Stellantis and Leapmotor JV brings affordable EVs to UK

Leapmotor International, a fresh new EV collaborative project between Stellantis and China’s Leapmotor, has officially landed its footprint in Europe by unveiling the striking C10 family SUV and the compact T03 city car.

The establishment of this partnership marks the fusion between a global automotive powerhouse and a Chinese OEM specialising in EVs, forming a 51:49 joint venture led by Stellantis.

According to the joint statement released by the companies, Leapmotor International’s product range seamlessly complements the existing technology and array of vehicles offered by Stellantis’ impressive lineup of 14 brands. This collaboration aims to provide customers with more affordable and sustainable mobility solutions. Leveraging Stellantis’ extensive distribution network, Leapmotor International plans to establish 350 sales outlets by the conclusion of 2024, including 50 outlets within the United Kingdom.

The initial offerings from Leapmotor International include the T03 city car and the C10 SUV, set to be accompanied by the introduction of the B10 compact SUV at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. Over the next three years, the company plans to unveil a new vehicle annually, showcasing its commitment to innovation and progression.

Kicking off the lineup is the T03, a city car priced at £15,995. Marketed as the most cost-effective electric vehicle available in the UK, it serves as a direct competitor to the Dacia Spring, which starts at £14,995.

Designed for the modern, style-conscious driver, the T03 promises a range of up to 165 miles (265km) on a single charge according to WLTP standards, coupled with a spacious interior to accommodate daily urban adventures.

This five-door, four-seater vehicle boasts an electric powertrain exclusively developed by Leapmotor, featuring a 95hp motor paired with a 37.3kWh battery capable of delivering three distinct driving modes.

Equipped with a 6.6kW onboard charger, the T03 can be conveniently charged at home from 30% to 80% capacity in approximately 3.5 hours. For rapid DC charging, the vehicle supports a maximum power of 48kW, enabling a comparable charge level in just 36 minutes.

Standard features on the T03 include 15-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, an 8.0-inch instrument cluster, and electric windows all around.

Pre-orders for the T03 are scheduled to commence in late November, with the first deliveries anticipated before the year concludes.

Subsequently, the C10 family SUV emerges as the ideal choice for customers ready to embrace the transition to battery electric vehicles (BEV) while requiring a versatile family-oriented vehicle.

Priced at £36,500, the C10 stands as a budget-friendly alternative to the Tesla Model Y, offering a single specification level packed with premium comfort and features.

Utilising the Leap 3.0 architecture developed by Leapmotor, the C10 is equipped with a 218hp motor and a 69.9kWh battery pack providing an impressive WLTP combined range of 261 miles (420km).

When it comes to charging, the C10 can support fast-charging rates of up to 84kW, allowing for a 30-80% charge completion within 30 minutes, while the 6.6kW AC charger achieves the same result in slightly over six hours.

Highlighting its interior features, the C10 includes steering wheel controls, a 10.25-inch instrument panel, and a substantial 14.6-inch central display screen.

In terms of storage capacity, the C10 offers 435 litres of boot space under normal conditions, expanding to an impressive 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Similar to the T03, reservations for the C10 will kick off towards the end of November, with initial deliveries expected by the year’s end.

Looking ahead, Leapmotor International’s ambitious product roadmap encompasses a diverse range of segments, spanning from city-friendly cars to executive models. By leveraging its scalable platforms and prioritising fully electric engines and range extenders, the company aims to lead the charge towards sustainable and emission-free transportation.

By the conclusion of 2024, Leapmotor International plans to launch sales in 13 European markets and expand its presence into the Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Israel, and overseas French territories), Asia Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia), and South America (Brazil and Chile) commencing from Q4 2024.