Leapmotor has officially entered the South African market with its C10 REEV electric SUVs, launched in October 2025. These vehicles bring a hybrid solution to address South Africa’s infrastructure and energy challenges. Key highlights include:
- Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV): Combines a 145 km electric range with a 1.5-liter petrol generator, extending the total range up to 970 km.
- Charging Convenience: DC fast charging allows the battery to reach 50% in 18 minutes and 80% in 30 minutes.
- Two Trims: Style (R759,900) and Design (R799,900), both with a 5-year/100,000 km warranty.
- Partnership with Stellantis: Ensures reliable distribution and service support.
Leapmotor’s launch aligns with South Africa’s push for cleaner transportation, offering a practical solution for regions with limited charging infrastructure.
Leapmotor C10 REEV First Drive – The New-Thinking Electric Vehicle with a Generational Backup!
Leapmotor C10 REEV: Features and Performance
The Leapmotor C10 REEV is designed to combine the benefits of electric driving with the reliability of a hybrid system. This range-extended setup ensures smooth, all-electric operation for daily commutes while providing the flexibility for longer trips when needed. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this vehicle stand out.
Main Features and Technology
At the heart of the C10 REEV is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that functions exclusively as a generator. Instead of powering the wheels directly, the engine charges the battery whenever necessary. This setup ensures a seamless electric driving experience in urban areas, with the added advantage of extended range for longer journeys.
Range and Charging Options
For city driving, the C10 REEV offers an impressive pure electric range of 145 km, covering most daily travel needs. When the generator kicks in, the total range extends up to 970 km, making it suitable for road trips as well. Charging is quick and convenient, thanks to DC fast charging capabilities. The battery can reach 50% in roughly 18 minutes and 80% in just 30 minutes.
Model Options and Specifications for South Africa
After diving into performance details, Leapmotor has introduced specific model options designed for the South African market.
C10 REEV Trim Levels
For South Africa, the C10 REEV comes in two trims: Style and Design. Both versions are equipped with a reliable range-extended system and a rear electric drive unit, offering improved driving performance.
sbb-itb-09752ea
Pricing and Availability in South Africa
Leapmotor has positioned the C10 REEV to offer advanced electric mobility at an appealing price point for South African buyers.
Pricing Details
The C10 REEV comes in two variants: the Style variant, priced at R759,900, and the Design variant, which costs R799,900. With a R40,000 price difference, buyers can choose the trim level that best suits their needs.
Both options come with a five-year/100,000 km warranty and service plan, providing peace of mind for buyers. By keeping the price under R800,000, Leapmotor aims to attract middle and upper-middle-class consumers looking for electric vehicle options.
In addition to competitive pricing, Leapmotor has carefully planned its entry into the South African market.
Dealerships and Launch Timeline
Leapmotor made its debut at SA Auto Week 2025, held in Gqeberha from October 1–3, with the official launch following on October 15, 2025. Initial deliveries began as early as September 2025 at select Stellantis dealerships. Mike Whitfield, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the significance of this launch:
"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."
This launch event allowed South African consumers to get a firsthand look at the C10 REEV, marking Leapmotor International’s official entry into the market. The rollout doesn’t stop there – Leapmotor plans to introduce additional models across the country, utilizing Stellantis’ robust distribution and service network. A broader expansion into other African markets is scheduled to begin in Q4 2025.
Fit for South African Conditions
Leapmotor’s Effect on South Africa’s EV Market
Leapmotor’s arrival is shaking up South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) scene. By tackling long-standing issues like limited EV infrastructure and inconsistent energy reliability, the company introduces solutions that work in both urban hubs and rural areas.
EV Adoption and Market Changes
The debut of the C10 REEV marks a turning point – it’s the first new Range-Extended Electric Vehicle to hit South Africa in over a decade. Positioned between traditional hybrids and fully electric vehicles, it comes at a time when drivers are looking for cleaner transportation options without sacrificing practicality.
What makes the C10 REEV stand out is its ability to wipe out range anxiety. The vehicle combines electric driving with a petrol-assisted generator, delivering a total driving range of up to 970 kilometers (or up to 1,150 kilometers with the generator). On electric power alone, it offers a range of 145 kilometers, which can extend to 170 kilometers depending on conditions. This blend of range and flexibility directly addresses South Africa’s unique challenges: long distances and limited charging stations. It’s a game-changer for a market that has struggled with these hurdles.
Leapmotor’s Role in Market Growth
Leapmotor is rewriting the rulebook on EV practicality. With a solid technical foundation, the company is reshaping how consumers view electric vehicles. Its collaboration with Stellantis adds even more muscle to its strategy, tapping into established infrastructure, distribution channels, and quality benchmarks.
What makes the C10 REEV particularly compelling is how it’s positioned – not as a compromise but as a stepping stone toward full electrification. For consumers, this means they can explore electric mobility without being entirely dependent on a robust charging network. This approach tackles the common perception that EVs are either too expensive or impractical for everyday use.
As a premium family SUV designed for South Africa’s diverse geography and infrastructure challenges, the C10 REEV proves that electric vehicles can deliver both reliability and practicality. Its range-extended technology ensures dependable performance, even in areas where charging stations are scarce or unreliable. This could be the nudge that hesitant buyers need to make their first move toward embracing electric mobility.
FAQs
What is the range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) technology in the Leapmotor C10 SUV, and how does it benefit drivers in South Africa?
The Leapmotor C10 SUV features range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) technology, blending a pure electric range of 90 miles with a 1.5-liter gas engine that serves as a generator for longer journeys. Together, this setup provides a total driving range of up to 600 miles, making it a versatile option for both daily commutes and long road trips.
This approach combines the perks of electric driving – such as lower emissions and reduced fuel expenses – while easing concerns about the limited charging infrastructure in South Africa. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to switch to electric vehicles without the worry of running out of range.
What sets the Style and Design trims of the Leapmotor C10 REEV apart, and how do these differences enhance the driving experience?
The Design trim brings a touch of luxury with features designed to boost both comfort and convenience. It offers power-adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger, complete with heating, ventilation, and memory functions – perfect for tailoring your ride to personal preferences. On the other hand, the Style trim skips these advanced seat options, focusing on more basic functionality.
The Design trim also stands out with flush door handles, adding a sleek, modern touch to the vehicle’s exterior. It often includes unique alloy wheel designs, further enhancing its upscale appeal. These thoughtful additions make the Design trim a compelling choice for those who want a more polished and functional driving experience.
How is Leapmotor tackling South Africa’s limited EV infrastructure, and what role does their partnership with Stellantis play?
Leapmotor is tackling the challenge of South Africa’s limited EV infrastructure with its Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) technology. This approach combines an electric motor with a small gasoline engine that charges the battery. The result? A longer driving range without being entirely dependent on charging stations – making these vehicles a practical choice in areas where EV support is still developing.
A key part of this strategy is Leapmotor’s partnership with Stellantis. By tapping into Stellantis’s extensive distribution network and global expertise, Leapmotor ensures its vehicles meet high-quality standards. This collaboration also strengthens Leapmotor’s efforts to expand globally while addressing the rising demand for electric vehicles in South Africa.
