Electric car sales in Nepal have seen an incredible number jump in the past few years. The electric car market has grown so significantly in Nepal, that we can see one in each price segment, from the budget, mid-range and premium mid-range and flagships. The major brands of electric cars in the budget and mid-range category are competing quite fiercely. The available options in the premium mid-range and flagship options have also increased this year. Although the number of cars has increased, an EV SUV under Rs 12,000,000 and above Rs 10,000,000 are not quite available. Here comes the 2024 Skywell ET5.
Officially distributed by G. Motors, the 2024 Skywell ET5 is a premium electric SUV known for its luxurious appearance, quality, and performance. This electric SUV has the longest range among all electric options in Nepal. G. Motors launched the car in April 2024, marking the first week of the Nepali New Year 2081.
Kailash Babu Gelal, the Managing Director of G. Motors, has over 17 years of experience in the automobile industry of Nepal. He has actively worked in various roles, from sales and marketing to managerial positions. Now, as the Managing Director of G. Motors, he aims to provide luxury and comfort with the Skywell ET5. Here’s the insight on the electric SUV along with the features and luxury it provides.
Skywell and Skyworth
Skyworth and Skywell are prominent Chinese companies with expertise in different sectors. Skyworth is known for manufacturing consumer electronics such as TVs, audio equipment, and home appliances, and has also ventured into smart home products and electric vehicles. Skywell specializes in electric vehicles, producing electric buses, vans, and passenger cars like the Skywell ET5, which features advanced safety and performance technologies. Together, they contribute to innovative and sustainable solutions in both electronics and transportation.
Real EV SUV
“There aren’t any proper EV SUVs in this price range with aggressive looks and performance,” says Kailash Babu Gelal. He adds, “The Skywell ET5 boasts true SUV characteristics with luxury. It has better ground clearance, precise looks, and Nepal’s longest electric range of 620 km. With the EV market growing, we saw a gap in the price range for a proper EV SUV.” With a wheelbase of 2800 mm, the electric SUV has a wide and commanding presence. “Even though it’s electric, it gives a proper SUV feel. Its wide presence and modern looks turn many heads.”
Target Customers
“A range of electric cars are already available in Nepal. You can find one in each price segment with corresponding luxury, comfort, and performance levels. However, luxury-oriented electric SUVs are quite expensive here in Nepal and very limited in options. We target people who want to elevate their experience from the mid-range price segment to premium flagship options. Skywell ET5 is for those willing to switch from ICE engines to electric and desire premium luxury,” says Kailash.
Battery and Performance of Skywell ET5
The Skywell ET5 has a long range of 620 km with the help of the 85.966 kW lithium Ternary Battery. Currently, the ET5 provides the longest range which itself has proven to be a plus point. “ The electric SUV has been tested rigorously for more than 10,000 km before we made it official. I tested it and it hasn’t disappointed me at all. We have travelled in the city with AC and other functions on and it still gave us a 560 km plus range. On the flatbed of Terai, we were getting an average of 640 to 650 km of range.” adds Kailash.
The Skywell ET5 is equipped with a 150 kW motor that delivers 320 Nm of torque and features Front Wheel Drive (FWD). The power it delivers is enough on the highways for cruising. Charging the electric SUV is also simple with the 11 kW onboard charger which powers it up at around 8 hours. It also supports DC charging of up to 90 kW for quick refill.
Kailash states, “People ask that in the same price range, we can get two other electric cars. But it differs from what we offer. The ET5 has a long range of 620 km as claimed. This has major advantages in terms of battery cycle and battery health. An electric car’s battery health depends on the frequency of charging. With long-range there is less charging required, which helps for a better battery life cycle and battery life. This also helps mentally with less anxiety to charge the car or worry when the battery is drained completely.”
Design of Skywell ET5
The Skywell ET5 electric SUV has a sleek and modern exterior. At the front, it features sharp LED headlamps, L-shaped LED DRLs, and a small grille on the bottom lip. The side profile is defined by sleek lines, simple door handles, and dual-tone mirrors with built-in indicators. The aluminium alloy wheels enhance the modern aesthetic. The rear is equipped with an LED lighting setup, including an LED strip connecting the tail lamps. A rear mirror with a defogger and wiper, along with a hands-free boot opening feature, adds practicality to the design.
Inside, the Skywell ET5 boasts a luxurious all-black interior with soft-touch materials and wooden accents on the dash and front panel. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, complete with audio, media, and mode control buttons, adds to the premium feel. A digital instrument cluster provides essential information and the 12.8-inch infotainment system offers comprehensive control over media, navigation, climate, and seat settings. The centre console features leather stitching, shiny metal parts, and ample storage. Comfortable seats, a panoramic sunroof, and generous boot space further enhance the luxury and practicality of the Skywell ET5.
Features and Safety
The Skywell ET5 is loaded in terms of features for a perfect and comfortable riding experience. It has auto parking functions which allow the car to automatically park under a certain radius. Drivers will not be required to touch the steering wheel and the car parks itself at the selected option. It has a keyless entry function which allows drivers to open the electric SUV when come into the radius and simply put their hand on the handle to unlock it.
The hands-free tailgate option also comes in handy when your hand is occupied. It has a Vehicle to Load function which allows it to charge and give power to other electric appliances. The feature comes in handy for going camping and long road trips or also when charging other electric cars. The matrix laser headlights are very handy during nighttime time with a maximum illumination distance of 300m.
The interior features include ambient lighting of 128 colours allowing for a more customised experience. The infotainment system has a lot of functions baked into it. It has a vehicle control app which can be used to control the headlight angle at four different angles, accompany me home which keeps the headlight on for the desired amount of time, brake model mode with comfort and sport, steering assistance mode with standard, comfort and sport. The steering wheel dampens the most in sport mode for a very sporty ride.
Safety features are also top-notch with a 5-star rating on CNCAP. Kailash states, “With top leading features provided, we cannot compromise safety too. Safety has been a priority to many people, which Skywell understands. Features and safety go parallel when getting any kind of car these days.”
Skywell ET5’s safety features help ensure optimal performance and protection. It has an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Auxiliary Braking (EBA), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Cruise Control System, Hill Descent Control (HDC), ventilated discs on the front tyres, six airbags, rain-sensing wipers and auto headlights.
Conclusion
Kailash states, “Skywell reflects the brand value that its parent company Skyworth has garnered over the years. Skywell has established itself successfully in over 64 countries with its automobiles. G. Motors’ Skywell ET5 fills a gap in the market with a true EV SUV that doesn’t compromise on luxury, performance, range, or design. As electric vehicle technology evolves, the ET5 stands out as a testament to Skywell’s commitment to innovation and quality in the automotive industry. With its impressive features and safety ratings, the Skywell ET5 sets a new standard for electric SUVs in Nepal, offering customers a compelling choice in the growing market of sustainable transportation.”
Overall, for people searching for a luxury-oriented electric SUV with a real SUV DNA, the Skywell ET5 is an excellent choice. Its impressive range, luxurious feel, stylish looks and performance complete the package, making it a standout option in the market.
The Skywell ET5 is available in four colour options; black, white, grey and dark blue. With the recent change in the tax for electric cars, the Skywell ET5 now costs Rs 11,500,000.
