Leapmotor Launches Affordable EVs in UK: T03 and C10 Models from £15,995
media.volvocars.com
A major Chinese car brand has recently launched its first electric vehicle models, bringing more affordable EVs to UK roads.
Leapmotor, a leading Chinese manufacturer, has unveiled two new cars for the UK market in partnership with Stellantis. Their goal is to shake up the market with lower prices and cutting-edge technology. This comes at a time when 22% of new car sales in the UK are electric, and 10% of buyers say they would consider a Chinese EV if it were priced 10% lower than established brands. The appeal is even stronger among younger buyers, with 19% of people under 35 willing to consider a Chinese EV with that price reduction.
Chinese EVs are already becoming a familiar sight on UK roads, with brands like BYD and MG ranking among the top 25 most recognized car brands. So, Leapmotor’s entry into the market isn’t as surprising as it might seem, especially with their starting price of just £15,995 for the Leapmotor T03 - and more new car models planned for the years ahead.
In this blog, we’ll explore the cars Leapmotor is launching, their performance, features, costs, and when you can get one through The Electric Car Scheme.
Key Insights:
Leapmotor are launching the budget-friendly T03 - starting at £15,995 - with 165 miles of range and a top speed of 81mph.
The compact T03 is manufactured in Europe - reducing its import costs and climate impact
The C10 SUV is also being launched at the same time, priced at £36,000 - featuring comprehensive advanced driver assistance features, and a range of 263 miles.
Leapmotor are partnered with Stellantis, providing the new brand with its existing UK dealership and repair network
Leapmotor T03
media.stellantis.com
As one of the cheapest EVs on the market - costing considerably less than the Fiat 500 Electric, and the Mini EV, and only £1000 more than the Dacia Spring - the Leapmotor T03 achieves this by being built in Europe. In particular, it is made on an old Fiat 500 line in Poland - avoiding associated shipping costs and tariffs. Being partnered with Stellantis, Leapmotor also benefits from an existing dealer and repair network - making sure that its drivers are well looked after.
| Dacia Spring | Fiat 500 Electric | Leapmotor T03 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price to Buy New | £13,967 | £24,995 | £15,995 |
| Price to Buy Used | £12,995 | £12,500 | |
| Cost to Salary Sacrifice | Around £125 / month | Around £374 / month | |
| Range | 140 miles | 118 miles | 165 miles |
| Charging Time | 45 minutes at 30kW (20-80%) | 30 minutes at 50kW (0-80%) | 53 minutes at 30kW (10-80%) |
| Boot Capacity | 308L | 185L | 210L |
A Review of the Leapmotor T03 - Performance, Features, and Design
The Leapmotor T03 is available in a single trim level, offering a solid balance of comfort and driving quality. It features 15-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights and daytime running lights, an 8-inch instrument display, a 10-inch infotainment screen, and a multifunction steering wheel. The T03’s main beams are not LED, however.
Powered by a 37.3kWh battery, the T03 offers a range of 165 miles, a top speed of 81mph, and a 0-62mph time of 12.7 seconds, making it competitive in its segment.
Compared to its budget-friendly rival, the Dacia Spring, the T03 is noticeably narrower and taller. This design provides excellent head and legroom, especially with the battery located beneath the cabin. However, when it comes to styling, the Fiat 500 and Renault 5 have the edge over the T03.
The Interior
Given the size of this car, the interior room is fantastic - with adequate headroom for those over 6ft tall, and with good shoulder room despite the car’s narrow appearance. This is helped by the design of the dashboard, which makes the car look larger on the inside.
As for the use of materials within this EV - the seats are cloth (but they are comfortable and stylish nonetheless), and the rest of the interior is clad in hard, dark plastic - expected at this point.
The boot has a modest 210-litre capacity - enough for a luggage case and a backpack, as well as your charging cables.
Performance
There are three modes to choose from depending on whether you are looking to conserve battery life or prioritise acceleration and steering response. The modes are Standard, Comfort, and Sport - with the steering getting progressively heavier through the modes. Some drivers might find it useful to keep the mode in sport most of the time to maximise feedback at higher speeds.
Driving around town, the T03 is easily able to compensate for potholes, speed bumps and other road imperfections with its well-balanced suspension. As for motorway driving, this EV is generally well settled, although being relatively light - it can be affected by undulations in the road surface.
The Verdict
The Leapmotor T03 is a compact and affordable electric vehicle that offers great value for those seeking an economical EV without sacrificing comfort. This car is well-suited to city drivers looking for a practical, budget-friendly option for daily commutes and local trips.
The relatively low price point, combined with the car's solid range and competitive features, makes it a compelling choice for first-time EV buyers or those who prioritise cost efficiency. However, those who seek cutting-edge styling should consider the Renault 5 - albeit at almost double the retail price - and drivers looking for improved performance and range may look toward the MG4 EV.
Ultimately, the Leapmotor T03 is well-suited for those looking for an accessible and comfortable electric car for everyday use without breaking the bank. If you are looking for something mid-market, with performance and tech to match, then keep reading - the Leapmotor C10 SUV might surprise you.
