Proton eMas 5 Launches in Nepal: A New Compact Electric SUV Under 35 Lakh
New Launch
Malaysia's Proton is now two EVs deep in Nepal. The new eMas 5 is a compact, tech-heavy electric SUV built on Geely's platform, priced to sit right in the busiest part of the market. Here is what you get and where it fits.
Jagdamba Motors, Proton's authorised distributor in Nepal, launched the Proton eMas 5 at a ceremony in Kathmandu on 20 July 2026. It is the Malaysian brand's second electric vehicle in the country, and it arrives aimed squarely at urban buyers who want a genuinely usable daily EV without stretching past the 35 lakh mark.
The interesting bit here is the platform. The eMas 5 is built in collaboration with Geely's EV technology, and it rides on a dedicated rear-wheel-drive electric platform. That RWD layout is unusual at this price and tends to give a more engaging drive than the front-wheel-drive setup most rivals use.
Price and variants
Proton launched the eMas 5 in two variants, Prime and Premium, with introductory prices valid for the first 100 customers:
Those introductory prices are a launch offer for the first 100 buyers, so the standard price is likely to settle higher afterward. As always, confirm the current on-road figure with Jagdamba Motors before booking.
The specs that matter
The two variants are genuinely different cars under the skin, not just trim levels. The Prime runs a smaller 30 kWh battery with a 58 kW motor and around 225 km of claimed range, while the Premium steps up to a 40 kWh battery, an 85 kW motor and roughly 325 km. For most private buyers doing more than a short city commute, the Premium's extra range is likely worth the difference.
On charging, Proton quotes DC fast charging from 30 to 80 percent in around 21 to 30 minutes, and a full home AC charge in roughly four to six hours depending on the variant, which is normal overnight-charging territory. The car measures about 4,135 mm long on a 2,650 mm wheelbase, compact enough for tight Kathmandu streets while still seating five, and it adds useful practicality with a 70-litre front trunk (a frunk) on top of the 375-litre rear boot.
Features and safety
Inside, both variants get a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and an 8.8-inch digital driver's display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Six airbags and keyless entry are standard across the range. The Premium adds the more serious kit: a 360-degree camera, a Level 2 ADAS suite (adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking, lane keep and blind-spot assist), wireless phone charging and ambient lighting.
Worth noting for credibility: the eMas 5 was named "Electric Compact Vehicle of the Year 2026" at Malaysia's Allianz DSF Vehicle of the Year Awards, so it arrives with some genuine pedigree rather than as an unknown quantity.
Where it fits in Nepal's market
At 29.99 to 34.99 lakh, the eMas 5 drops into one of the most crowded and competitive segments in the country. It goes up against the BYD Dolphin and Atto 2, the Dongfeng Nammi, the MG S5 EV and the Leapmotor B10, among others. Its pitch is a mature, globally developed platform, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and strong practicality (that frunk and the big screens) rather than the lowest possible price.
The honest read: the Prime's low entry price makes the headline look aggressive, but its 225 km range is modest, so it suits a pure city buyer. The Premium is the one that lines up with Nepal's mixed driving, where 325 km and the full safety kit matter more. And as with any new brand-platform combination, the deciding factor for many buyers will be Jagdamba Motors' service network and parts availability over the years of ownership, which is worth asking about directly before you sign.
Comparing the eMas 5 against the Dolphin, Atto 2 or S5 EV? Check full specs and current prices for every EV in Nepal on NepalRoads.
Prices and specifications as reported at launch, July 2026; some figures vary between sources and by variant. Introductory pricing applies to the first 100 customers. Always confirm the current price and specification with Jagdamba Motors before purchase.
