,500,000 |
Specification:
Electric Motor Type: AC synchronous permanent magnetic motor
Battery: 13.8kWh
Power Output: 80KW
Motor Torque: 195Nm
Engine Type: 2.4L MIVEC DOHC, 4-Cylinder
Engine Power: 126bhp at 4500rpm
Engine Torque: 199Nm at 4500rpm
Drive Type: 4WD
Gearbox: Single speed, drive mode switchable reduction (Front); Single Speed, Fixed Reduction (Rear)
Suspension: MacPherson strut and Multi-link
Braking: Ventilated disc (Front); Disc (Rear)
ABS: 4-wheel, 4-channel
Tires: P225/55 R18
LengthxWidthxHeight (in mm): 4694 x 1803 x 1710
Wheelbase: 2670mm
Ground Clearance: 185mm
Fuel Capacity: 42L
Kerb Weight: 1924 kgs
No. of airbags: 6
3. KIA Hybrid Car, Specification and Price:
Brand | Model | Starting price |
KIA | Sorento EcoHybrid | NPR 16,900,000 |
Specification:
Dimensions:
Length: 4,810mm
Width: 1,900mm
Height: 1,695mm
Weight: 2,610 kg
Wheelbase: 2,8115 mm
Ground Clearance: 190 mm
Engine type: 16-valve. DOHC, 4-Cylinder
Engine capacity: 1,598cc
Maximum power (engine): 179.7 Ps @ 5500 rpm
Maximum torque (engine): 265Nm @ 1500-4500 rpm
Motor: 44.2 kW
Combined Max Power: 230 Ps
Combined Max torque: 350 Nm
Battery:
Lithium Polymer Battery
Voltage: 270 V
Capacity: 1.5 kWh
Transmission:6-Speed AT
Drive Train: AWD
Fuel tank capacity: 67 litres
Tyres: 235 / 60 R19
Wheel: 19″ Alloys
Brakes:
Front: 325mm Ventilated disc
Rear: 325mm Ventilated disc
Suspension:
Front: McPherson Strut
Rear: Independent Multi-link Stabilizer Bar
Colours: Runaway Red , Gravity Blue, Steel Grey, Snow White Pearl, and Arora Black Pearl.
4. NISSAN Hybrid Car, Specification and Price:
Brand | Model | Starting Price |
NISSAN | X-TRAIL E-POWER | NPR 18,700,000 |
Specification:
Dimensions:
Length: 4,680 mm
Width: 1,840 mm
Height: 1,725 mm
Wheelbase: 2,705 mm
Ground Clearance: 220 mm
Kerb weight: 1,870-1,954kg
Fuel Tank: 55 litres
Engine type:
1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with e-Power
Engine displacement: 1,498 cc
Engine Power: 106 kW at 4,400
Engine Torque: 250 Nm at 2,400
Battery: Li-Ion
e-Power Max: power 157kW
e-Power Max torque: Front electric motor: 330 Nm
Rear electric motor: 195 Nm
Transmission: CVT
Drive Type: e-4orce 4WD
Fuel consumption (Litres/100km): 6.4-6.5
Top speed: 187-190km/h
Brakes:
Front: Disc
Rear: Disc
Tyre 235/55 R19
Suspension:
Front: Independent suspension
Rear: Independent Multi-Ink suspension
Seat: 7 seater
Boot Space: 575 litres
Available Colours: Black, Blue, Red, Grey, and White
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