While legacy Stellantis brands showcased design concepts in Paris, its Chinese partner Leapmotor stood out with a budget-friendly electric vehicle ready for production. Leveraging Stellantis's international distribution arm, Leapmotor aims to deliver its affordable EV across Europe early next year. The rollout highlights how legacy European automakers are relying on Chinese partnerships to quickly meet demand for low-cost electric cars.
Stellantis has kicked off European production of the Leapmotor B10 compact electric crossover at its manufacturing plant in Spain. The local manufacturing strategy allows the joint-venture brand to sidestep European Union tariffs on Chinese EV imports. A second Leapmotor electric model is scheduled to join the Spanish assembly line next year.
Leapmotor's new B03 electric hatchback has gained regulatory approval in Australia, clearing the way for an entry-level market launch. Backed by Stellantis, the Chinese automaker plans to position the compact hatch as a direct rival to low-cost offerings from BYD and Geely. The move highlights the aggressive global expansion of affordable Chinese electric models into key international right-hand-drive markets.
Stellantis is set to begin production of Leapmotor's T03 compact electric vehicle at its Tychy plant in Poland as early as this summer. This move marks a significant expansion of their strategic partnership, bringing Chinese-designed EVs to the European market via Stellantis's manufacturing capabilities.
Chinese automaker Leapmotor plans to introduce its B03 electric supermini to the UK market in 2027, positioning it as an affordable rival to European compact EVs. This new model will feature a 53 kWh battery offering an estimated 242 miles of range and rapid charging capabilities, aiming for a sub-£25,000 starting price.
The new Leapmotor C10 extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) is making waves, showcasing a design where its petrol engine exclusively acts as a generator for the electric powertrain, much like a pure EV with a range-extending safety net. This setup allows for silent electric driving with the flexibility of a gasoline lifeline, offering a combined range of over 600 miles from its 28.4 kWh battery and 50-liter fuel tank. Priced affordably in the UK, the C10 EREV aims to deliver an EV-like experience without range anxiety.
Major automakers like Ford and Stellantis (Vauxhall's parent company) are increasingly turning to Chinese EV platforms to accelerate their development cycles and reduce manufacturing costs. This strategic shift highlights a growing trend where established Western brands are adopting proven, cost-effective Chinese technology to bring new electric models to market more efficiently.
China's electric vehicle market reached an unprecedented 65% share in August, driven by robust EV sales and a notable downturn in gasoline car purchases. This surge highlights the ongoing shift towards electrification in the world's largest auto market, with domestic brands like Leapmotor posting significant gains. The report also indicates that battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) alone accounted for 45% of the total market during this period.
New images from China offer a first look at the Leapmotor B03X, an upcoming compact electric vehicle expected to launch in 2026. This model, a new iteration of the brand's popular T03 hatchback, features a refreshed design and targets the budget-friendly EV segment.
A new review from a UK publication details the upcoming 2026 Leapmotor B03X SUV, noting its spacious design but also significant drawbacks in its infotainment and safety systems. As the Chinese automaker prepares for wider international expansion, these issues could present challenges for consumer adoption in various global markets.
Debunking common misconceptions about the quality of Chinese electric vehicles, major brands GAC, Geely, and Leapmotor have achieved excellent safety results in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests. These top ratings demonstrate the robust engineering and advanced safety features integrated into their newest EV models, aligning them with global standards.
Recent Euro NCAP crash tests highlight the robust safety performance of several Chinese-made electric vehicles, with models like the Leapmotor C10 and Nio EL6 securing five-star ratings. This strong showing suggests Chinese EVs are rapidly closing any perceived safety gap, even surpassing some European models in rigorous assessments. The results are significant as more Chinese EV brands look to expand into global markets.
A new article explores the decision-making process behind purchasing the Leapmotor B10, a battery electric vehicle from a Chinese manufacturer. The piece delves into the considerations of owners transitioning from gasoline cars to embrace this specific EV model.
Chinese EV manufacturer Leapmotor has ambitious plans to reach 1 million vehicle deliveries by 2028, driven by an aggressive rollout of new models and a significant push into international markets. The company, known for its affordable electric vehicles, aims to capitalize on rising global EV demand through partnerships and diverse product offerings.
A UK-based journalist reassesses driving style with a Leapmotor C10 Range-Extended EV, questioning whether maximizing efficiency always requires conservative speeds. Observing another C10 EREV driven spiritedly, the author experimented with faster motorway cruising to gauge its impact on range and overall driving experience. This personal account delves into the practicalities of balancing performance and economy in an EREV in real-world conditions.
Chinese EV manufacturer Leapmotor is expanding into North America, starting with Mexico, through a new distribution and sales partnership with Stellantis. This collaboration marks a significant step for a Chinese EV brand entering the continent, leveraging Stellantis's established presence to navigate the local market.
In a strategic move, Chinese EV maker Leapmotor has launched its B10 crossover in Mexico, marking its first foray into the North American market. This debut comes as the company leverages its partnership with Stellantis to expand globally, with Mexico serving as a gateway for potential future growth in the region.
Chinese EV maker Leapmotor has officially launched in Mexico, leveraging Stellantis's established dealer network for sales and distribution. This strategic entry into the Mexican market is a pivotal step for Leapmotor, suggesting future plans to expand its presence across North America.
