“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 Managing Director, Mike Whitfield.
The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, Leapmotor, has entered South Africa and its vehicles will soon be available at selected Stellantis dealerships across the country.
Founded in 2015 by tech expert, Jiangming Zhu, Leapmotor has quickly established itself as a serious player in China’s EV market. With full control of its value chain, from battery design to embedded software, Leapmotor has already sold more than 600 000 fully electric vehicles in less than a decade and aims to reach 500 000 annual sales in 2025.
Through a strategic joint venture with Stellantis, Leapmotor International is now embarking on an ambitious global expansion. By leveraging Stellantis’s extensive infrastructure and extensive distribution network, Leapmotor is well-positioned to bring its unique blend of electric vehicle technology to South Africa.
At the heart of Leapmotor's innovation is its Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) technology. This system incorporates a combustion engine dedicated exclusively to recharge the battery, with no traction on the wheels, thus guaranteeing a 100% electric driving experience, while addressing one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in South Africa, namely range anxiety.
In South Africa, where challenges like limited charging infrastructure is still a reality, REEV offers a practical solution. By combining electric driving with built-in charging flexibility, the technology ensures reliability across both urban and rural conditions. With fuel costs and the need for affordable, sustainable mobility, Leapmotor positions REEV as a pragmatic response to South Africa’s evolving transport landscape.
“By bringing Leapmotor into our portfolio, Stellantis South Africa reaffirms this commitment,” concludes Mike Whitfield.
