It’s not every day that a new electric SUV arrives with the promise to shake up a market as dynamic as Nepal’s. But Dongfeng's Forthing Friday EV seems poised to do just that. Slated to debut at the much-anticipated NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2025 on August 6, this all-electric SUV is more than just another entrant, it’s a strategic move by Dongfeng Motor Corporation to reinforce its presence in South Asia’s growing EV landscape.
Backed by Laxmi Electric Mobility, the newly appointed official distributor of Forthing vehicles in Nepal, the Forthing Friday EV marks the brand’s first official launch in the country. The name may be new to many, but behind it lies a legacy of one of China’s automotive giants, Dongfeng, which has already tasted success in Nepal with the Nammi 01. With a distinct design, modern interiors, and a balanced powertrain, the Friday EV looks to carve its niche in Nepal’s increasingly sophisticated EV segment.
Design
There’s no mistaking the Friday EV for a generic SUV. Designed under the creative guidance of Henning, a former designer at General Motors and Mercedes-Benz, it carries a bold, almost defiant aesthetic. The front fascia, dubbed the "bionic front face of the beast," exudes a sharp aggression with Thunder-Axe LED headlamps that resemble “Hunting Eyes.” A frameless mesh grille, concealing a fast-charging port, anchors the futuristic front end.
From the side, the SUV showcases its sporty credentials with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a flowing aerodynamic silhouette. The roofline tapers cleanly into the C-pillar, giving it a coupe-like finish. A contrasting colored strip along the cladding adds to its urban aesthetic, and the placement of AC and DC charging ports, one on the side, one in front, reflects the vehicle’s practicality-focused engineering.
The rear doesn’t skimp on flair either. A full-width LED taillight setup, a roof-mounted spoiler, and decorative exhaust-style elements contribute to its youthful and assertive vibe. While these styling touches are primarily cosmetic, they speak volumes about the brand’s intent to attract a younger, style-conscious buyer.
Interior
Stepping inside the Forthing Friday EV reveals a tech-forward, comfortable environment that blends function with flair. Dominating the dashboard is a massive 14.6-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen, undoubtedly the centerpiece. Supporting it is an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster that offers real-time driving feedback.
The cabin features leatherette upholstery across both Luxury and Exclusive variants. While the base variant offers 6-way and 4-way manually adjustable seats for driver and passenger respectively, the Exclusive trim ups the game with power-adjustable front seats and an Intelligent Thermostatic System that delivers both heating and ventilation.
Connectivity options are robust: USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad come standard. Add to that a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, a center glove box, and a 6-speaker sound system, this is a cabin that wants to impress.
Power and Performance
The Forthing Friday EV doesn’t chase headline-grabbing acceleration figures but focuses on offering a smooth, capable, and efficient ride. It’s powered by a 99 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor producing 135 PS and a healthy 340 Nm of torque, figures that should be more than adequate for both city commutes and weekend getaways.
The EV draws energy from a 64.4 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, delivering a WLTP-certified range of 425 km. This positions it well against rivals like the MG S5 EV and Tata Curvv.ev. Charging is equally versatile: 0-100% in around 10 hours with a standard 7.2 kW AC charger, or 30-80% in just 35 minutes using a 60 kW DC fast charger.
While the global variant of the Friday EV boasts a more powerful 150 kW motor and a 0-100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds, the Nepal-specific model seems to lean more toward energy efficiency and affordability. Whether or not this motor is BYD-supplied, like in the global version, remains unclear.
Key Features That Matter
This EV is feature-packed without being overbearing. Highlights include:
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Thunder-Axe LED Headlamps with Intelligent Height Control (Exclusive variant)
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14.6-inch Rotating Touchscreen and 8.8-inch Digital Cluster
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Heated and Ventilated Front Seats with Power Adjustability (Exclusive)
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Panoramic Sunroof, Wireless Charging, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
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ADAS with differing levels based on variant: rear-only radars on Luxury, front and rear on Exclusive
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360-Degree Camera, 6 Airbags (Exclusive), ESP, TCS, TPMS, EPB
This combination of safety, comfort, and digital engagement should resonate well with tech-savvy and safety-conscious buyers alike.
Specifications Snapshot
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Motor: 99 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
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Battery: 64.4 kWh Lithium-ion Phosphate
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Range: 425 km (WLTP)
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Charging:
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10 hours with 7.2 kW AC
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6.5 hours with 11 kW AC
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35 mins (30-80%) with 60 kW DC
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Torque: 340 Nm
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Dimensions: 4600 x 1860 x 1680 mm
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Wheelbase: 2715 mm
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Ground Clearance: 185 mm
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Boot Space: 480L (expandable to 1480L)
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Kerb Weight: 1820 kg
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Tyres: 235/55 R19
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Seating: 5
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Colors: Blue, Green, White, Grey, Black
Price and Availability in Nepal
The Dongfeng Forthing Friday EV is offered in two variants in Nepal, Luxury and Exclusive, with pricing aimed directly at the heart of the mid-size EV segment.
|
Variant |
Price in Nepal |
|
Luxury |
Rs. 50,96,000 |
|
Exclusive |
Rs. 56,96,000 |
The Exclusive trim commands a higher price due to its added premium features, including an electric tailgate, ADAS with front and rear radars, power-adjustable seats with massage function, and a 360-degree camera.
As part of its NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2025 launch offer, both variants are available with a flat Rs. 2 lakhs discount along with one year of free Auto+ insurance.
Market Position and Rivals
With an introductory offer of Rs. 2 lakhs off plus a year of free Auto+ insurance during the NAIMA Expo, the Friday EV is clearly gunning for attention. Its biggest challenge will be convincing buyers that a relatively new Chinese nameplate can hold its own against established players like the MG S5 EV, Tata Curvv.ev, and Hyundai’s upcoming Creta Electric.
From a market perspective, the Friday EV is hitting a sweet spot, spacious, well-equipped, and affordable by premium EV standards. If the after-sales support from Laxmi Electric Mobility matches the spec sheet, this could be one of the most disruptive EV launches in Nepal to date.
Conclusion
The Friday EV isn’t trying to be a stripped-down budget EV, nor is it chasing the ultra-premium segment. Instead, it walks the fine line of “affordable luxury”, bringing in design flair, long range, modern features, and practical usability without an intimidating price tag. In a market like Nepal, where EV adoption is accelerating but buyer confidence in new brands is still maturing, this balanced approach could be its winning card.
From a design and feature standpoint, it competes head-to-head with some of the best offerings in its class. The only real question mark will be long-term reliability and resale value, both of which can only be proven over time. Still, if the brand’s previous Nammi 01 success is any indicator, the Friday EV could find a strong foothold quickly.
