EV Brands Turn to Korala Border as Chinese Vehicle Imports Shift to Mustang
Several EV brands are now using Nepal’s Korala border in Mustang to bring vehicles into the country and maintain deliveries ahead of the festive season.
Chinese EV Imports Shift Toward Korala
Nepal’s electric vehicle supply chain is seeing a major shift as importers increasingly use the Korala border point in Mustang to bring vehicles from China.
The move follows disruptions at the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung and Tatopani border points. Floods and landslides disrupted the main northern trade routes, forcing vehicle importers to look for an alternative route.
Korala has now become an important entry point for Chinese electric vehicles. Importers are using the route to maintain deliveries for customers who booked vehicles during the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 and NADA Auto Show 2026.
More Than 600 EVs Cleared Through Korala
The increase in traffic has been significant. According to the Mustang Customs Office, 641 electric vehicles were cleared through Korala in just 15 days following the disruption at the other northern border points.
The customs office also cleared 434 cargo containers during the same period. On one Friday alone, 106 EVs and 71 containers were cleared and sent toward their destinations.
Korala had already become an important EV entry point before the latest disruption. Around 3,223 electric vehicles were cleared through the border during the previous fiscal year, generating about Rs. 6.92 billion in customs revenue.
Which EV Brands Are Using the Korala Border?
Several Chinese EV brands are currently using, or have started preparing to use, the Korala route.
The brands reported include:
- BYD
- Chery
- Omoda
- Jaecoo
- Nammi
- iCAUR
- Arcfox
- Leapmotor
- MG
- GWM / Haval
- ORA
- Skywell
Meroauto reported that BYD, Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, Nammi, Arcfox, Leapmotor, MG, ORA, Haval and Skywell were being imported through Korala. Another report also identified iCAUR among the brands using or preparing to use the route.
BYD Continues Using the Mustang Route
BYD has been one of the major EV brands using Korala for imports.
BYD’s Nepal distributor, Cimex Inc., had already used the route extensively because of disruptions at other northern crossings. Earlier reports said BYD had imported more than 2,000 vehicles through Korala since September 2025.
The company is continuing to use alternative logistics routes to maintain vehicle supply in Nepal.
Leapmotor B10 Arrives Through Korala
Leapmotor has also shifted shipments of its B10 electric SUV toward Korala.
Shangrila Motors, the authorized distributor of Leapmotor in Nepal, rerouted incoming B10 shipments through Mustang after disruptions along the Rasuwagadhi corridor.
The company has already cleared its first batch through Korala, with the move aimed at maintaining delivery schedules for customers who booked the SUV during the recent auto shows.
GWM Brings Ora 5 and Haval Jolion Max EV
GWM Nepal, through VG Impex, is also using Korala to bring its latest EVs into the country.
The company is using the route for the Ora 5 and the newly introduced Haval Jolion Max EV. This allows GWM to continue vehicle deliveries despite the disruption along the traditional China-Nepal routes.
Omoda and Jaecoo Ship New EVs Through Korala
Omoda and Jaecoo have also dispatched fresh vehicle batches through Korala.
SPG Automobiles, the authorized distributor of both brands in Nepal, is using the route to maintain deliveries following strong bookings at the NAIMA Mobility Expo and NADA Auto Show.
The current lineup includes the Omoda E5 and E5 Pro, along with the Jaecoo J5, J5 Pro and J6T.
MG and Other Brands Follow the Alternative Route
MG has also started redirecting vehicle shipments through Korala. Paramount Motors, the official distributor of MG in Nepal, confirmed that consignments originally planned for Rasuwa were being redirected toward Mustang.
Other brands, including Chery, Nammi, Arcfox, iCAUR and Skywell, are also using or preparing to use the alternative route.
Higher Logistics Costs for EV Importers
While Korala is helping brands maintain vehicle supply, the route comes with additional logistical challenges.
Importers face longer transportation routes and higher freight costs. The Korala customs point also lacks dedicated EV charging infrastructure, meaning companies may need to arrange generators and additional technical support when moving electric vehicles.
Despite these challenges, importers are relying on the route to deliver vehicles before the Dashain and Tihar shopping season.
Korala Becomes a Key EV Gateway for Nepal
The growing number of EVs entering through Korala highlights the importance of alternative trade routes for Nepal’s electric vehicle market.
With major Chinese EV brands now using the Mustang crossing, Korala has become an important supply route while Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani face disruptions.
For customers waiting for recently booked EVs, the increased activity also means more vehicles are now moving toward dealerships across Nepal.
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