Leapmotor Hits 1 Million EVs as European Expansion Accelerates

26 Sep 2025

Leapmotor Hits 1 Million EVs as European Expansion Accelerates

Leapmotor B10 to be produced in Spain
Leapmotor B10 electric SUV debuted in Paris

By EVWorld.com Si Editorial Team

China's electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Leapmotor has reached a major milestone: the production of its one-millionth electric car. This achievement, announced on September 25, 2025, marks a significant moment not only for the company but also for the global EV industry, as Leapmotor continues to expand its footprint far beyond Chinese borders - most notably into Europe, with the backing of automotive giant Stellantis.

Founded in 2015, Leapmotor has rapidly evolved from a domestic startup into a global contender in the EV space. Its lineup, which includes the compact T03 city car and the C10 SUV available as both a battery electric vehicle (BEV) and a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), has gained traction among budget-conscious and tech-savvy consumers. The company’s focus on affordability, smart features, and urban mobility has helped it carve out a niche in China’s competitive EV market.

But Leapmotor’s ambitions extend well beyond its home turf. In 2023, Stellantis—one of the world’s largest automotive groups and parent to brands like Peugeot, Fiat, and Jeep—announced a strategic investment of €1.5 billion to acquire a 20% stake in Leapmotor. This move led to the formation of Leapmotor International, a joint venture with Stellantis holding a 51% share. The venture was granted exclusive rights to export, sell, and manufacture Leapmotor vehicles outside Greater China.

Since then, Leapmotor International has been executing a bold European expansion strategy. As of September 2025, the company has established over 600 sales and service points across the continent, with plans to exceed 700 by year’s end. This rapid rollout includes market entries in Ireland, Bulgaria, and Central European nations such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Croatia.

In Ireland, Leapmotor has partnered with Gowan Auto, a leading distributor that also handles Stellantis brands and Honda. Irish consumers will be able to purchase the T03 and C10 models starting this month, with operations based out of Gowan’s state-of-the-art distribution center in Citywest, Dublin. In Central Europe, Leapmotor is leveraging the extensive retail and aftersales infrastructure of the Emil Frey Group, a well-established automotive retailer already serving as Leapmotor’s importer in Switzerland. Bulgaria’s entry is supported by SFA Automotive LTD, a trusted Stellantis distributor.

“This isn’t just about selling cars—it’s about building an EV ecosystem people can trust,” said Danilo Annese, Head of Europe Commercial Operations at Leapmotor International. “With Stellantis behind us, we’re putting service and support within 25 minutes of most European customers.”

The partnership with Stellantis has proven to be a game-changer. Stellantis brings manufacturing expertise, distribution networks, and brand credibility to Leapmotor’s European ambitions. In return, Stellantis gains access to Leapmotor’s agile EV platforms and cost-effective production models—an attractive proposition as the European Union pushes for stricter emissions targets and a faster transition to electric mobility.

Leapmotor’s European strategy hinges on accessibility and convenience. By ensuring that most customers are within a short drive of a service center, the company aims to reduce barriers to EV adoption, such as concerns over maintenance and parts availability. This customer-centric approach is designed to build trust and loyalty in a market where competition is fierce and consumer expectations are high.

As Leapmotor celebrates its one-millionth EV, the company stands at the intersection of innovation and globalization. With Stellantis as a strategic ally and Europe as a proving ground, Leapmotor is not just exporting vehicles—it’s exporting a vision of affordable, sustainable mobility. The next million cars may come even faster, and they’ll likely be rolling off production lines in multiple continents.