Leapmotor Expands Production Plans with B10 Hybrid EV

Leapmotor, founded in 2015, has established itself as a key player in the electric vehicle (EV) market. The company is currently 21-percent owned by Stellantis, which made a significant investment of €1.6 billion in Leapmotor in 2023. Historically, Leapmotor’s largest shareholders included Dahua Technology, which held a 33 percent stake at the company’s inception. However, Dahua sold its direct stake in Leapmotor earlier this year, raising questions about the future dynamics of the company.

In a major development, Leapmotor announced that its B10 Hybrid EV will go into production in Spain in the second half of 2026. This model is priced from €29,990 (approximately $34,800) and is designed to cater to the family SUV market. The B10 Hybrid EV boasts a horsepower of 218 and offers two battery options: a 56.2-kWh battery providing a WLTP-rated range of 224 miles, and a 67.1-kWh battery with a range of 270 miles.

The B10 Hybrid is also equipped with a four-year/60,000-mile warranty and an eight-year/100,000-mile battery guarantee, which are attractive features for potential buyers. As Leapmotor prepares to launch this model, it is making waves in the automotive sector with its innovative approach to electric driving.

Sales figures indicate a strong demand for Leapmotor’s vehicles, with a reported 700 percent increase in sales of the T03 model year-on-year. This surge in sales reflects the growing interest in electric vehicles, particularly in China, where Leapmotor is based in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province.

Additionally, Canada plans to import 49,000 Chinese EVs this year, which may include Leapmotor’s offerings, although these vehicles are not expected to cross into the U.S. market, as noted by Pete Hoekstra. The implications of local production on the B10’s pricing in Europe remain unclear, and details remain unconfirmed.

As Leapmotor moves forward with its production plans, industry observers are keenly watching how the company will navigate the competitive landscape of the electric vehicle market, especially with the backing of Stellantis. The B10 Hybrid EV is poised to be a significant addition to Leapmotor’s lineup, potentially influencing consumer preferences in the growing SUV segment.