Overview Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co., Ltd., trading as Leapmotor (Chinese: 零跑汽车; pinyin: Língpǎo Qìchē; lit. ‘Leap car’), is a Chinese startup automobile manufacturer headquartered in Hangzhou, China. The company specializes in electric vehicle (EV) development. Founded in 2015, Leapmotor sold its first vehicles in 2019. In 2023, Stellantis acquired a 20% stake in Leapmotor and plans to distribute Leapmotor vehicles in Europe.
| Website | www.leapmotor.com |
|---|
History
Foundation and Early Years
Leapmotor was established in December 2015 by Dahua Technology, along with its controlling shareholder Fu Liquan and director Zhu Jiangming. Both Fu and Zhu are co-founders of Dahua Technology. The Leapmotor brand was officially launched in March 2017.
First Models and AI Chip Development
In November 2017, Leapmotor introduced its first vehicle, the Leapmotor S01. By June 2018, at CES Asia, Leapmotor announced the Lingxin 01, the first domestically developed AI chip for autonomous vehicles, co-developed with Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co., Ltd.
Product Expansion (2018–2021)
By October 2018, Leapmotor announced plans for three new models—S01, T03, and C11—built on the S, T, and C platforms respectively. The first model, Leapmotor S01, a 2-door electric coupe, was launched in June 2019.
In May 2020, Leapmotor partnered with FAW to develop intelligent electric vehicles, focusing on R&D and production innovations.
By November 2020, Leapmotor launched its third mass-production EV, the C11 electric crossover, based on the 2019 C-More concept.
Expansion and Cooperation with Stellantis
In August 2023, FAW-Volkswagen began discussions with Leapmotor about using Leapmotor’s platform for Jetta-branded electric vehicles.
In October 2023, Stellantis acquired a 20% stake in Leapmotor, forming Leapmotor International, a joint venture controlled by Stellantis (51:49 ratio). This venture aims to sell and manufacture Leapmotor vehicles globally, particularly in Europe.
By February 2024, reports emerged about Stellantis considering assembling Leapmotor models in Italy, but later, production plans were shifted to Poland (Tychy plant).
In May 2024, Leapmotor and Stellantis confirmed their joint venture (Leapmotor International), planning sales in Europe (September 2024) and expansion into India, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and South America from Q4 2024.
By November 2024, it was reported that Leapmotor and Stellantis had relocated the planned B10 model’s production from Poland to Slovakia and Germany.
Products
Current Models
| Image | Name | Year Introduced | Vehicle Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| T03 | 2020 | City Car (BEV) | |
| B10 | 2024 | Compact SUV | |
| C11 | 2020 | Mid-size SUV (EREV/BEV) | |
| C01 | 2022 | Mid-size Sedan (EREV/BEV) | |
| C10 | 2023 | Mid-size SUV (EREV/BEV) | |
| C16 | 2024 | Full-size SUV (EREV/BEV) |
Upcoming Models
| Image | Name | Year Introduced | Vehicle Type |
| B01 | TBA | Compact Sedan |
Discontinued Models
| Image | Name | Year Introduced | Discontinued | Vehicle Type |
| S01 | 2019 | 2021 | Compact Sports Car (BEV) |
Concept Vehicles
| Image | Name | Year Introduced | Vehicle Type |
| C-More | 2019 | Mid-size Crossover SUV |
Sales Performance
| Year | Sales |
| 2019 | 1,000 |
| 2020 | 11,391 |
| 2021 | 43,121 |
| 2022 | 111,168 |
| 2023 | 144,155 |
| 2024 | 293,724 |
Global Expansion Plans
Leapmotor International plans to launch in Europe (Q3 2024), targeting:
- Belgium
- France
- Italy
- Germany
- Greece
- Netherlands
- Romania
- Spain
- Portugal
From Q4 2024, Leapmotor will expand to:
- India & Asia-Pacific
- Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Israel, French Overseas Territories)
- South America (Brazil, Chile)
By 2025, six new models will be introduced, with one new model per year for the next three years.
Conclusion
Leapmotor is rapidly expanding in the global EV market, leveraging strategic partnerships with Stellantis and FAW. With a strong focus on AI-driven autonomous driving, innovative battery technology, and international expansion, Leapmotor is poised to become a major competitor in the EV industry.
