Drivers will soon be able to get their hands on one of the cheapest electric cars on the market following the launch of a new Chinese EV.
Leapmotor International has launched the C10 and T03 electric vehicles as part of its European debut thanks to a new partnership with Stellantis.
Leapmotor had the highest growth in the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sector in China and is one of the most popular brands to come out of East Asia.
The Leapmotor T03 is one of the new cheapest electric cars on the market, priced at just £15,995, with a WLTP combined range of 165 miles.
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The Leapmotor C10 electric vehicle
STELLANTIS
The compact electric vehicle has been praised as the UK’s best-value electric car on sale, having also placed first in the compact-battery, electric-vehicle segment in the Initial Quality Study by JD Power 2023.
The T03 is designed to be used in urban environments with a decent range, smaller size, and cutting-edge electric propulsion at a “truly competitive price”.
Leapmotor’s other electric vehicle joining the market is the C10 electric SUV with premium features and 261 miles of battery range.
The £36,500 electric vehicle is based on the LEAP 3.0 architecture developed by the Hangzhou-based brand making use of “best-in-class intelligent electric technology”.
By the end of the year, Leapmotor will aim to have 350 sale points, with 50 of these set to be across the UK.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said: “The creation of Leapmotor International is a great step forward in helping address the urgent global warming issue with state-of-the-art BEV models that will compete with existing Chinese brands in key markets around the world.
“Leveraging our existing global presence, we will soon be able to offer our customers price-competitive and tech-centric electric vehicles that will exceed their expectations.
“Under Tianshu Xin’s leadership, they have built a compelling worldwide commercial and industrial strategy to quickly ramp up the sales distribution channels to support Leapmotor’s robust growth and create value for both partners.”
Both price points will make the vehicles incredibly competitive against a range of the most popular and established brands from Europe and North America.
Chinese brands are making headway in the UK market already, with the most notable manufacturer being BYD who have increased their UK sales by almost 2,000 per cent since last year.
In the year-to-date, BYD – which stands for Build Your Dreams – has sold 4,110 vehicles for a 0.33 per cent share of the market. This is also more sales than Bentley, Smart and Subaru.
Stellantis also plans to debut Leapmotor vehicles at the upcoming Paris Motor Show 2024 between Monday, October 14 and Sunday, October 20.
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The Leapmotor T03 electric vehicle
STELLANTIS
The reveal will reportedly be led by Leapmotor’s founder and CEO Zhu Jiangming, alongside Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares.