Leapmotor launches hybrid version of C10 EV-SUV with 950km range

David Linklater
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Leapmotor C10 REEV was boxed and ready for its motor-show debut.

Leapmotor C10 REEV was boxed and ready for its motor-show debut.

Chinese startup Leapmotor launched its much-talked-about C10 hybrid range extender electric vehicle (REEV in Leap-speak) at the Brussels Motor Show this month. It joins the pure-electric C10 in the brand's export-focused lineup, though its joint venture with Stellantis.

Leapmotor C10 REEV.
C10 hybrid range extender looks no different to pure-electric version.

Leapmotor (often just known as "Leap") goes on sale in New Zealand this month, imported by Auto Distributors NZ (ADNZ) and initially being sold through three "Armstrong's Leap" dealerships in Auckland, Lower Hutt and Christchurch.

ADNZ is opening with the pure-electric version, with a 69.9kWh battery that gives 420km range (WLTP). But it's already stated its intention to have the REEV here as quickly as possible in 2025, given the current Kiwi buyer preference for hybrids.

The C10 REEV looks virtually identical to the battery electric vehicle (BEV) model, but combines a 1.5-litre engine with a large (for a plug-in hybrid) 28.4kWh battery that provides up to 145km EV range (WLTP). With a  full charge and a full tank of fuel, total range for the vehicle is 950km.

Leapmotor C10 REEV.
Hybrid likely to be more with in line with current Kiwi tastes.

The battery is capable of both AC and DC fast-charging, meaning it can be plugged in at public stations (maximum rate 65kW).

Leapmotor already has over 400 sales points outside China (including NZ). It plans to launch five new models over the next three years.

Leapmotor.
Leapmotor is on a real charge globally, with joint-venture partner Stellantis.

ADNZ is yet to confirm local pricing, but it's possible it could offer both REEV and BEVs at the same price (currently $54,990 for the C10 Design), to give consumers no-confusion choice of motive power.

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