The Indian electric vehicle (EV) segment is buzzing with activity, and now a new player — Stellantis with its Leapmotor EV — is entering this space, and so, what does it mean for the Indian electric car market?
Stellantis, the global automotive group that owns Jeep and Citroën, is set to launch Chinese EV brand Leapmotor in India.
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| Leapmotor EVs could have pricing advantage. |
This move could reshape the country’s EV landscape by adding more competition, new technology, and affordable electric cars for Indian buyers.
Why Leapmotor’s entry matters
India’s EV sector is still at an early growth stage, but it is expanding rapidly thanks to government support, rising fuel prices, and growing environmental awareness.
The arrival of Leapmotor signals three key changes:
Increased competition: More brands will mean competitive pricing and better features for customers.
Faster EV adoption: With Stellantis’ backing, Leapmotor could help accelerate the shift towards clean mobility.
Wider choice for buyers: Hatchbacks, SUVs, and family cars will now come with more EV options beyond the current limited range.
Leapmotor models expected in India
Two key models are being considered for the Indian market:
Leapmotor T03 (City Hatchback)
A compact EV designed for urban use. It comes with a battery pack of around 37–38 kWh, delivering peppy performance of close to 94 bhp and 158 Nm torque.
The T03 is expected to be a budget-friendly EV with modern features like a touchscreen infotainment system, digital cluster, and a practical design suitable for city driving.
Leapmotor C10 (SUV)
A mid-sized SUV aimed at families looking for space and technology.
It is likely to come with a larger battery, longer driving range, and features like advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), spacious interiors, and a premium design.
Stellantis is also exploring local assembly to reduce costs and keep prices competitive.
Instead of building an entirely new sales network, Leapmotor cars may be sold through existing Jeep and Citroën dealerships, making it easier for customers to access sales and after-sales service.
Pros of Leapmotor in India
Affordable EV options: Local assembly could make Leapmotor EVs attractively priced for Indian buyers.
Advanced technology: From digital dashboards to ADAS, Leapmotor vehicles bring modern features usually seen in higher-end cars.
Stronger EV ecosystem: More brands entering the market will push faster growth in charging infrastructure and EV awareness.
Wider reach through existing dealers: By using Stellantis’ established network, customers can expect better sales and service availability.
Challenges for Leapmotor
Pricing pressure: Import duties and taxes are high in India, so Stellantis must find the right balance between features and affordability.
Profitability concerns: India is a tough market for foreign EV brands, with narrow margins and high competition.
Charging infrastructure gaps: While metros are improving, smaller towns and highways still need more charging stations.
Brand awareness: Leapmotor is completely new in India, and it will take time to build trust among buyers about quality, service, and resale value.
E-Vroooom’s views
The arrival of Leapmotor through Stellantis could be a game-changer for India’s EV market.
By offering affordable hatchbacks like the T03 and premium SUVs like the C10, the brand aims to serve both urban commuters and family buyers.
Success, however, will depend on competitive pricing, strong after-sales support, and building customer trust.
If Stellantis manages to overcome these challenges, it could mean that Leapmotor would become a serious rival to existing EV players and push India further towards a greener, electrified future.
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