Stellantis is exploring an expansion of its joint venture with Zhejiang Leapmotor Technologies to deploy the Chinese partner’s electric-vehicle (EV) technology across several of its European mass-market brands.

Citing sources, Bloomberg reported that the carmaker is considering expanding the scope of its alliance with Leapmotor to gain access to the company’s battery and EV powertrain systems for brands including Fiat, Opel, and Peugeot.

Stellantis already distributes Leapmotor vehicles such as the C10 SUV in Europe via its dealer network.

The report said the talks remain preliminary, and any deal would need to address data-protection concerns tied to Chinese technology.

It would also have to comply with US rules banning the import or sale of connected vehicles linked to China or Russia starting in 2027.

The partners are targeting an agreement within the year, the report added.

The potential move comes as Stellantis seeks to lower EV development costs and contend with Chinese competitors such as BYD and MG in Europe, as well as regional rivals Volkswagen and Renault.

Net losses at the Jeep and Peugeot parent reached €22.33bn ($26.37bn), driven by €25.4bn in charges tied to what it described as a strategic reset.

The company acquired a 20% stake in Leapmotor for $1.6bn in 2023, later reduced to 15%, and formed the Leapmotor International joint venture to sell the Chinese brand’s vehicles outside China.

Leapmotor has since launched three models through Stellantis’ European distribution network and plans to start production at the group’s Zaragoza plant in Spain this year.

Just Auto has reached out to Stellantis for comment on the matter.