- Leapmotor has a joint venture with Stellantis
- Leapmotor T03 will be one of Europe’s cheapest EVs
- Some Leapmotor vehicles will be built in Europe to avoid tarrifs
Affordable new electric cars are more common in Europe than in America but are still rare. The newly launched Leapmotor T03 will be one of Europe’s cheapest EVs, with a starting price of €18,900 (equivalent to $21,170 at the time of writing) on the continent and £15,995 in the United Kingdom.
Leapmotor is a Chinese automaker, but the T03 it plans to sell in Europe shouldn’t incur additional tariffs and duties because it will be built locally. Thanks to a joint venture agreement with Stellantis, the first T03s are expected to roll off the production line in Tychy, Poland, before the end of the year. The same factory also builds the Alfa Romeo Junior, the Jeep Avenger and the Fiat 600.
Gallery: Leapmotor T03 (Euro Spec)
The T03 is very competitively priced and has great specs for a vehicle its size. It draws from a 37.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack that gives it a WLTP range of 165 miles (265 kilometers), and it should also be pretty nippy with its 95 horsepower front-mounted motor.
It is roughly the same size as its main direct rival, the Dacia Spring, but it’s more powerful and has a longer range. The Spring, which had a major overhaul this year, is slightly more affordable, but that could change once the new import duties imposed on Chinese-built cars are enforced—the Spring is built in China, but Dacia is looking at ways to move production to Europe.
Thanks to the Stellantis connection, Leapmotor vehicles in Europe will have access to a wide range of national service networks that would have been impossible to establish if the Chinese automaker had not teamed up with one of the world’s car-making giants.
According to Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares, “Thanks to the powerful Stellantis parts distribution system, Leapmotor’s customers will benefit from an unrivaled level of service, which is an important differentiator. We have created a very efficient partnership with Leapmotor that is designed to bring value to our European customers first and to our long-term sustainability.”
Gallery: Leapmotor C10
The T03 isn’t the only Leapmotor EV to go on sale in Europe. The second model is the C10, an electric crossover that’ bigger than a Volkswagen ID.4—it’s only marginally smaller than the new electric Porsche Macan. It promises “best-in-class safety, an intelligent user experience, and premium levels of comfort” for a price starting at €36.400 (around $40,730), undercutting all similar-sized rivals. Its 69.9 kWh LFP battery gives it 261 miles (420 km) of WLTP range, which is competitive for the segment.
Unlike the T03, Leapmotor won’t assemble the C10 in Europe, making it vulnerable to price fluctuations for cars imported from China. Leapmotor has not announced plans to build the C10 in Europe, but it did say it plans to introduce new models on the continent over the next three years.
China’s Leapmotor Arrives In Europe With Two Affordable EVs
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor has made its long-awaited debut in Europe, bringing with it two affordable electric vehicles that are set to shake up the European market. The company has been making waves in its home country with its range of high-quality yet cost-effective EVs, and now it is looking to expand its reach into the global market.
The two models that Leapmotor has introduced to Europe are the C-More and the S-Car, both of which offer impressive specs and features at a price point that is accessible to a wide range of consumers. The C-More is a compact hatchback that boasts a range of 400 kilometers on a single charge, making it the perfect choice for urban commuters looking for an eco-friendly and affordable way to get around. The S-Car, on the other hand, is a larger SUV that offers a range of 500 kilometers, making it a practical choice for families and those who need a bit more space.
One of the key selling points of Leapmotor’s EVs is their competitive pricing. The C-More starts at just €15,000, while the S-Car comes in at €25,000, making them some of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market. Despite their low price tag, both models come equipped with a range of advanced features such as smart connectivity, autonomous driving capabilities, and fast charging technology.
Leapmotor’s arrival in Europe comes at a time when the demand for electric vehicles is on the rise, with consumers increasingly looking for more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional gas-powered cars. The company’s decision to focus on affordability and accessibility is sure to resonate with European consumers who are looking to make the switch to electric but are put off by the high prices of many EVs on the market.
In addition to its attractive pricing and advanced features, Leapmotor is also committed to providing a high level of customer service and support to all of its European customers. The company has set up a network of service centers and charging stations across the continent, ensuring that owners of its EVs have access to the support they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly.
Overall, Leapmotor’s arrival in Europe with its two affordable EVs is a sign of the growing global influence of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. With their combination of competitive pricing, advanced features, and commitment to customer service, Leapmotor’s C-More and S-Car are sure to make a big impact on the European market and help drive the transition towards a more sustainable future for transportation.