Leapmotor New Zealand has added an "Ultra Hybrid" petrol-electric version of its C10 SUV to the local lineup. It joins the existing pure-electric variant in showrooms immediately.
The C10 Ultra Hybrid is a range-extender (it's also known as the REEV, or range extender electric vehicle). It has a 1.5-litre petrol engine and 28.4kWh plug-in battery - less than half the size of that in the C10 BEV.
The wheels are driven by the 158kW electric motor 100% of the time; a full charge of the battery gives 145km EV range (WLTP) but when that runs out, the petrol engine acts as a generator to charge the battery. With a combined full charge and full tank of 91-octane petrol, the WLTP range is 975km (although Leapmotor likes to quote the NEDC figure of 1150km, for obvious reasons).
Drivers can select their preferred "Energy Mode" through the main screen. This includes options to prioritise electric driving or enhance power output as required.
The C10 Ultra Hybrid supports both AC and DC fast charging. With the latter, the C10 can charge from 30-80% in 18 minutes.
Powertrain aside, the specification of the single Ultra Hybrid model mirrors that of the BEV. The hybrid is priced at $49,990: $5000 less than the pure-electric version.
Leapmotor NZ has outlets in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, but says it will "review the appointment of Dealerships across all major towns and cities", with 5 further new models coming over the next 2 years.