Leapmotor has launched its T03 and C10 REEV SUVs in France, aiming to expand its presence in the market. The C10 REEV features a gasoline engine used solely as a generator, which complicates its zero-emission status. Due to its manufacturing location in China, it faces financial drawbacks, including high taxes and exclusion from ecological bonuses. Priced at €37,400, the C10 REEV offers an impressive range of up to 970 kilometers but struggles with regulatory challenges and competition concerns in the EU.
Introducing Leapmotor’s T03 and C10 REEV SUVs
Leapmotor has made its debut in France with the compact T03, a brand that remains under the radar but is set to make a significant impact as it broadens its product lineup. Recently, the Chinese automaker, supported by Stellantis, introduced its latest B10 SUV. However, the spotlight is also on another impressive model—the C10.
The Challenges of the Leapmotor C10 REEV
The Leapmotor C10 comes in a fully electric variant, but it also offers a REEV (Range Extended Electric Vehicle) model, which incorporates a range extender. This unique feature includes a gasoline engine that serves solely as a generator to recharge the battery, rather than powering the wheels directly. The intention is to extend driving range without frequent recharging.
While this setup appears promising on paper, practical experience reveals complexities. During our evaluation of the Leapmotor C10 REEV, it became evident that rather than being an optimal solution, it combines the drawbacks of both electric and traditional combustion vehicles. Unlike plug-in hybrids, where the combustion engine drives the wheels, the C10 REEV’s electric motor is its sole source of propulsion. Consequently, it fails to achieve zero-emission status in France, primarily due to the presence of the gasoline engine.
This classification directly impacts the financial implications for potential buyers. Since the SUV is manufactured in China, it does not qualify for France’s ecological bonus and incurs a weight penalty, categorizing it as a plug-in hybrid. The resulting tax can reach around 2,390 euros for this model. Fortunately, it avoids the ecological penalty for CO2 emissions, as it registers at a mere 10 grams per kilometer according to WLTP standards.
But the challenges do not end here. The European Union’s regulations classify the Leapmotor C10 REEV differently, as they have launched an investigation into Chinese manufacturers regarding allegations of unfair competition, citing their low pricing strategies. Consequently, the Commission has imposed higher customs duties on Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles, which includes the C10 REEV. Import taxes are approximately 21%, added to the existing 10%, ultimately affecting the final price for consumers.
As a result, the starting price for the Leapmotor C10 REEV is set at 37,400 euros, comparable to the fully electric variant, but with the added weight penalty factored in. This cost reflects the desire for an extended driving range of up to 970 kilometers, in contrast to the 574 kilometers offered by the electric-only version. The REEV variant boasts a power output of 215 horsepower, reaching speeds of up to 170 km/h and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.5 seconds, powered by a 28.4 kWh battery that can charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes, while the electric version features a larger 69.9 kWh battery.