Leapmotor, a Chinese EV brand, is entering South Africa with a focus on affordability and practicality. Their lineup includes three models:
- C10 REEV: A hybrid electric vehicle with a 600-mile combined range (90 miles electric-only) and a gasoline backup for longer trips.
- B10 LiDAR Edition: A premium all-electric sedan with advanced safety and semi-autonomous driving features.
- T03 BEV: A compact electric car ideal for city driving with a 165-mile combined range.
These vehicles aim to address common EV challenges in South Africa, such as high costs and limited charging infrastructure. With prices starting below $22,755, Leapmotor targets middle-income buyers, offering options for both urban and long-distance travel. Government incentives and improving charging networks further support this shift toward electric mobility.
Leapmotor C10 REEV: Range Extender Electric Vehicle | New Brand, New Car by Stellantis SA | Review
1. Leapmotor C10 REEV
The C10 REEV is a family-friendly vehicle that blends electric driving with a gasoline backup, making it a practical choice for South African roads. As a range-extended electric vehicle, it offers the convenience of electric power for everyday use while a gasoline engine steps in as a backup, ensuring flexibility and reliability for longer journeys.
This design suits both city commutes and extended road trips. For daily drives, the car operates on electric power, but when the battery depletes, a small gasoline engine generates electricity to keep you moving. It’s a smart solution for drivers who want the benefits of electric vehicles without worrying about running out of power.
Range (miles)
The C10 REEV has an impressive combined range of up to 600 miles on a full charge and tank, addressing the common concern of range anxiety among South African drivers. For purely electric driving, it offers 90 miles of zero-emission travel – ideal for daily commutes in cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Pretoria.
This dual-range capability makes it versatile. Whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on a longer drive, like from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park or along the scenic Garden Route, the C10 REEV ensures you won’t be left searching for a charging station.
Battery Size (kWh)
The car is equipped with a 28.4 kWh battery pack and a 13.2-gallon gasoline fuel tank. The battery size strikes a balance between performance and affordability, making it well-suited for everyday driving needs.
Additionally, the C10 REEV includes regenerative braking technology, which is particularly handy in South Africa’s hilly landscapes. This system captures energy during braking or downhill driving and feeds it back into the battery, extending the electric range. Together, the battery and regenerative braking provide an efficient and practical driving experience.
Charging Options
One standout feature of the C10 REEV is its charging flexibility, tailored to South African drivers. It supports both standard AC charging for home use and DC fast charging for quicker energy replenishment during longer trips. With DC fast charging, the vehicle can recharge 50% of its battery in just 18 minutes, thanks to its capability of handling up to 65kW DC fast charging.
The combination of home charging convenience and rapid on-the-go charging, paired with the gasoline backup, ensures you’re never left stranded. This makes the C10 REEV an excellent choice for those transitioning from traditional gas-powered vehicles to electric ones, offering a seamless and stress-free driving experience.
2. Leapmotor B10 LiDAR Edition
Leapmotor has introduced the B10 LiDAR Edition, a premium all-electric sedan tailored for tech-savvy drivers in South Africa. Unlike the hybrid-focused C10 REEV, the B10 is fully committed to battery-electric performance, emphasizing cutting-edge innovation and a refined driving experience. This approach reflects Leapmotor’s strategy of catering to a wide range of EV preferences in the South African market.
What sets the B10 apart is its integrated LiDAR technology. This laser-based system creates a detailed 3D map of the car’s surroundings, enhancing safety and enabling semi-autonomous driving features. Whether you’re navigating Johannesburg’s bustling streets or exploring South Africa’s more rugged terrains, this technology offers added confidence and convenience.
Price (USD)
The B10 LiDAR Edition is positioned as a high-end electric vehicle, with a price point reflecting its advanced features and technology. While the initial cost is on the higher side, the added safety, convenience, and cutting-edge systems aim to justify the investment. Financing options and government incentives could help make it more accessible to buyers.
Range (miles)
With a competitive range on a single charge, the B10 is well-suited for both city commutes and longer trips across South Africa. Its extended range provides peace of mind for intercity travel and journeys to remote areas, ensuring drivers can go the distance without frequent recharging.
