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Proton e.MAS 5 Takes On BYD Atto 1 and Nammi Box in Nepal’s Budget EV Segment

Jagdamba Motors has brought the Proton e.MAS 5 into Nepal’s growing affordable EV market, positioning it directly against city-focused rivals like the BYD Atto 1 and Dongfeng Nammi Box. The new model aims to stand out with family-friendly space, strong range and advanced safety tech around the Rs 30–35 lakh bracket.

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Proton e.MAS 5
Proton e.MAS 5Proton e.MAS 5 · Catalog photo
BYD Atto 1
BYD Atto 1BYD Atto 1 · Catalog photo
Dongfeng Nammi Box
Dongfeng Nammi BoxDongfeng Nammi Box · Catalog photo

Comparison subjects · Variant and colour shown may differ

Start with the numbers

Compare at a glance

Top available variants, with prices in Nepalese rupees. Expand details to choose another variant.

At a glanceProton e.MAS 5BYD Atto 1Dongfeng Nammi Box
Ex-showroom priceRs 36.84 lakhRs 34.8 lakhRs 30.99 lakh
FuelElectricElectricElectric
Selected variantPremiumPremiumBox E2 330

Ex-showroom prices exclude registration, road tax and insurance. Specifications can vary by trim. See individual source-check dates ↓

The arrival of the Proton e.MAS 5 adds a new option for buyers looking for an electric car in the Rs 30–35 lakh range, a price band already crowded by models like the BYD Atto 1 and Dongfeng Nammi Box. According to Jagdamba Motors, the e.MAS 5 is aimed at families who want more space and range than a typical city EV, but still at an accessible price.

Positioning in Nepal’s affordable EV market

Until now, many budget EVs in Nepal have been compact city cars, designed mainly for short commutes and tight urban roads. The Nammi Box attracted attention with its bold styling and rich features for the price, while BYD’s Atto 1 leveraged the brand’s global battery reputation and aggressive pricing.

The Proton e.MAS 5 is taking a different route. It is a larger hatchback based on the Geely Xingyuan platform, with a focus on cabin space, usable range and safety technology.

  • Proton e.MAS 5 (Premium, Nepal): 85 kW motor, 150 Nm, 40.16 kWh battery, claimed range around 325 km, rear‑wheel drive, 5‑seater hatchback.
  • BYD Atto 1 (city EV): small city‑focused EV, built around BYD’s LFP battery tech, positioned as an entry EV with compact dimensions and urban usability.
  • Dongfeng Nammi Box (compact EV): boxy compact EV, known for its futuristic design, strong features list and competitive pricing in the lower end of the city‑car segment.

Price and variants

In Nepal, the e.MAS 5 is offered in Prime and Premium variants. The current ex-showroom prices are Rs 32.84 lakh for Prime and Rs 36.84 lakh for Premium.

BYD Atto 1 is priced at Rs 34.8 lakh, and Nammi Box is available at Rs 30.99 lakh. This positions all three models into direct competition for first‑time EV buyers and city families.

Space, features and safety

BYD Atto 1
Image: BYD Atto 1 — another view

Where the e.MAS 5 tries to stand out is interior space and technology. With a length of over 4.1 metres and a wheelbase of 2650 mm (according to technical disclosures), it offers a roomier cabin than most small city EVs. The Premium variant in particular is equipped with features such as a 14.6‑inch touchscreen, 8.8‑inch digital cluster, wireless phone charging, six airbags, 360‑degree camera and Level 2 ADAS.

The Nammi Box focuses more on compact size and distinctive design, but still offers modern features for its segment. The BYD Atto 1, meanwhile, relies on BYD’s battery expertise and brand trust, but is physically smaller and more city‑oriented than the Proton.

What this means for Nepali buyers

For buyers comparing these three:

  • Proton e.MAS 5 is the most family‑oriented choice, with longer range, larger body and advanced safety tech, suited for mixed city–highway use.
  • BYD Atto 1 is a city‑focused EV, attractive to those who prioritise brand reputation and proven battery technology in a compact package.
  • Nammi Box is a style‑driven compact EV, appealing to buyers who want a small footprint, eye‑catching design and strong features at a lower price point.

Key takeaway for Nepali buyers: if you need more space and higher range around Rs 30–35 lakh, the Proton e.MAS 5 now offers a serious alternative to the BYD Atto 1 and Nammi Box, especially in its Premium 40.16 kWh, 325 km range configuration.

Current prices on Nepal AutoMart

Explore full specifications, variants & ownership context

Compare the exact variants

Specifications, features & ownership context

Choose a variant for each vehicle. The facts below follow that exact trim; the article explains the trade-offs.

Latest catalog and directory records supplement the original analysis. Figures may have changed since publication; individual specification and price-check dates appear below.

Proton e.MAS 5

Rs 36.84 lakh ex-showroom · source checked 12 Oct 2026

BYD Atto 1

Rs 34.8 lakh ex-showroom · source checked 12 Oct 2026

Dongfeng Nammi Box

Rs 30.99 lakh ex-showroom · source checked 12 Oct 2026

Battery & charging

Specification / featureProton e.MAS 5BYD Atto 1Dongfeng Nammi Box
Battery40.16 kWhVerified specification · 17 Aug 202638.88 kWhResearched · confirm · 27 Aug 202631.4 kWhResearched · confirm · 21 Sept 2026
Claimed range325 km (WLTP)Verified specification · 17 Aug 2026300 km (WLTP)Researched · confirm · 27 Aug 2026330 km (CLTC)Researched · confirm · 21 Sept 2026

Safety & driver assistance

Specification / featureProton e.MAS 5BYD Atto 1Dongfeng Nammi Box
Airbags6 airbagsResearched · confirm · 29 Sept 2026—4 airbagsResearched · confirm · 21 Sept 2026

Dimensions & weight

Specification / featureProton e.MAS 5BYD Atto 1Dongfeng Nammi Box
Ground clearance175 mmResearched · confirm · 6 Sept 2026175 mmResearched · confirm · 27 Sept 2026—

Claimed range uses the stated test cycle. Different cycles are not a like-for-like range comparison; actual range depends on roads, load, speed and weather.

