Stellantis has launched a small Chinese electric car in Europe, aimed at the entry level with very low prices, the group said on Tuesday. The Chinese brand Leapmotor has opened orders for its T03 city car, priced at 19,500 euros and due for delivery in October, Stellantis said at the presentation of these vehicles to the press in Milan (Italy).
This price makes it one of the cheapest electric cars on the European market, along with the Dacia Spring, with limited equipment and a small 37.3 kW battery that allows it an average range of 265 kilometres. But unlike the Spring, which is assembled in China, the Leapmotor T03 is assembled in Poland, at Fiat’s factory in Tychy, thus avoiding the European Commission surcharges that affect Chinese vehicles.
It should also benefit from the ecological bonus in France (maximum 4,000 euros), subject to validation by the Environment Agency (Ademe). Leapmotor also has an advantage over other Chinese manufacturers trying to enter the electric market in Europe, such as BYD, MG, Seres or Skyworth: the Chinese start-up, still unknown in Europe, benefits from Stellantis’ dense dealer network. Leapmotor plans to have 350 points of sale in Europe by the end of 2024 and 500 in 2026.
“Be part of the offensive”
The arrival of these affordable models for the middle classes could give a boost to the European electric car market, which started with large sedans and SUVs, but has been declining since the elimination of purchase aids, especially in Germany. In addition to the small T03, Leapmotor is launching a second electric model, the C10. Assembled in China, this SUV is priced at 36,400 euros, enough to revive competition with other Chinese manufacturers.
By partnering with Leapmotor, Stellantis decided to “be part of the offense rather than a victim,” its boss Carlos Tavares explained in late 2023.
The group, made up of 14 brands (Peugeot, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, etc.), owns 51% of a joint venture with Leapmotor, which produces electric vehicles for international markets.
Leapmotor plans to launch one model per year for the next three years. The brand is launching first in the main European markets, but also plans to expand before the end of 2024 to the Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific and South America (Brazil and Chile). The supply could be massive: Leapmotor has a capacity of 800,000 vehicles per year, for a production of 143,000 units in 2023.
Source: BFM TV