Battery Size (kWh)
The B10 is powered by a robust lithium-ion battery pack designed to support its impressive range and advanced onboard systems. The battery includes thermal management features, ensuring reliable performance even in South Africa’s varying climate conditions, from hot summers to cooler regions.
Charging Options
Flexibility is key with the B10’s charging capabilities. It supports standard AC charging, ideal for home or workplace setups, and DC fast charging, which significantly reduces charging time during long trips. This dual compatibility ensures the B10 can adapt to South Africa’s growing EV infrastructure, making it convenient for a variety of charging needs.
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3. Leapmotor T03 BEV
The Leapmotor T03 BEV is a small electric car designed with city driving in mind. It delivers a WLTP combined range of 165 miles (265 km), while its urban cycle range stretches up to 245 miles (395 km). This range makes it a practical choice for daily commutes and short trips, offering a glimpse into its suitability for South Africa’s growing electric vehicle market.
Advantages and Drawbacks
Now that we’ve covered the detailed specs, let’s take a closer look at how each Leapmotor model performs under the unique energy and distance demands of South Africa.
The C10 REEV offers a hybrid design that helps reduce range anxiety – an important factor in a country where long distances and charging infrastructure can be challenging. However, it has some drawbacks, including an overly intrusive ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a heavy dependence on its central touchscreen for controls, which might not suit every driver’s preferences.
As for the B10 LiDAR Edition, information about its real-world performance is still scarce. More data will be needed to fully assess its strengths and weaknesses.
What This Means for South African EV Buyers
The detailed insights into Leapmotor’s models highlight promising opportunities for South African buyers. By entering the market, Leapmotor aims to make electric vehicles more accessible to middle-class families and budget-conscious shoppers. With some models starting at prices below $22,755, the brand focuses on affordability while incorporating advanced features designed to meet local preferences.
Government incentives, such as reduced import duties, registration fee exemptions, and tax breaks for EV manufacturers, are expected to make owning an electric vehicle more cost-effective. Additionally, the REEV feature in Leapmotor’s C10 addresses concerns about range anxiety while helping drivers avoid mounting fuel expenses.
This approach not only broadens access to electric vehicles for middle-income households but also supports South Africa’s transition toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions.
FAQs
What makes the Leapmotor C10 REEV a better option for South African EV buyers compared to standard electric vehicles?
The Leapmotor C10 REEV addresses a key concern for potential EV owners: range anxiety. Unlike traditional electric vehicles, this model includes a gasoline-powered generator that complements the electric motor. The result? A smooth driving experience with a combined range of up to 970 kilometers. Whether you’re navigating city streets or heading out on longer journeys, the C10 REEV has you covered.
This vehicle is particularly practical for South Africa, where EV infrastructure is still growing. With its ability to bridge the gap in areas lacking charging stations, it combines the perks of electric driving with the reassurance of extended range, making it a reliable choice for both urban and rural adventures.
What does Leapmotor’s launch in South Africa mean for middle-income families looking to buy an affordable electric vehicle?
Leapmotor’s entry into South Africa is poised to make electric vehicles (EVs) more within reach for middle-income families. With models like the C10, which strike a balance between cost and practicality, the brand aims to appeal to a wider audience. These cars come with competitive price tags, impressive driving ranges, and features designed to meet everyday needs.
On top of that, government incentives and possible tax breaks could make owning an EV even more affordable, offering families a realistic path to switching to electric. Leapmotor’s arrival also aligns with the country’s expanding EV infrastructure, opening up opportunities for cleaner and more cost-effective transportation.
Are there any government incentives for South Africans looking to buy a Leapmotor electric vehicle?
Currently, there aren’t specific government incentives exclusively tied to purchasing a Leapmotor electric vehicle in South Africa. That said, the South African government is actively encouraging the adoption of EVs by offering tax benefits and other incentives, which could potentially make these vehicles a more attractive option for buyers.
For the latest and most accurate details, it’s a good idea to consult local authorities or reach out to dealerships to learn about any available incentives for EV purchases.
