EV for just over €20,000: Stellantis and Leapmotor launch sales in Europe
Technical highlights are not to be expected from the collaboration. However, this is not part of Stellantis' brand essence anyway. Opel, Peugeot and Fiat are better known for cost-efficient and pragmatic cars that are produced in large numbers.
This gives reason to expect a lot from the joint venture between Leapmotor and Stellantis, which is 51 percent owned by the Dutch car manufacturer as Leapmotor International B.V.. The latter currently sells around 6 million vehicles a year.
The sales launch will be correspondingly extensive. The first two models will be available to buy from around 200 outlets in nine European countries from September 2024. Initially, these will be Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Greece and Romania. Other countries on all continents are to follow later, with the exception of North America.
Unsurprisingly, one model is a rather classically shaped SUV of moderate proportions. The C10 is said to achieve a maximum of 650 kilometers (400 miles) per charge and has an output of 200 kW or 276 hp. While prices in China currently stand at just under €17,000, it is likely to cost more than twice as much when adapted for the European market. After all, it can also boast 5 stars in the Euro NCAP crash test.
The smaller T03 is already running below the competition, at least the current one. And it fits in with various announcements by Stellantis to bring an electric car onto the market for less than €25,000.
The price for Europe is now put at around €22,000, but may still change by September and, as always, will depend heavily on the equipment. It is clear that this will be a rather modest vehicle. Nevertheless, 70 kW or 95 hp and a range of 280 kilometers should be enough for the vast majority of scenarios.
Especially as a second car or for mobility between town and country, the reduction to the essentials should be suitable.
We can also look forward to further models, which will be added on an annual basis. The C01, for example, is another surprisingly dynamic saloon.
Source(s)
Stellantis via cnevpost
