Forthing Friday EV

Forging its path in Nepal's rapidly electrifying automotive landscape, the Dongfeng Forthing Friday EV arrives not with a whisper, but with a distinct roar of design and technology. Conceived under the guidance of Henning, a seasoned designer with stints at General Motors and Mercedes-Benz, the Friday EV presents a compelling blend of aggressive aesthetics, modern comfort, and practical electric range, squarely targeting the burgeoning electric SUV segment.

Commanding Presence: A "Beast" Unleashed

The Friday EV's exterior is an immediate statement piece. Its most arresting feature is undeniably the "Bionic Front Face of the Beast," an evolution of Forthing design language that imbues the SUV with an assertive, almost predatory stance. This aggressive visage centers on a striking, frameless mesh-style grille – a design element that cleverly disguises the integrated DC fast-charging port. Flanking this grille are the sharp "Thunder-Axe" LED Headlamps, dubbed "Hunting Eyes" and housed within sleek black units. This potent combination instantly communicates youthfulness and aerodynamic intent.

Moving along the profile, the Friday EV confirms its SUV credentials with a clean, purposeful silhouette. A distinctive colored accent strip running along the lower body cladding injects sporty flair, while the roofline subtly converges towards the C-pillar, enhancing the sense of motion. Maintaining visual symmetry, the standard AC charging port is neatly integrated into the side panel. Completing the athletic profile are prominent 19-inch Aluminum Alloy wheels.

The rear view reinforces the sporty theme with sleek, full-width LED taillights and an integrated roof spoiler. While the dual exhaust-style decorative elements add to the youthful, energetic design language championed by Forthing, their purely aesthetic nature might strike some as an unconventional flourish on an EV. Buyers can choose between the Luxury and higher-spec Exclusive variants, with the latter adding the convenience of an Electric Tailgate. Five vibrant color options (Blue, Green, White, Grey, Black) offer personalization.

Tech-Centric Sanctuary: Rotating Hub of Comfort

Step inside the Friday EV, and the focus shifts decisively to technology and modern comfort. The dashboard is dominated by a standout feature: a massive 14.6-inch Rotating Infotainment Touchscreen. This central hub, capable of pivoting between portrait and landscape orientations, provides intuitive control over vehicle functions and entertainment. Both variants feature Leatherette Upholstery, but the Exclusive trim elevates comfort significantly with Power-Adjustable Front Seats featuring a massage function. The Luxury variant utilizes Manual Adjustments (6-way driver, 4-way passenger). A significant comfort advantage across both trims is the Intelligent Thermostatic system for the front seats, offering both heating and ventilation.

The driver interfaces with an 8.8-inch Digital Instrument Cluster through a modern two-spoke steering wheel adorned with physical controls for essential functions. Convenience is paramount, with a Wireless Charging pad, Center Glove Box, and Automatic Climate Control standard. Connectivity is future-proofed with both USB-A and USB-C ports, complemented by standard Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Enhancing the sense of spaciousness is a standard Panoramic Glass Roof, while audio is delivered via a 6-speaker sound system.

Balanced Electric Performance: Range Meets Practicality

Propelling the Friday EV in Nepal is a 99 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, delivering 135 PS of max power and a robust 340 Nm of max torque – ample for confident urban and highway driving. Energy is stored in a substantial 64.4 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Battery pack, renowned for its durability and safety. This combination yields a WLTP-claimed range of 400 km, effectively addressing range anxiety for daily commutes and longer journeys.

Charging flexibility is well-covered. Using an 11 kW AC charger, a full charge takes approximately 6 hours. For rapid top-ups, the Friday EV supports up to 80 kW DC fast charging, capable of replenishing the battery from 20% to 80% State of Charge (SOC) in roughly 30 minutes. (Note: While a more powerful 150 kW global variant exists, achieving 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, the Nepal-specific model features the 99 kW motor; detailed performance figures for this version are pending).

Engineered for Diverse Terrain

Underpinning the Friday EV is a sophisticated suspension setup: a McPherson Strut with Stabilizer Bar at the front and a Multi-link system at the rear, promising a balanced blend of comfort and handling stability. Dimensions are substantial yet manageable: 4600 mm (L) x 1860 mm (W) x 1680 mm (H) with a 2715 mm wheelbase, ensuring interior space. Practicality is further enhanced by a generous 185 mm ground clearance for tackling varied road conditions, and a kerb weight of 1820 kg. Cargo capacity is versatile, offering 480 liters in the rear boot, expandable to a cavernous 1480 liters with the rear seats folded.

Navigating a Fierce Arena

The Friday EV enters a highly competitive Nepali EV market. It faces stiff competition not only from fellow Chinese innovators but also from established giants like Hyundai and Tata. Key rivals include the MG S5 EV, building on MG's strong local reputation as a successor to the popular ZS EV, and the boldly styled Tata Curvv.ev, representing Tata's progressive electric vision with its coupe-like silhouette. While the Curvv.ev's motor (98 kW) is marginally less powerful than the Friday EV's 99 kW, it compensates with a lighter weight. Both rivals benefit from established brand presence. For the Friday EV, proving its worth hinges on delivering its promised blend of striking design, compelling technology, practical range, and robust value in this dynamic and rapidly evolving segment. It arrives as a bold new option, ready to carve its niche.