The number of electric cars in Nepal has significantly increased in the past few years, and new brands and models have entered the market. This year, the 2024 NADA Auto Show has been all about electric cars. The Dongfeng Nammi electric hatchback has taken the spotlight among the many models launched at the show.
Officially distributed by the MAW Vriddhi, the Dongfeng Nammi features itself as a premium hatchback in the budget range. MAW Vriddhi is one of the pioneer automobile distributors in Nepal with years of experience. Dongfeng has been active in Nepal with ICE engine options and a decent response.
The Nammi EV is available in three trim options in Nepal; E1, E2 and E3. The E1 is the base model, the E2 sits on the mid-range and the E3 is the premium flagship model. The electric car had a good response at the NADA Auto Show with many bookings.
Let us see what the electric car delivers in terms of specifications.
Specifications of Dongfeng Nammi EV
| Dimensions | Length: 4030 mm Width: 1810 mm Height: 1570 mm |
| Weight | 1300 kg |
| Wheelbase | 2660 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 176 mm |
| Seats | 5 |
| Motor | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Maximum power | 70 kW |
| Maximum torque | 160 Nm |
| Battery type | LFP |
| Battery capacity | E1 and E2: 31.4 kWh E3: 42.3 kWh |
| Range | E1 and E2: 237 km (WLTP) E3: 317 km (WLTP) |
| Charging | 11 kW AC: around 4 hours DC: 30 minutes (30-80%) |
| Suspension | Front: McPherson Independent Rear: Torison Beam Non-Independent |
| Brakes | Front: Disc Rear: Disc |
| Tyres | E1: 215/55 R16 E2 and E3: 215/55 R17 |
| Wheels | E1: Steel Wheel Hub + Wheel Cover E2 and E3: Aluminum Alloy Wheels |
| Colours | Blue | White | Green | Purple White Roof | Blue White Roof | Green White Roof |
| Price | E1: Rs 2,999,000 E2: Rs 3,199,000 E3: Rs 3,499,000 |
Design
The Dongfeng Nammi EV has a unique modern exterior and a premium interior design. The design, along with the performance, has been one reason for the electric hatchback’s popularity.
Exterior design
The front design of the Dongfeng Nammi EV is modern with the connecting LED DRLS stretching in the bonnet. The LED DRLs curve at the end towards the inner side housing the LED headlights. The grille is closed with a chrome accent on the back. Under the bonnet are components for the AC and necessary fluids but no extra frunk space.
The side of the Dongfeng Nammi is simple with flush door handles. The flush door handles help in aerodynamics giving the electric hatchback better range and efficiency. The doors open wide and are frameless which offers a premium look.
The wheels on the electric hatchback differ on the trim level. The E1 gets a 16-inch steel wheel hub with a wheel cover whereas the E2 and E3 get a 17-inch aluminium alloy wheel. The roof on the Blue, White and Green colour options is the same as the body colour whereas the purple-white, blue-white and green-white have a white coloured roof.
Coming to the rear, the Dongfeng Nammi EV has a rounded LED taillight with indicators inside of it. The back also has a brake light just below the spoiler. The rear also has dual-tone colour of black which gives a premium look.
Interior design
The interior design of the Dongfeng Nammi EV has one of the most premium interiors in the price range. The dual-tone black and white interior includes soft-touch materials inside the cabin. The front includes a modern touch with a digital instrument cluster and infotainment display. The steering wheel is simple with buttons on both sides. The right side includes buttons for modes, audio, call and volume whereas the left includes cruise control and infotainment system controls. The driving modes can be changed using the lever on the right side of the steering wheel whereas the left side lever includes controls for the indicators and wiper.
The Dongfeng Nammi has a 5-inch LCD instrument cluster that displays information on speed, battery, range, modes, time, trip meter, indicators, and safety. The instrument cluster even though being small suits the interior of the cabin. The digital instrument cluster sits on the centre of the dash and is 12.8 inches in size. The infotainment system has an interactive UI alongside other controls such as audio, call, navigation and car settings. Climate control is also integrated into the infotainment system minimizing the use of buttons. The AC vents also have a simple look with chrome accents around them.
Just below the infotainment system, there is a USB Type-B port and a 12V socket to charge phones or other devices. There is a floating centre console which has an armrest and a wireless charging pad. There is a storage compartment under the armrest which can be used to keep important documents or other things. The glove box is on the left side and opens like a sliding drawer. It has a small space in front which can also be used to put a laptop and work. There is ambient lighting on the E2 and E3 variant which can be changed using the infotainment system.
The seats on the Dongfeng Nammi EV are comfortable. The driver seat is electrically adjustable along with heating and ventilation functions. The rear seats are also comfortable with seating for three. There is enough headroom and legroom on the rear for a comfortable driving experience. The boot space on the other hand is 400 litres which can expand up to 900 litres when the rear seats are folded down.
Performance
The Dongfeng Nammi EV performance differs according to the trim option. Driving the electric hatching is a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor producing a maximum power output of 70 kW and a torque of 160 Nm. All three trim options have the same power and torque figure.
In terms of range, the E1 and E2 models feature a 31.4 kWh LFP battery, offering a range of 237 km (WLTP), while the E3’s larger 42.3 kWh battery extends the range to 317 km (WLTP). Charging is convenient, with AC charging taking approximately 4 hours with an 11kW charger and a fast DC charging the battery from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes.
The ride quality of the Dongfeng Nammi EV is enhanced by the McPherson Independent front suspension and Torison Beam Non-Independent rear suspension, providing comfort and stability across different road conditions. It has disc brakes on both front and rear wheels along with ABS for safety and control. Tyre and wheel configurations vary across the trims, with the E1 featuring 215/55 R16 tyres on steel wheels, while the E2 and E3 upgrade to 215/55 R17 tyres with aluminum alloy wheels.
Safety and Features
The Dongfeng Nammi EV has a range of safety features across all trims. ISOFIX child seat anchors, dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, Hill Start Assist, ESC and Brake Assist are standard in the E1, E2, and E3 trim options. The E3 trim stands out with a direct tyre pressure monitoring system, enhancing safety through more accurate tyre pressure information.
In the E3, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) add significant value. It includes Active Braking (AEB), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Intelligent Speed Control (ISA). Additionally, Intelligent Cruise Assist (ICA) allows for adaptive speed adjustments in traffic jams or on highways.
The features of the Dongfeng Nammi are as follows:
- Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
- 31.4 kWh LFP battery (E1, E2) with 237 km range
- 42.3 kWh LFP battery (E3) with 317 km range
- 11 kW AC charging (4 hours) and DC fast charging (30 minutes for 30-80%)
- Dual front airbags (driver and co-driver)
- Flush door handles
- Frameless doors
- 16-inch steel wheels with cover (E1) and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels (E2, E3)
- LED DRLs and headlights
- Dual-tone black and white interior with soft-touch materials
- 5-inch LCD instrument cluster
- 12.8-inch infotainment display
- Floating centre console with armrest and wireless charging pad
- Ambient lighting
- ADAS features
The Dongfeng Nammi is available in six colour options; Blue, White, Green, Purple White Roof, Blue White Roof and Green White Roof.
The Dongfeng Nammi EV cost differs according to the trim options; E1 costs Rs 2,999,000, E2 costs Rs 3,199,000 and E3 costs Rs 3,499,000. The white colour roof options cost an extra Rs 50,000.
