The penetration of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brands into Nepal is in full swing. Currently, there are several exciting Chinese brands already present, with additional ones preparing to introduce their exports to Nepal in 2024. Leading the charge is Deepal, a collaborative project featuring Changan, CATL, and Huawei. Deepal offers the S7 Electric SUV and SL03 Electric Sedan, both of which are set to be launched simultaneously in the first quarter of 2024.

Deepal S7: Positioned as a mid-sized electric SUV, the Deepal S7 boasts dimensions of 4750mm in length, 1930mm in width, and 1625mm in height, accompanied by a 2900mm wheelbase. It features frameless doors and concealed door handles, and rides on 21-inch rims.

Battery capacities are 66.8 kWh and 79.97 kWh, providing respective CLTC pure electric cruising ranges of 520 km and 620 km. The top speed reaches 180 km/h, and the power consumption per 100 km is 14.2 kWh. The Deepal S7 EV incorporates a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor with two power configurations. The lower variant delivers 160 kW, while the higher-power variant produces 190 kW, delivering a peak torque of 320 Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 6.7 seconds for the former and 7.5 seconds for the latter.

In terms of safety, Deepal S7 supports advanced driving assistance functions such as adaptive cruise control and autonomous lane change & lane centering.

Deepal SL03: The Deepal SL03 is constructed on Changan’s EPA1 platform. It is a unique offering in China, as it provides all three drivetrain options: Battery Electric (BEV), Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV), and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) powered by hydrogen.

The all-electric variant of the Deepal SL03 is equipped with a single electric motor, offering two power options – 190 kW and 160 kW – and comes with two ternary (NMC) battery pack choices: 58 kWh and 70 kWh. The SL03 EV boasts an impressive range of 515-705 km (CLTC), accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, and has a top speed limited to 170 km/h.

This sporty five-door mid-size sedan features dimensions of 4820/1890/1480 mm and a wheelbase of 2900 mm. Inside the cabin, you’ll find a 10.2-inch instrument panel and a 14.6-inch infotainment screen. Notably, the main screen in the SL03 can swivel 15 degrees to the left or right. Additional interior highlights include a 1.9-square-meter sunroof, 14 Sony speakers, an Augmented Reality Heads-Up Display (AR-HUD), and more.