Thabo Nkosi 
China’s Leapmotor is set to make its debut in the South African market this month with the launch of its C10 crossover vehicle. The brand, backed by Stellantis, is making waves globally and aims to bring its innovative new energy vehicle options to local buyers.
A Rapidly Growing Brand
Leapmotor has earned its reputation as one of the fastest-growing new-age manufacturers. Recently, the company became the quickest Chinese automaker to reach one million vehicles produced, achieving this milestone in just 343 days after hitting its initial 500,000 mark. According to Leapmotor founder and CEO Zhu Jiangming, "It took us five years to achieve the roll-off from the first Leapmotor S01 to the 500,000th Leapmotor car. In less than a year, we completed the roll-off from 500,000 to 1 million units, which shows that the acceleration of Leapmotor’s development has become faster and faster."
Stellantis, the global automotive giant behind brands such as Peugeot, Fiat, Opel, and Alfa Romeo, is partnering with Leapmotor to expand its presence internationally. Mike Whitfield, Managing Director of Stellantis, stated, "South Africa is a key market for Stellantis, and the launch of Leapmotor marks an important step in offering innovative new energy vehicle options through product, innovation, and partnerships."
The Leapmotor C10: A Game-Changer for South Africa?
The first model to hit the South African market will be the Leapmotor C10, a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) that could attract buyers seeking a balance between sustainable technology and practicality. Unlike traditional plug-in hybrids, the C10’s 1.5-liter petrol engine does not directly power the wheels. Instead, it acts as a generator, charging the 28.4 kWh battery to extend the vehicle’s range when needed.
The C10 promises a purely electric range of up to 145 km, with a total range exceeding 900 km when the range extender is utilized, according to Leapmotor. Its electric motor produces 158 kW and 320 Nm, delivering smooth and efficient performance. Charging times vary, with Leapmotor stating it takes just 28 minutes to charge the battery from 30% to 80% using a 65 kW DC charger, while a full charge via a 6.6 kW AC charger requires approximately 4.5 hours.
The vehicle also features four driving modes – EV+, EV, Fuel Mode, and Power+ – allowing drivers to prioritize electric mobility or maximize range where necessary. In EV+ mode, for instance, the range extender only activates when the battery charge falls below 9%.
Interior and Design
The C10 showcases clean, modern styling with smooth lines and curves, complemented by an impressively minimalist interior. It features a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and a customizable 10.2-inch digital cluster for the driver. Notably, the interior is devoid of traditional dials or buttons, highlighting Leapmotor’s focus on sleek, futuristic design.
Pricing and Future Prospects
Pricing for the Leapmotor C10 in South Africa has not yet been announced. However, in Europe, the vehicle is priced at under the equivalent of R800,000. Should local importers manage to price it below this threshold, the C10 could become a competitive entry in the burgeoning South African EV market.
Leapmotor’s expansion strategy aligns with its vision of rapid development and global outreach. Zhu Jiangming expressed optimism for the brand’s future, saying, "We hope that in the coming year, we can also witness the next 1 million Leapmotor rolling off the assembly line here."
With the C10 spearheading its South African launch and the possibility of additional models like the B10 arriving in 2026, Leapmotor is positioning itself as a key player in the country’s evolving automotive landscape. Whether it will resonate with local buyers remains to be seen, but its innovative REEV approach could prove to be a practical solution for South African drivers navigating long distances and limited charging infrastructure.
