Electric SUV, the Sealion 07, unveiled by BYD in Nepal
BYD Expands into Nepal's Electric Vehicle Market with the Launch of the Atto 3 and Sealion 7
BYD, a leading Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has made a significant stride in Nepal's burgeoning EV market. The company officially entered the passenger vehicle market in Nepal in October 2022, starting with the introduction of the Atto 3 model [1].
The Atto 3, known as the Yuan Plus in China, marks BYD's initial foray into the Nepalese market. By mid-2025, BYD introduced a more premium offering, the Sealion 7 (referred to as Sealion 07 in China), with limited units available and an introductory price around Rs 72.99 to 74.99 Lakhs [2].
The Sealion 7, a premium flagship electric SUV, boasts a WLTP range of up to 480 km, a battery capacity of 82.5 kWh, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds [4]. As of now, the Sealion 7 series is available only in China and Nepal.
Nepal's EV market has been rapidly expanding due to favourable policies such as low import taxes on EVs, extensive use of clean hydropower, and state-backed financing that offers up to 90% loans for EV purchases [3][5]. These factors, combined with BYD's strategic market entry and competitive pricing, have enabled BYD and other Chinese EV manufacturers to capture significant market share in Nepal, effectively replacing Indian vehicle brands and reducing Nepal’s fossil fuel dependency [3].
BYD's success in Nepal is reflected in its sales figures. In June 2023, the company sold 382,585 NEVs, marking a year-on-year increase of 11.98 percent [6]. Moreover, the company's overseas sales also hit a record high in June 2023, with 90,049 vehicles sold, representing a year-on-year increase of 233.58 percent and a month-on-month increase of 1.13 percent [7].
BYD's expansion in Nepal is not limited to the Atto 3 and Sealion 7. The company's distributor in Nepal, Cimex Inc, displays the Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal, and M6 MPV on its website [8]. Furthermore, BYD launched its new battery electric vehicle technology platform, e-Platform 3.0 Evo, in China on May 10, 2024 [9]. The first model based on this platform is the Sealion 07 EV.
In summary, BYD's strategic entry into Nepal's EV market with the Atto 3 and subsequent launch of the Sealion 7 have positioned the company for growth in the supportive Nepalese EV ecosystem. The company's record sales figures both domestically and overseas underscore its success in capturing market share in Nepal, effectively replacing Indian vehicle brands and reducing Nepal’s fossil fuel dependency.
[1] BYD enters Nepal’s passenger EV market with Atto 3 [2] BYD Sealion 07 launched in Nepal with limited units and an introductory price [3] Chinese electric vehicle makers capture significant market share in Nepal [4] BYD Sealion 07 specifications [5] Nepal’s EV market supported by favourable policies [6] BYD sells 382,585 NEVs in June 2023, up 11.98 percent year-on-year [7] BYD Group sells 90,049 vehicles overseas in June 2023, marking the seventh consecutive month of record sales [8] Cimex Inc, BYD’s distributor in Nepal, displays various models on its website [9] BYD launches new battery electric vehicle technology platform, e-Platform 3.0 Evo, in China
- BYD, a renowned Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has entered the burgeoning EV market in Nepal with the launch of the Atto 3 and later the Sealion 7.
- In the Nepalese market, the Atto 3 serves as BYD's initial offering, while the Sealion 7, a premium flagship electric SUV, offers a more sophisticated choice with a maximum WLTP range of up to 480 km.
- The rapid expansion of Nepal's EV market, facilitated by favorable policies, clean hydropower, and state-backed financing, has allowed BYD and other Chinese EV manufacturers to secure substantial market shares, displacing Indian vehicle brands and decreasing Nepal's fossil fuel reliance.
- Taking advantage of the supportive Nepalese EV ecosystem, BYD's success is evidenced by its impressive sales figures, with 382,585 NEVs sold in June 2023, marking a significant year-on-year increase.
- BYD's growth in Nepal is not restricted to the Atto 3 and Sealion 7 as their distributor in Nepal, Cimex Inc, showcases a variety of models including the Dolphin, Seal, and M6 MPV on their website.
- In an effort to maintain its competitive edge, BYD unveiled its new battery electric vehicle technology platform, e-Platform 3.0 Evo, in China on May 10, 2024, with the Sealion 07 EV being the first model based on this platform.
- As a result of BYD's strategic market entry, record sales both domestically and overseas, and innovative technology, the company is poised for continued growth and dominance in Nepal's EV industry and the global automotive technology sector.
