Stellantis Bringing Leapmotor EVs to South Africa This September
C10 Extended-Range Electric SUV Leads Stellantis' Leapmotor Debut
Big news is coming out of South Africa this September—Stellantis is getting ready to launch its first batch of Leapmotor electric vehicles (EVs) in the country, starting with the all-new C10. For those who may not be familiar, Leapmotor is a Chinese EV company that Stellantis bought a 21% stake in back in 2023 for $1.6 billion. The two companies also created a joint venture called Leapmotor International, with Stellantis holding the majority share at 51%.
Now, they’re wasting no time rolling out products from that partnership.
The first Leapmotor model to hit South African roads will be the Leapmotor C10, an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). What makes it stand out? It’s an electric SUV, but with a twist—the gasoline engine onboard isn’t for driving. Instead, it’s there solely to charge the battery, helping boost range without relying on charging stations. It’s a smart way to ease into full EV ownership, especially in areas where charging infrastructure is still catching up.
Mike Whitfield, the Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, confirmed that the C10 will be available at select Stellantis dealerships starting in September. He also hinted that more Leapmotor models, including fully electric vehicles, are coming in 2025.
Stellantis clearly sees South Africa as a key market. The company has been building its presence there for the past four years and is currently constructing a new manufacturing plant with the capacity to produce up to 100,000 vehicles a year by 2030. Their goal? Become the No. 1 auto brand in South Africa.
And Leapmotor brings affordability to the table. The company recently made headlines with the global rollout of the B10, a fully electric SUV loaded with smart-driving features and even lidar sensors—all for under $18,000. That kind of value is exactly what Stellantis wants as it pushes for more electrification and more options for customers.
Chinese automakers like BYD and Chery are already expanding aggressively across Africa. Stellantis is jumping into that same race—but with a strategic partnership and a plan built on local assembly, value-packed tech, and a serious investment in EV variety.
For South African car buyers looking for something modern, efficient, and ready for the future, the Leapmotor C10 could be just the beginning.
