Thabo Nkosi 
Leapmotor, a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has officially entered the South African market through a joint venture with Stellantis. The company aims to address local challenges around EV adoption with its C10 REEV model, designed to ease concerns about range and charging infrastructure. Key highlights include:
- C10 REEV Pricing: Starts at $43,200 for the Style trim and $45,500 for the Design trim.
- Range: 90 miles of pure electric range, extending to 603 miles with a petrol generator.
- Charging: DC fast charging to 50% in 18 minutes, full AC charging in 5 hours.
- Safety and Tech: Five-star Euro NCAP rating, advanced driver assistance, and a 14.6-inch touchscreen.
South Africa’s EV market is growing, supported by government policies and infrastructure improvements like solar-powered charging stations. Leapmotor’s entry, leveraging Stellantis’ established network, offers a practical solution for drivers transitioning to electric mobility.
Leapmotor C10 REEV: Range Extender Electric Vehicle | New Brand, New Car by Stellantis SA | Review
About Leapmotor: Company Background and Technology
Leapmotor, founded in 2015 by Jiangming Zhu, focuses on making affordable, tech-driven electric mobility a reality. In under a decade, the company has sold more than 600,000 fully electric vehicles and is ambitiously aiming for 500,000 annual sales by 2025.
What makes Leapmotor stand out is its end-to-end control over the entire value chain – from battery design to embedded software. The company’s proprietary electric drive systems, intelligent cockpit technologies, and integrated platforms allow them to offer advanced features at competitive prices. A prime example of this strategy is the 2025 launch of the all-electric B10 SUV, which combines smart-driving capabilities and lidar-sensing technology, all for under $18,000. This comprehensive approach forms the backbone of Leapmotor’s technological edge.
Leapmotor’s REEV Technology Explained
Leapmotor’s Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) technology addresses two major hurdles for EV adoption: limited charging infrastructure and range anxiety – issues particularly critical in emerging markets like South Africa. Unlike conventional plug-in hybrids, where the internal combustion engine (ICE) is the main power source, REEVs are designed to function as electric vehicles first. In the C10 REEV, for instance, the gasoline engine serves solely as a generator to recharge the battery when necessary.
Data from the Chinese market highlights that 84% of REEV mileage is powered by electricity, with only 16% relying on fuel. This setup not only extends the range in pure EV mode but also supports DC fast-charging while keeping fuel usage efficient. As a Stellantis spokesperson put it:
"The REEV is the perfect answer for customers who want to jump into electric mobility but are still not fully convinced by EVs"
. This innovative approach positions Leapmotor as a leader in addressing practical challenges in global EV adoption.
Leapmotor’s Global Market Expansion
Leapmotor is taking its advanced technology to the global stage through Leapmotor International, a joint venture where Stellantis holds a 51% stake and Leapmotor retains 49%. This partnership taps into Stellantis’ extensive global infrastructure, distribution network, and established quality assurance to accelerate market entry into developing regions. The upcoming launch in South Africa, scheduled for October 2025, is a pivotal step in this strategy, targeting markets where energy constraints and limited charging infrastructure demand practical, adaptable solutions.
Leapmotor C10 REEV: Features, Specifications, and Pricing
Leapmotor C10 REEV Style vs Design Trim Comparison
C10 REEV Features and Technical Specifications
The Leapmotor C10 REEV packs a punch with its rear electric drive unit, delivering 158kW of power and 320Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 8.5 seconds, making it well-suited for a variety of driving conditions. These performance stats are paired with impressive range capabilities and fast charging options.
The vehicle offers a 90-mile pure electric range, which extends to a combined range of 603 miles when the onboard generator kicks in.
Charging is designed to be convenient:
- DC fast charging gets you to 50% in just 18 minutes and up to 80% in 30 minutes.
- AC charging at home can fully charge the battery in about five hours.
Safety is another strong point for the C10 REEV, boasting a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It comes loaded with seven airbags, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and driver monitoring systems.
Inside, the car features cutting-edge technology. A 14.6-inch central touchscreen, powered by Qualcomm‘s Snapdragon 8155 processor, supports over-the-air updates to keep the system current and enhance the overall driving experience.
Pricing and Available Trim Levels
The C10 REEV is available in two trims: Style and Design.
- The Style trim starts at approximately $43,230.
- The Design trim starts at around $45,494.
Both trims come with a five-year/62,000-mile warranty and service plan, ensuring peace of mind for buyers.
The Design trim offers additional comfort and luxury features, including power-adjustable driver and passenger seats with heating, ventilation, and memory functions. It also upgrades the wheels to 20-inch alloys compared to the Style trim’s 18-inch wheels. Both trims share the same powertrain, range, and core tech features, with the price difference reflecting the added premium touches and styling.
Trim Level Comparison Table
| Feature | Style | Design |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$43,230 | ~$45,494 |
| Power Output | 158kW / 320Nm | 158kW / 320Nm |
| 0–62 mph | 8.5 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| EV-Only Range | 90 miles | 90 miles |
| Combined Range | 603 miles | 603 miles |
| DC Fast Charging (50%) | 18 minutes | 18 minutes |
| AC Charging (Full) | ~5 hours | ~5 hours |
| Alloy Wheels | 18-inch | 20-inch |
| Power-Adjustable Seats | Standard | With heating, ventilation & memory |
| Warranty | 5 years/62,000 miles | 5 years/62,000 miles |
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Impact on South Africa’s Electric Vehicle Market
Reducing Carbon Emissions Through Electric Vehicles
In South Africa, private motor vehicles are responsible for 41% of road emissions, while the transport sector accounts for about 13% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. In Gauteng alone, CO2 emissions from motor vehicles grew from 3,871 Gg in 2000 to 7,256 Gg by 2018, reflecting an average annual increase of 4%.
