Stellantis, the global auto giant behind Jeep and Citroën, has officially confirmed the entry of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Leapmotor into the Indian automotive landscape. As the EV segment in India heats up with fierce competition, Stellantis is positioning Leapmotor to take on both mass-market players like Tata Motors and Mahindra, and premium EV rivals such as BYD.
With no confirmed timeline yet for operations to begin, Leapmotor’s debut in India is set to reshape the electric mobility space—especially in the affordable and urban EV segments.
Leapmotor India Entry: What You Need to Know
Who is Leapmotor?
Leapmotor is a Chinese EV company specializing in next-generation electric mobility, currently present in 23 international markets, including the UK, Germany, Malaysia, and neighboring Nepal. Known for its futuristic design, efficient powertrains, and smart tech features, Leapmotor’s product strategy includes affordable EVs as well as premium offerings with extended range options.
Why India?
India’s EV market is witnessing explosive growth, backed by government incentives, rising fuel prices, and a shift toward cleaner transportation. By introducing Leapmotor, Stellantis aims to tap into:
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India’s price-sensitive urban EV buyer
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Premium mid-size electric SUV buyers
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Tech-savvy consumers looking for futuristic features at a lower cost
Leapmotor’s Global EV Portfolio: What Could Launch in India?
Although the company has not revealed which model will launch first in India, its global lineup includes three EVs that could make a significant impact in different market segments.
Leapmotor T03: The Compact EV for Urban India
The Leapmotor T03 is a city-friendly hatchback, ideal for Indian metro cities. With its rounded, youthful design reminiscent of the Fiat 500, it’s aimed at budget-conscious EV adopters.
Key Specifications:
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Battery Pack: 37.3 kWh
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Power Output: 95 PS
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Claimed Range (NEDC): Up to 395 km (Urban Cycle)
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Charging Time: 30% to 80% in 36 minutes with a 48 kW DC fast charger
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Interior Features:
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Three-spoke steering wheel
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Touchscreen infotainment system
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Panoramic sunroof
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Minimalistic, layered dashboard
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Why it makes sense for India: Compact footprint, long range for its size, and quick charging make the T03 a potential volume-seller in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.
Leapmotor C10: Flagship EV SUV with Hybrid Tech
The Leapmotor C10 is a premium SUV offering, showcasing the brand’s capabilities in luxury and innovation. It is available globally in two versions: a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV), which combines an electric drivetrain with a small petrol engine acting as a generator.
Technical Specifications:
| Variant | C10 BEV | C10 REEV Ultra Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Pack | 69.9 kWh | 28.4 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 424 km | 950+ km |
| Power | 217 PS | 215 PS |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Fast Charging | 30 mins (BEV) | 18 mins (REEV) |
Interior Highlights:
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Minimalist cabin in black or dual-tone
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AI-powered infotainment
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Advanced driver-assist features (ADAS)
India Angle: The C10 could be marketed as a BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV rival, especially if the REEV version helps mitigate range anxiety.
Leapmotor B10: Upcoming Sedan with Premium Appeal
The Leapmotor B10 is the company’s upcoming global sedan. Though specifications are yet to be officially released, it borrows design elements from the C10, offering sleek styling, ambient lighting, and a tech-rich cabin.
Given India’s low sedan uptake in EVs, it might come later in the product rollout, depending on how the hatchback and SUV segments perform.
Market Strategy: Will Leapmotor Play the Volume or Value Game?
There’s no official launch date or first-model confirmation yet, but Leapmotor’s India strategy will likely focus on either entry-level EVs like the T03 or premium options like the C10 to build brand credibility.
What works in Leapmotor’s favor:
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Global backing from Stellantis
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Established EV platforms with fast-charging and range-extender options
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Proven international success
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Growing urban EV demand in India
Availability & Sales Channels
While official retail formats have not been disclosed, Leapmotor could utilize Citroën’s sales network or create dedicated EV showrooms, following the approach taken by other EV-first brands in India.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Is Leapmotor launching in India?
A: Yes, Stellantis has confirmed that Chinese EV brand Leapmotor will enter the Indian market to compete in the growing electric vehicle segment.
Q2. Which Leapmotor model will launch first in India?
A: While the exact model hasn’t been confirmed, the compact Leapmotor T03 or the premium C10 SUV are likely candidates.
Q3. What’s unique about the Leapmotor C10?
A: It’s available in both pure electric and range-extended hybrid versions, offering over 950 km of total range with EV driving experience.
Q4. What price range can we expect for Leapmotor cars in India?
A: While pricing hasn’t been revealed, the T03 could be priced under ₹15 lakh, while the C10 might target the ₹25–30 lakh range.
Q5. When will Leapmotor start selling in India?
A: Stellantis has confirmed the brand’s entry, but an official launch date has not been announced yet.
