Australia’s affordable electric vehicle market is set to receive a significant upgrade with the upcoming launch of the new flagship variant of the Leapmotor C10. Unveiled at the Zurich Motor Show in October 2023, this mid-size electric SUV features an impressive 436kW power output from its dual-motor electric powertrain. This enhancement allows the all-wheel drive version to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just four seconds, a considerable improvement compared to the current single-motor rear-wheel drive variants, which achieve the same speed in 7.5 seconds.
The upgraded C10 will be powered by a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a capacity of 81.9kWh, an increase from the 69.9kWh battery found in the existing Australian-market C10 EV. This upgrade also promises a better range, offering 420 km on the WLTP cycle. Leapmotor Australia has been contacted to confirm the availability of this more powerful model in the Australian market.
Significant Upgrades and Future Plans
Recent Chinese government certification filings indicated that the standard rear-wheel drive C10 will also see power upgrades, moving from a motor producing 160kW or 170kW to a robust 220kW for the 2026 model year. Additionally, the new C10 will adopt an 800V electrical system, facilitating faster charging capabilities. This feature is integral to the new C10 Design 81.9kWh AWD variant as well.
Founded in 2015, Leapmotor established a joint venture with the parent company of Jeep and Peugeot, Stellantis, in 2023, aimed at expanding its global presence. The C10 marks Leapmotor’s debut product in the Australian market, having launched last year. Currently, the C10 is priced from $45,888 AUD before on-road costs. An extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variant, known as the REEV Ultra Hybrid, starts at $45,990 AUD drive-away.
Market Performance and Competition
Despite its affordability, the C10’s sales figures have not met expectations, even with the introduction of the EREV variant in March. As of the end of July 2023, Leapmotor has delivered 352 units of the C10 in Australia. In contrast, the rival model, which began deliveries in March, has achieved 2,335 sales this year alone. While the C10 outpaces another competitor, its sales figures were not included in the monthly VFACTS reports for the first few months of the year.
One notable limitation of the C10 is its connectivity capabilities. The vehicle’s LEAP 3.0 architecture does not support popular smartphone mirroring platforms. Leapmotor has indicated that these features may be introduced in a mid-life update or with a new-generation model based on the forthcoming LEAP 3.5 platform, although no timeline has been provided.
As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, the upcoming enhancements to the Leapmotor C10 may reshape its appeal among Australian consumers, particularly as it positions itself against established competitors.
