Stellantis JV Leapmotor International has launched the Leapmotor C10 REEV – a range extended electric vehicle - in South Africa.

The global joint venture between Leapmotor International and Stellantis is rapidly expanding to overseas markets, including Europe, the UK, Australian, New Zealand – and South Africa.

The Leapmotor C10 REEV is described as a family SUV offering premium comfort and safety features with all the innovation and benefits of a pure Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and none of their limitations thanks to the Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) set-up.

The Leapmotor C10 always operates in electric mode, but doesn’t require charging infrastructure because it uses an on-board 1.5-litre petrol engine as a generator to maintain range whatever the driving circumstances. It allows owners to commute 145km between charges, but offers a combined driving range of 970km with generator assistance.

This, the company says, is the ideal EV solution for long-distance South African conditions where the daily commute is interspersed with spread out destinations, removing range anxiety.

The Leapmotor C10 REEV has a rear electric drive unit producing 158kW and 320Nm.