The first Leapmotor T03 small electric cars rolled off the assembly line at the Stellantis plant in Poland last week, with mass production scheduled for September.
Leapmotor International, a joint venture between Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor and Europe's second-largest automaker Stellantis NV, has begun production of electric vehicles at the Stellantis plant in Tychy, Poland. Reuters reports.
Leapmotor management said the first T03 small electric vehicles rolled off the assembly line at the Stellantis plant in Poland last week, and that series production is scheduled to begin in September.
The joint venture plans to start production of its second model, the Leapmotor A12 SUV, at the Stellantis plant in Poland starting in the first quarter of 2025.
This will be a debut for the manufacturer, as Leapmotor currently does not have an A12 model in its home market of China.
Production costs at the Polish plant are between 400 euros ($428) and 500 euros per car, about the same as Leapmotor's production base in China, while the Italian plant costs around 1,000 euros.
The T03 is a compact battery electric vehicle (BEV) and the cheapest of the Leapmotor models currently on sale.
On March 2, Leapmotor launched the 2024 T03 in China, offering three versions with starting prices of 49,900 yuan ($6,880), 59,900 yuan and 69,900 yuan, respectively. The range of the CLTC is 200 kilometers, 310 kilometers and 403 kilometers respectively.
According to CnEVPost35,454 T03s were sold in 2023, representing 24.6% of Leapmotor's annual sales of 144,155 units.
On October 26, 2023, Leapmotor announced that Stellantis would invest €1.5 billion in it for a roughly 20 percent stake, making it the electric car maker's largest outside shareholder.
On May 14, Leapmotor announced the creation of Leapmotor International, which will begin selling cars in Europe in September. Stellantis leads the joint venture with a 51% stake, while Leapmotor owns another 49%.
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Polish Factory Revs Up: Cheap Chinese Electric Cars Hit the Road!
The automotive world is buzzing with excitement as Stellantis, the multinational automotive giant, has announced the start of production for a line of inexpensive electric cars at their Polish factory. These sleek new vehicles, manufactured in collaboration with Chinese EV specialist Dongfeng Motor, are poised to shake up the European market with their affordable price tags and impressive tech features.
A Bold Move for Stellantis
This partnership represents a bold move for Stellantis, demonstrating their commitment to electrifying their fleet and tapping into the burgeoning Chinese electric car market. The factory in Poland is being retooled to produce these vehicles, providing a much-needed economic boost to the region. It’s a win-win situation – Stellantis gets access to cutting-edge technology and a cost-effective production model, while Poland benefits from new jobs and investment.
What Makes These Cars Special?
So what exactly makes these Chinese-made electric cars so compelling? Well, they’re designed to be accessible to the average consumer without sacrificing quality or performance. Here’s what you can expect:
- Affordable Price Point: These vehicles are priced competitively compared to other EVs on the market, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
- Smart Technology: Packed with features like advanced infotainment systems and high-tech driver assistance, these cars offer modern convenience and safety.
- Sustainable Design: The cars are built with a focus on environmental sustainability, using recycled materials and employing efficient manufacturing practices.
A New Era of Electric Mobility
The launch of these inexpensive electric cars signifies a shift in the automotive landscape. It’s clear that electric mobility is no longer a luxury, but a viable option for everyone. The affordability of these vehicles will make it easier for more people to transition to electric driving, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future for our planet.
FAQs
Q: Will these cars be sold in other markets besides Europe?
A: Yes, Stellantis plans to expand distribution to other global markets in the coming years. Stay tuned for updates!
Q: What kind of range can I expect from these electric cars?
A: The range will vary depending on the model, but you can expect to achieve a decent driving distance on a single charge.
Q: Will these cars be equipped with the latest safety features?
A: Absolutely! These cars are packed with safety features like lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring.
A Bright Future for Electric Cars
With the production of these inexpensive Chinese electric cars in Poland, the future of electric mobility looks brighter than ever. The availability of affordable, cutting-edge vehicles will pave the way for a greener, more sustainable transportation system for everyone. It’s an exciting time to be involved in the automotive industry, and the future is electric!