Stellantis launches electric brand Leapmotor in South Africa
Stellantis South Africa (SA) will start to roll out Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand Leapmotor at select local dealerships from this month onwards.
Leapmotor was founded by entrepreneur and tech expert Jiangming Zhu and has, to date, sold more than 600 000 vehicles in total. However, the company aims to boost this number substantially, with a goal to reach 500 000 unit sales a year, starting this year.
Through a strategic joint venture with Stellantis, Leapmotor International is now embarking on a programme of global expansion, South Africa included, leveraging Stellantis’ infrastructure and distribution network in the process.
“South Africa is a key market for Stellantis, and the launch of Leapmotor marks an important step in offering innovative new-energy vehicle options through product, innovation and partnerships,” says Stellantis SA MD Mike Whitfield.
Leapmotor offers range-extended EV (REEV) technology.
This system incorporates a combustion engine dedicated exclusively to recharging the battery – with no traction on the wheels – thus guaranteeing a 100% electric driving experience.
Stellantis SA believes this should address one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in South Africa, namely range anxiety.
“In South Africa, where energy challenges and limited charging infrastructure slow EV adoption, REEV offers a practical solution,” says the company.
“By combining electric driving with built-in charging flexibility, the technology ensures reliability across both urban and rural conditions, while supporting the country’s Just Energy Transition.
“With rising fuel costs and the need for affordable, sustainable mobility, Leapmotor positions REEV as a pragmatic response to South Africa’s evolving transport landscape.”
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