Leapmotor’s entry into the market directly addresses this growing environmental challenge. Impressively, 86.2% of its models have carbon footprints below the industry average, and 82.8% have achieved Level 1 certification. These achievements align perfectly with Leapmotor’s strategy of using advanced technology and strategic partnerships to penetrate emerging markets. The C10 REEV model, in particular, supports South Africa’s "Just Energy Transition" efforts by tackling the country’s energy-related challenges.
"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", said Mike Whitfield, Managing Director at Stellantis.
Projections indicate that with effective mitigation strategies, Gauteng could reduce CO2 emissions by 30% to 35% by 2030. Achieving these reductions, however, hinges on accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption and improving charging infrastructure. Leapmotor’s REEV technology offers a practical middle ground between fully electric vehicles and traditional cars, particularly for drivers in areas with limited charging options. Alongside its environmental advantages, Leapmotor’s competitive pricing strategy makes electric mobility more accessible to a broader audience.
Making Electric Vehicles More Accessible
Leapmotor is tackling the barriers to EV adoption in South Africa by focusing on affordability and strong support systems. Currently, EV adoption in the country is minimal, with only 0.012% of vehicles being full battery EVs and 0.008% being plug-in hybrids. High upfront costs, concerns about driving range, and a lack of charging infrastructure are the main obstacles. Leapmotor addresses these issues with its competitive pricing and advanced technology.
Additionally, the brand benefits from Stellantis’s well-established infrastructure in South Africa, which provides immediate access to maintenance facilities without the need for building new networks. By integrating into Stellantis’s global parts network, managed by Distrigo, Leapmotor ensures that 95% of parts are available for next-day delivery.
"By leveraging Stellantis’ extensive infrastructure, extensive distribution network, and uncompromising quality standards, Leapmotor is well-positioned to bring its unique blend of advanced state-of-the-art technology, affordability and customer-first innovation to South Africa", according to Stellantis South Africa.
The REEV technology also addresses "autonomy anxiety" by offering a flexible solution for drivers in areas with scarce charging stations. This flexibility makes electric mobility a more practical option for South African consumers, helping to ease one of the most significant barriers to EV adoption.
Conclusion
Leapmotor’s entry into South Africa marks a significant step forward for electric mobility in the region. By introducing advanced REEV technology and offering competitive pricing, the brand addresses two major concerns for consumers – range anxiety and high costs – making the shift to electric vehicles more accessible. At the same time, it delivers a fully electric driving experience that aligns with the push toward more sustainable transportation options.
The collaboration with Stellantis positions Leapmotor for strong growth within South Africa’s automotive market. With demand for cleaner, more efficient vehicles on the rise, Leapmotor’s models stand out for their ability to reduce carbon emissions, showcasing the brand’s dedication to environmental responsibility. This partnership provides a solid platform for Leapmotor’s ambitious plans in the region.
As the company prepares to showcase its vehicles at SA Auto Week 2025, happening October 1–3 in Gqeberha, Leapmotor is set to demonstrate how affordable electric vehicles can reshape daily transportation for South Africans. This launch signals a new chapter in the country’s journey toward widespread electric mobility.
FAQs
How does Leapmotor’s REEV technology help reduce range anxiety and charging challenges?
Leapmotor’s REEV technology offers a smart solution to tackle range anxiety and charging challenges. It allows the vehicle to run exclusively in electric mode for up to 145 kilometers, providing a smooth and eco-friendly driving experience. For those longer journeys, a 1.5-liter gasoline engine steps in as a generator, boosting the total range to an impressive 970 kilometers. This setup ensures you can enjoy the perks of electric driving without the hassle of frequent charging stops.
What’s more, the option to refuel at regular gas stations adds a layer of convenience, especially when traveling through areas with limited EV charging options. This clever combination of electric and gasoline power makes electric driving more practical and accessible for everyday and long-distance use.
What sets the Style and Design trims of the C10 REEV apart?
The Style trim of the C10 REEV is all about covering the basics. It prioritizes comfort and safety features that are perfect for everyday driving, offering a no-frills, practical approach.
On the other hand, the Design trim steps things up a notch. It includes heated, ventilated, and memory seats, along with upgraded interior finishes, giving the cabin a more refined and upscale feel.
So, if you prefer simplicity and functionality, the Style trim fits the bill. But if convenience and a touch of elegance are more your style, the Design trim delivers on those fronts.
What impact will Leapmotor’s launch have on South Africa’s electric vehicle market and carbon emissions?
Leapmotor’s entry into South Africa aims to shake up the electric vehicle (EV) market with affordable, tech-packed options like the C10 REEV. These vehicles tackle everyday challenges like range anxiety and limited charging infrastructure, making EVs a more practical choice for drivers.
This expansion could help speed up EV adoption in the region, cutting carbon emissions and aligning with South Africa’s push for cleaner energy solutions. By offering reliable and eco-conscious mobility options, Leapmotor positions itself as a significant player in the country’s shift toward greener transportation.
