Summary
- Leapmotor, a Chinese automaker, has designed a successful city EV called the T03, catching the attention of major Western automakers
- Stellantis, a European-based car conglomerate, invested in Leapmotor and formed a joint venture to produce Chinese cars in Europe
- The T03 is a small EV with good handling, powered by a 95-horsepower motor, offering a range of 165 miles
- The T03 has standard features like ADAS functions, a large panoramic glass roof, and a 10.1-inch infotainment display
- Despite being more expensive than its main rival, the Dacia Spring, the T03 is considered a better EV with more performance and range, showcasing the advancements made by Chinese automakers in the global auto industry
Article
Western automakers used to ridicule Chinese cars for their poor quality in the past, but the tables have turned as Chinese manufacturers are now leading the way in the industry. Leapmotor, a small Chinese automaker established in 2015, has created the T03, a compact electric vehicle that has impressed even major Western automakers. Stellantis, a European-based car conglomerate, has invested $1.5 billion in Leapmotor, giving it a 20% stake in the company. Stellantis has recognized that it cannot compete with Chinese brands on cost and has entered a joint venture with Leapmotor to produce Chinese cars in Europe.
The T03 is a small city EV that is being produced in a Stellantis factory in Poland. Despite its compact size, it offers ample interior space and a small trunk. The design of the T03, which was first launched in China five years ago, may be starting to look dated compared to its newer competitors. However, its driving performance is commendable, offering stable handling, nimble agility, and respectable acceleration. The T03 is powered by a single motor producing 95 horsepower and utilizes regenerative braking that adjusts based on the driving mode selected.
In terms of features, the T03 comes with standard ADAS functions, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane keep assist. It also features a large panoramic glass roof, Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8-inch driver display. The infotainment system is equipped with a 10.1-inch display but lacks Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support. The T03 offers decent driving range, with a 37.3 kilowatt-hour battery providing up to 165 miles of WLTP range. While the T03 is more expensive in Europe compared to China, government incentives help reduce the cost for buyers.
Despite being priced higher than its main competitor, the Dacia Spring, the T03 offers better performance and range. Leapmotor has plans to increase sales of the T03 in Europe through Stellantis outlets. The T03 serves as a testament to the progress made by Chinese automakers in the global auto industry. It highlights the shift in perception from Chinese cars being inferior to Western counterparts to now being competitive and innovative. The partnership between Stellantis and Leapmotor showcases the collaborative approach that Western automakers are taking to leverage the strengths of Chinese manufacturers. With the success of the T03, it is evident that Chinese competitors cannot be ignored in the automotive market.
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