Leapmotor T03: A New Player in the UK’s Electric Car Market

source: Leapmotor

Published 25 September 2024

Chinese electric car manufacturer Leapmotor is gearing up to make its mark in the UK. It’s compact T03 city car will launch in December 2024. The EV will rival the Dacia Spring and Citroën e-C3, while offering a blend of affordability and advanced features.

The Battle of the Budget EVs

The Leapmotor T03, priced at £15,995, positions itself between the Dacia Spring Expression at £14,995 and the Dacia Spring Extreme at £16,995. Despite its slightly higher price, the T03 comes packed with equipment that gives it a competitive edge. Standard features include a panoramic sunroof, an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system—a list of extras that outshines many of its competitors.

When it comes to performance, the T03 stands strong. Its 37.3kWh battery delivers a range of 165 miles (WLTP), which beats the Dacia Spring’s 140 miles. The battery is managed by a cloud-based system that optimises its temperature, ensuring efficient performance. Meanwhile, the T03’s electric motor produces 95bhp and 158Nm of torque, allowing it to outpace the Spring by nearly two seconds in the 0-62mph sprint.

Charging and Practicality

One area where the T03 lags slightly behind modern electric vehicles is its charging speed, maxing out at 48kW. However, a 30-80% top-up will still only take 36 minutes. Additionally, Leapmotor offers a 6.6kW onboard charger, which can fully recharge the car in just 3.5 hours—ideal for overnight charging at home.

The T03 is shorter and narrower than the Dacia Spring, but with a taller stature. The boot is smaller with a capacity of 210 litres compared to the Spring’s 308 litres. Still, its compact dimensions make it perfect for city driving, where manoeuvrability and ease of parking are essential.

Leapmotor: A New Force in Electric Vehicles

Founded in 2015, Leapmotor is a rising star in China’s electric vehicle industry. Known for its focus on producing affordable yet innovative EVs tailored to urban environments. What sets Leapmotor apart is its vertical integration approach. It develops key components like batteries, electric motors, and software in-house. This enables the company to maintain control over both quality and technological advancement. Now, with the backing of Stellantis—one of the world’s largest automotive groups—Leapmotor is poised for international expansion, starting with its entry into Europe. Stellantis’ majority stake and logistical support have positioned Leapmotor to tap into the growing demand for electric vehicles in key markets like the UK.

Leapmotor’s European Ambitions

Leapmotor’s UK launch is part of a broader European strategy backed by Stellantis, which owns brands like Citroën, Vauxhall, and Fiat. Stellantis’ involvement brings credibility and logistical advantages, with plans to assemble the T03 at the Stellantis plant in Poland, where other models like the Jeep Avenger and Alfa Romeo Junior are also produced.

Leapmotor will take the first UK orders for the T03 in October and deliver the initial cars in December. Beyond the T03, Leapmotor is also launching its larger C10 SUV,. C10 is a more premium offering aimed at competing with the Tesla Model Y at a lower price point. Priced from £36,400, the C10 offers a range of 420km (261 miles), thanks to its 69.9kWh battery, and will arrive in the UK in mid-October.

The Bigger Picture: Leapmotor’s European Expansion

Leapmotor’s entry into the UK market is just the start of its European expansion. By the end of 2024, the brand plans to offer its EVs across several key European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Over the next three years, Leapmotor aims to introduce a new EV model annually, gradually broadening its lineup.