Published on September 19th, 2024 | by Sounder Rajen

Stellantis Takes Major Leap Forward With Upcoming Leapmotor C10 EV SUV

Will the Leapmotor C10 be able to shake up the local EV SUV market?

In October 2023, Stellantis and Leapmotor established a joint venture aimed at transforming the automotive industry, focusing on electrification and sustainability. This collaboration led to the creation of Leapmotor International, a Stellantis-led entity designed to facilitate Leapmotor’s expansion beyond the Chinese market, where it has already achieved notable success with 400,000 vehicles sold by July 2024, ranking among China’s top three EV startups.

Leapmotor is now preparing to launch in India and the Asia Pacific region, starting with Malaysia. Its first global model, the Leapmotor C10, showcases innovative design and technology, representing a shift toward electric mobility.

Moreover, the company, whose name translates to “Zero to Leap” in Chinese, emphasises a commitment to zero-emission vehicles and advanced technology. Leapmotor differentiates itself by avoiding reliance on legacy automotive components, focusing instead on in-house development.

Founded by Zhu Jiangming, an expert in AI and industrial automation, Leapmotor has pioneered innovations like the Lingxin 01, China’s first domestically produced AI chip, which supports deep learning and autonomous driving capabilities. With the growing demand for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), Leapmotor is expanding its Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) lineup, emphasising research and development.

On top of that, the majority of its engineers specialise in creating electric traction motors and LED components, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Leapmotor has patented over 443 technologies, which are integrated into its vehicle models, including the mid-sized C01 sedan and the C11 SUV.

The Leapmotor C10 is designed for both young professionals and families, featuring a sleek, minimalist design that has earned international awards. Built on the Leap 3.0 modular platform, it incorporates an innovative Lithium Iron Phosphate battery pack and advanced Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) architecture, enhancing safety and battery efficiency while improving ride quality.

The Leapmotor C10’s central electronic system integrates a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip for a seamless digital experience and includes a suite of safety features, achieving an ADAS Level 2+ rating. As Leapmotor embarks on its global expansion, it aligns with Stellantis’ Dare Forward strategy, targeting a net-zero carbon footprint by 2038.

Leapmotor International aims to establish a strong global presence, planning to expand into Europe by September 2024 with 200 sales points, ultimately targeting 500 by 2026. The partnership with Stellantis will facilitate the introduction of five new models across various segments, catering to a diverse global audience.