Who is Leapmotor, the Chinese manufacturer ready to sell its 20% to Stellantis for around 1.5 billion euros? Born in 2015 and founded by Zhu Jiangming, it is a Chinese brand specialized in electric models but above all a manufacturer of modular platforms and technological architectures. Added to this is the availability of EREV versions, i.e. equipped with Extender ranger which translates into the presence of a thermal engine dedicated exclusively to charging the batteries. In this way, carbon dioxide emissions are contained and at the same time, ranges of over 1000 kilometers are guaranteed. Precisely this point, combined with the supply of modular platforms, will be fundamental for Stellantis’ growth on the electric market.
Who is Leapmotor
Leapmotor, focusing on the mid-to-high-end market, the largest and fastest growing segment in China, delivered approximately 111,000 NEVs (Neighborhood Electric Vehicles) in 2022, making it the first specialized manufacturer in the sector NEV in China. Over the next three years, Leapmotor’s product plan will cover the entire range of segments A to E, based on a unique technical architecture with three highly scalable platforms with BEV powertrains and EV Range Extenders.
Leapmotor, the models
To date, Leapmotor markets three models on the domestic market: the C01 sedan, the C11 SUV and the compact T03. The latest addition is the C10 destined for the global market. A sporty style sedan over five meters long, the Leapmotor C01 is available in a fully electric version and with range extender. The BEV is powered by a unit with 200 kW of power, 300 Nm of torque and a scheduled life of at least 1 million kilometers. The range reaches over 700 km, according to the Chinese CLTC standard. The range extender version adds a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, capable of increasing the range to over 1200 kilometres. The interiors are characterized by the presence of three screens. Similar performance and characteristics for the C11 SUV, available in electric and Erev versions following what has already been seen on the C01. The range previously also included the S01 electric sedan, with over 300 km of autonomy.
Leap motor T03
Returning to the cars available on the official website, the T03 has all it takes to be sold in Europe too thanks to its small size. The Leapmotor T03 is a compact five-door vehicle measuring 3.62 meters long, 1.65 meters wide and 1.57 meters high. The electric motor mounted on the front axle is powered by a 41.3 kWh lithium ion battery, inserted into the platform floor, capable of guaranteeing a range of 280 kilometers with WLTP approval. The interiors are characterized by the presence of two screens: 8″ in front of the driver and 10″ in the center of the dashboard. The range of Adas systems is good, including adaptive cruise control and lane maintenance.
Leap motor C10
The Monaco Motor Show also unveiled the C10, an electric SUV and the first product designed for the global market. It is a car designed from the outset to also be sold in Europe, and it is also the first to be created on the new Leap 3.0 platform, capable of supporting 800 volt architecture. The car features a cell-to-chassis battery (where the cells are integrated directly into the chassis), Leap 3.0 platform with advanced level Adas thanks to the presence of several Lidar sensors and an 8 million pixel HD camera. The on-board technology can rely on prestigious partners, such as Nvidia and Qualcomm.
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