Proton e.MAS 5

Showroom & service support

Distributor: Jagdamba Motors Pvt. Ltd.

61 listed brand showrooms · 17 listed brand service locations

Listed cities include Bhairahawa, Bhaktapur, Bharatpur, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Butwal and 7 more.

Brand-wide directory coverage. Confirm that your nearest workshop supports this exact model, powertrain and warranty work; ask about parts availability and booking time.

Market buzz & buyer priorities

Compiled discussion, including buyer reactions and ownership reports; this is not a verified owner survey or a reliability score. Research dated 13 Oct 2026.

What people like
  • Excellent ride quality due to multi-link independent rear suspension
  • High-tech interior featuring a large 14.6-inch infotainment display
  • Practical storage solutions including a 70-litre frunk and under-seat space
Concerns to investigate
  • compared to other models, lacks features
  • Modest driving range on the Prime variant limits long-distance travel
  • Lack of a dedicated Proton-run charging network in Nepal
More feedback
  • Prime variant feels underpowered on steep hill climbs
  • Halogen headlamps on the base Prime trim are considered outdated
  • The biggest concern is Proton’s still-developing service and spare-parts support in Nepal.
  • Buyers are uncertain about long-term resale value because the model is new to Nepal and has a smaller local owner base than established EV brands.
  • The Prime variant has a shorter claimed range and fewer safety-convenience features than the Premium.
What buyers ask for
  • Ground clearance for Nepali road conditions
  • Availability of service centers and spare parts
Nepal ownership context
  • Officially launched in July 2026 by Jagdamba Motors
  • Ground clearance of 160–175 mm is generally considered adequate for city roads
  • Backed by a 6-year unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty and 8-year battery cover
More feedback
  • No free home wallbox charger is confirmed for the model
  • The model is best suited to Kathmandu Valley commuting and regular urban driving, while the Premium variant is more suitable for occasional intercity trips because of its longer claimed range.
  • Its 175 mm ground clearance is considered usable for typical Nepali roads, but the e.MAS 5 remains a compact hatchback-style EV rather than a high-clearance SUV for severe off-road conditions.
Explore Proton e.MAS 5 market buzz ↗

BYD Atto 1

Showroom & service support

Distributor: Cimex Inc. Pvt. Ltd.

69 listed brand showrooms · 44 listed brand service locations

Listed cities include Anamnagar, Banepa, Bhairahawa, Bhaktapur, Bharatpur, Biratnagar and 11 more.

Brand-wide directory coverage. Confirm that your nearest workshop supports this exact model, powertrain and warranty work; ask about parts availability and booking time.

Market buzz & buyer priorities

Compiled discussion, including buyer reactions and ownership reports; this is not a verified owner survey or a reliability score. Research dated 14 Oct 2026.

What people like
  • Higher battery capacity provides peace of mind
  • Highly competitive pricing for the entry-level EV segment in Nepal
Concerns to investigate
  • Concerns about long-term service and reliability
  • high price compared to international market
  • parts and service costs are high
More feedback
  • Power in motor could be better
Nepal ownership context
  • Buyers frequently compare it against the Dongfeng Nammi 01 for size and ground clearance.
  • Resale value remains a point of speculation due to the model's relatively recent entry into the Nepali market.
  • Service centers are primarily concentrated in major urban hubs, causing concern for owners in remote districts.
More feedback
  • Its compact dimensions and reported 175 mm ground clearance make it suitable for Kathmandu streets, parking and speed breakers.
  • Nepali buyers compare ownership support with competing EVs because service reach, repair time and spare-parts availability matter outside the Valley.
Explore BYD Atto 1 market buzz ↗

Dongfeng Nammi Box

Showroom & service support

Distributor: MAW Vriddhi

59 listed brand showrooms · 19 listed brand service locations

Listed cities include Bhaktapur, Bharatpur, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Birtamode, Butwal and 9 more.

Brand-wide directory coverage. Confirm that your nearest workshop supports this exact model, powertrain and warranty work; ask about parts availability and booking time.

Market buzz & buyer priorities

Compiled discussion, including buyer reactions and ownership reports; this is not a verified owner survey or a reliability score. Research dated 14 Oct 2026.

Concerns to investigate
  • Front wheel drive is a drawback
Explore Dongfeng Nammi Box market buzz ↗

Use these facts alongside the article’s full analysis. Check the final quotation, warranty terms and exact equipment before booking.

Evidence & next steps

Check the details before you buy

Use this guide to build a shortlist. Ask for a written quotation for your chosen variant, including registration, taxes, insurance, finance charges and any charger installation. Confirm the nearest authorised workshop supports that model.

Price sources and dates

These are the recorded distributor-source checks for the selected overview trims. They are separate from the article update and catalog read dates; they do not mean every trim was rechecked today. Confirm the final price with the distributor.

Proton e.MAS 5proton-nepal.com ↗Source checked 12 Oct 2026
BYD Atto 1cimex.com.np ↗Source checked 12 Oct 2026
Dongfeng Nammi Boxdongfengnepal.com ↗Source checked 12 Oct 2026

Overview photos come from the corresponding model records; additional article photos carry their own credits. Running costs depend on usage, energy prices, maintenance, insurance and resale value.