Stellantis — the mega automotive group that houses brands like Citroën and Jeep — is preparing to add a new name to its India portfolio. This time, it's electric. Quite literally.
The group plans to introduce Leapmotor, a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, to the Indian market. No confirmed timelines just yet, but we suspect the ink on the planning documents is still drying.
What is Leapmotor?
Founded in 2015, Leapmotor is based in Hangzhou and has already entered markets like France, Germany, Israel, and the Netherlands. The brand exclusively makes electric cars and currently offers a trio of models: the T03 hatchback, the B10 compact SUV, and the C10 flagship SUV.
Which of these will we get in India first? Unknown. But here's what they're working with:
Leapmotor T03
The city hatchback
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Battery: 37.3 kWh
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Power: 94 bhp and 158 Nm
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Range: Up to 395 km (WLTP Urban)
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Charging: 30 to 80 per cent in 36 minutes via a 48kw charger
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Highlights:
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Touchscreen infotainment
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Sunroof
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Minimalist dash
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Compact and easy to live with
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This one's aimed squarely at city slickers — it has a small footprint, decent range, and a layout that doesn't scream "budget car."
Leapmotor B10
The mid-sized mystery
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Yet to be globally launched
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Positioned below the C10
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Styling mimics the flagship
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Will likely get premium touches like ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof
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Infotainment: 14.6-inch touchscreen
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Powertrain specs: Not revealed
Expect this to serve as a stepping stone between the entry-level hatchback and the full-size SUV. A sensible option, then, assuming it makes it here.
Leapmotor C10
The flagship SUV
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Versions:
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BEV: 69.9 kWh battery, 424 km range
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REEV: 28.4 kWh battery with 1.5l petrol generator, range over 950 km
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Charging times:
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BEV: 30 minutes
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REEV: 18 minutes
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Interior themes: Two
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Expected features:
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Fully digital dash
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Large infotainment
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ADAS, possibly
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Comfortable seating for five
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This one's the heavy-hitter. Especially the REEV variant, which neatly bypasses range anxiety with a petrol-powered backup plan. It's not exactly a hybrid, but not quite just electric either.
Why this matters
Stellantis has had a lukewarm innings in India so far. Jeep has seen ups and downs, and Citroën is still playing the long game. Bringing in Leapmotor could finally give Stellantis a proper foot in the door when it comes to EVS — a segment everyone from Tata to Hyundai is now taking very seriously.
The question is: will Indian buyers warm up to a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand, especially one they've never heard of? That depends on pricing, positioning, and, of course, how well these cars adapt to Indian conditions.
For now, Leapmotor's story in India is just getting started. Whether it becomes a compelling chapter or a short-lived footnote is something only time, and maybe a few potholes, will tell.
