Leapmotor, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer founded in 2015, has long been associated with Dahua Technology, which has faced scrutiny and blacklisting from several countries. Recently, Leapmotor has made headlines with its plans to produce the B10 Hybrid EV in Spain, set to begin in the second half of 2026.
This announcement comes on the heels of Stellantis’s significant investment of €1.6 billion in Leapmotor in 2023, solidifying its 21-percent ownership stake. The B10 Hybrid EV, priced from €29,990 ($34,800), is designed to appeal to the family SUV market with innovative features and a competitive warranty package.
The B10 Hybrid offers a choice of battery options, with the 56.2-kWh variant providing a WLTP-rated range of 224 miles, while the larger 67.1-kWh battery option extends the range to 270 miles. With a horsepower rating of 218, the B10 is positioned to compete effectively in the growing hybrid segment.
Sales of Leapmotor’s T03 model have surged, experiencing a remarkable 700 percent increase year-on-year, indicating a growing acceptance of the brand in the market. However, the impact of local production on the B10’s pricing in Europe remains unclear.
Industry observers note that Leapmotor’s entry into the European market could be a game-changer, particularly as it navigates the complexities of international trade and regulatory landscapes. Pete Hoekstra, a notable figure in the automotive sector, remarked, “That car driving around from China — it’s a great gobbler of data and information… Those cars can come… into Canada, but they’re not going to cross the border into the U.S.”
As Leapmotor prepares for its European launch, the automotive landscape is watching closely. The B10 Hybrid EV is expected to make waves with its innovative approach to electric driving, potentially reshaping consumer expectations in the SUV market.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full implications of local production on pricing and availability, but the anticipation surrounding Leapmotor’s B10 is palpable as it gears up for a significant debut in Spain.
