With a daring switch that is changing the South African motoring market, Leapmotor, underpinned by a major partnership with Stellantis, unveiled its affordable electric vehicles. The first unit to be introduced will be the C10 REEV SUV which is only set for September 2025. This will mark the first entry of the Chinese electric vehicle brand into Africa through Stellantis placing South Africa at the very front line of innovation concerning electric mobility on this continent (Reuters TechCentral). C10 REEV: The mix of ambition and reality when it comes to electric vehicles.
Leapmotor C10 REEV comes with a 160 kW (320 Nm) electric motor backed by a 69.9 kWh battery, supported further by a small petrol generator so that range anxiety does not crop up in this country where charging stations are still very much the exception rather than the rule. Cars.co.za. Electric range of only 145 km, total range supposed to be up to 970 km. Charging from 30-80% would take less than 20 minutes with 65 kW DC fast charging.
Technical features include a minimalist cockpit with a 14.6-inch touchscreen and LiDAR-based ADAS available on higher trims (Ev24 Africa). Brand Partnership: Essentially, Leapmotor’s market entry is by means of its joint venture—Leapmotor International created through €1.5 billion investment by Stellantis and its shareholding control of 51% in the export division based in Amsterdam. Already operating in South Africa with brands like Citroën and Peugeot, Stellantis would be able to use its dealer network and information about the local market to introduce the C10 with strong distribution support.
Exploring Why South Africa Matters So Much
- Affordability: The C10 places itself below the erstwhile standard European electric cars and thus could usher in mass electrification in South Africa if it comes in at a price below 400,000 rand (~€20,000)-the going rate for other models from Leapmotor (The Citizen, Ev24 Africa). 2. Range: REEV gives long-run options as it fills infrastructure gaps while supporting cleaner mobility. 3. Competitive advantage: Other rivals such as BYD and Chery are joined by Leapmotor as Chinese electric vehicle brands rapidly expand in Africa, reaching price-sensitive customers (TechCentral, Reuters).
Up Next on the Roadmap
Leapmotor will introduce its fully electric battery models in 2026. The C10 is just the start. Smaller cars like the T03, B10, and B01 are coming to South Africa later with more distance and upgraded smart features (Reuters). Stellantis wants to grow local roots: a factory with yearly plans for 100,000 cars by 2030, helping aim for a million sales in Africa and the Middle East –35% of those being electric then (Reuters).
Steering South Africa Into an Electric Vehicle Upsurge With a hybrid of cost, dependability, long distances covered and high- tech functionalities, C10’s unveiling by Leapmotor in South Africa may usher the subsequent phase of electric transportation within the continent. It is beyond just introducing a car to the market – this serves as an essential transformation towards embracing electric vehicles that are affordable and accessible.
If pricing stays aggressive and Stellantis gets a good grip, the C10 might set the standard for electric vehicle worth. With more models on the way, South Africa’s roads could soon fill up with smart and green mobility.