Leapmotor C10 SUV
The second Leapmotor debut for this year is the C10 SUV and it is cheaper than a Kia EV6, with a length and size that is comparable to a BMW iX3, which makes it a tempting choice if you are after a comfortable electric SUV that is perfect for the whole family. What’s more, it is priced at around £35,990, making it cheaper than the competition - but what will you get for your money? Let’s examine.
| Kia EV6 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Leapmotor C10 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price to Buy New | £51,995 | £39,120 | £36,500 |
| Price to Buy Used | £26,300 | £18,800 | |
| Cost to Salary Sacrifice | Around £456 / month | Around £665 / month | |
| Range | 361 miles | 278 miles | 263 miles |
| Charging Time | 18 minutes at 350kW (10-80%) | 18 minutes at 240kW (10-80%) | 35 minutes at 83kW (30-80%) |
| Boot Capacity | 490L | 480L | 470L |
Performance and Trims
The Leapmotor C10 SUV comes with one trim level - so every car gets a 69.9kWh battery with a 215bhp electric motor. With a 0-62mph acceleration of 7.5 seconds - this is comparable to the base model of the Kia EV6 at 7.2 seconds - however Leapmotor will be out-accelerated by higher level trim Kia EVs, as well as other EV brands.
With a range of 263 miles this family-friendly electric vehicle has plenty of range to go on longer journeys whilst performing well in urban environments, and serving the whole family - although similar SUVs like the Hyundai Kona EV still beat it in range.
What this car compromises in performance it gains in safety - with a 5 star Euro NCAP rating, 16 Advanced Driver Assistance Functions, and a remarkable level of app integration within the car - allowing for features like over the air updates, ultimately future-proofing this EV.
With the ability to rapid charge from 30 to 80% in 30 minutes, this car is a competitive choice to drivers valuing its tech and interior space over peak performance.
The Interior and Features
A standout feature of this electric SUV is its size. It is not a 7-seater SUV, but it will comfortably carry 5 people and their luggage - with a boot space of 470 litres. As expected, the rear seats can fold down in a 60-40 configuration to provide more storage space. This family-friendly electric SUV is also suited to taller passengers, with good leg and head room throughout.
The Leapmotor C10 has a 14.6in horizontal infotainment screen which allows the driver to do virtually everything, as there are a few physical buttons inside the car. Unlike the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Kia EV6, even the aircon on the C10 is controlled by the touchscreen. There is a secondary 10.3in display behind the drivers’ wheel to display the digital instrument panel - showing you all the info you actually need to see.
The front seats are electrically adjustable, and the A pillars are small - giving you extra visibility over the road ahead - something that is especially important in cities. In addition to that, the rear screen is huge, and the car comes with a 360 degree camera as standard.
In the front, the focus of the interior is drawn to the screens, with black and brown colour options made of a velvety rubberised material and chrome accents - making the car forgiving in terms of interior care - whilst ensuring that it feels upmarket.
The Verdict
The Leapmotor C10 SUV is an excellent choice for families looking for a spacious, tech-packed electric vehicle at an affordable price. With its solid range of 263 miles, comfortable seating for five, and a large boot, it’s ideal for those who need a practical, family-oriented EV for both urban driving and longer trips.
Its emphasis on safety, tech integration, and easy-to-use features makes it a great option for drivers who value convenience and modern connectivity over raw performance. While it may not compete with higher-end SUVs in terms of acceleration, the Leapmotor C10 offers an appealing balance of affordability, practicality, and innovation—making it a smart choice for budget-conscious families looking for a comfortable, future-proof EV.
Leasing a Leapmotor EV through The Electric Car Scheme
If you're after a compact, budget-friendly electric vehicle for city driving or short commutes, the Leapmotor T03 offers great value. With its affordable price, solid range, and comfortable interior, it’s perfect for those who want an accessible EV without breaking the bank. It’s an excellent option for first-time EV buyers or city dwellers who don’t need the extra space of an SUV.
However, if you’re seeking more style or enhanced performance, alternatives like the Renault 5 or MG4 EV might be a better fit, especially for those who want a bit more flair or a longer range.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something with more space, especially for family use or longer journeys, the Leapmotor C10 SUV might be the better choice. With its spacious interior, impressive tech features, and solid safety ratings, it’s an excellent family-oriented SUV that doesn’t compromise on modern conveniences.
While it may not offer the same performance as higher-end models like the Kia EV6 or Hyundai Kona EV, it still provides a strong range and fast charging, making it a great option for those valuing practicality and connectivity over raw acceleration.
The Leapmotor T03 and C10 are not yet available, but once they launch in the UK, you will be able to salary sacrifice these cars through The Electric Car Scheme. To stay updated on their launch date, simply leave your details. Alternatively, you can use our quote tool to enter your salary and preferred lease terms to receive a personalized quote for your chosen EV!
Last updated: 28.02.25
