Thabo Nkosi 
South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) market is set to welcome an exciting new entrant as Stellantis, the global automotive group behind brands like Jeep, Peugeot, Fiat, and CitroĂ«n, prepares to launch Leapmotor in the country this month. This move marks Stellantis‘ debut in the fully electric vehicle space in South Africa, signaling a significant step in the company’s efforts to promote cleaner mobility in the region.
Leapmotor: A Rising Star in the EV World
Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer founded in 2015 by Jiangming Zhu, has quickly gained recognition for its innovation and rapid expansion. With over 600,000 units sold globally, the brand aims to achieve 500,000 annual sales by the end of 2025. Stellantis, which holds a 20% stake in Leapmotor, will be responsible for distributing the vehicles locally through its established dealer network.
"South Africa is a key market for Stellantis", said Mike Whitfield, managing director of Stellantis South Africa. "The launch of Leapmotor marks an important step in offering innovative vehicle options through product, innovation and partnerships."
Tailored Technology for South African Conditions
What sets Leapmotor apart is its use of range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) technology, which combines a fully electric drivetrain with a small petrol engine that functions solely as a battery charger. Unlike hybrid vehicles, the petrol engine in an REEV does not power the wheels directly. This technology is particularly suited to South Africa, where limited charging infrastructure and frequent power outages remain barriers to widespread EV adoption.
"In South Africa, where energy challenges and limited charging infrastructure slow EV adoption, REEV offers a practical solution", Stellantis explained. The combination of electric innovation and a backup charging option aims to ease range anxiety for potential buyers.
The Leapmotor C10: A Game-Changing SUV
The first model to hit South African showrooms will be the Leapmotor C10, a midsize SUV positioned to compete with popular models such as the VW Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Territory. The C10 will offer two variants tailored to different customer needs:
- Battery-electric vehicle (BEV): Equipped with a 160kW motor, buyers can choose between a 52.9kWh battery (offering around 410km range) or a 69.9kWh battery (up to 530km range).
- Range-extended (REEV): Featuring a 1.5-liter petrol generator and a 28.4kWh battery, this version provides approximately 145km of pure electric driving and a combined range of up to 970km.
The C10’s interior reflects Leapmotor’s focus on modern design and technology. Features include heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, wireless charging, and dual digital displays with a 10.25-inch driver screen and a 14.6-inch infotainment system. Apps like Spotify come preloaded, though the vehicle does not currently support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
A Strategic Step for South Africa’s EV Market
Stellantis’ decision to introduce Leapmotor underscores its commitment to addressing the unique challenges of EV adoption in South Africa. By leveraging Leapmotor’s innovative REEV technology, Stellantis aims to meet the needs of buyers who remain hesitant about fully electric vehicles due to the country’s infrastructure limitations.
While full pricing and specifications are yet to be revealed, Stellantis has promised to share more details closer to the official launch. What is clear, however, is that Leapmotor’s arrival represents a pivotal moment for Stellantis and could significantly influence South Africa’s evolving EV landscape.
