Stellantis To Begin Leapmotor T03 EV Assembly In Poland By Q4
T03 Delivers 403 Km (250 Mi) Range At Under $20,000...
Stellantis and its Chinese joint-venture partner, Leapmotor International, are preparing to assemble the Leapmotor T03 all-electric city car in Poland before the end of the year. The move is part of Stellantis’s broader strategy to bring more electric vehicles (EVs) to Europe, tapping into the growing demand for eco-friendly urban transportation. Assembly of the T03 will take place at Stellantis’s Tychy Assembly Plant, which has already built an initial batch of T03 models during a production trial in June 2024.
Early Steps at Tychy Assembly Plant –
The Tychy Assembly Plant, located in southern Poland, has been a key facility for Stellantis, currently producing popular subcompact models like the Jeep® Avenger, Fiat 600, and Alfa Romeo Junior. In June, the plant took its first step toward electrification by completing a small production run of the Leapmotor T03. This trial batch served as a precursor to full-scale assembly, which is now set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024. The decision to assemble the T03 in Tychy was influenced by cost, production quality, and plant capacity factors.
Leapmotor International CEO Tianshu Xin confirmed during an event outside Milan on September 24 that preparations are well underway, with full-scale assembly expected to begin later this year. The T03 units produced in Tychy will be assembled from kits imported from China, allowing Leapmotor to sidestep potential EU tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles. A final decision on the tariff structure for imported EVs is expected soon.
Leapmotor T03: Compact and Affordable –
The Leapmotor T03 is designed as a city car, perfect for navigating congested urban environments while offering electric efficiency. It’s powered by a 36.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, providing an impressive range of up to 403 km (250 miles) on a single charge, based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) standard. Its electric motor generates 55 kW (74 horsepower) and 155 Nm of torque, delivering solid performance for daily commutes.
The T03 is available in three variants—the 400 Standard Edition, 400 Comfort Edition, and 400 Deluxe Edition—all of which share the same core powertrain. The compact 5-door hatchback measures 3,620 mm (142.5 inches) in length, 1,652 mm (65.0 inches) in width, and 1,577 mm (62.1 inches) in height, with a 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) wheelbase, making it well-suited for tight city streets.
Key Features and Autonomous Technology –
In addition to its affordability, the T03 boasts advanced features, including Level 2 autonomous driving capability. This system uses three external cameras and twelve radars (one millimeter-wave and eleven ultrasonic) to assist drivers with lane-keeping and automatic braking tasks. Inside the cabin, the T03 offers a modern driving experience with an 8.0-inch TFT instrument display and a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment and vehicle controls.
For added convenience, the T03 supports fast charging, with 80% of the battery able to charge in just 36 minutes. The vehicle’s battery comes with an 8-year/150,000 km (93,205 miles) warranty, providing buyers with peace of mind.
Stellantis and Leapmotor’s European Expansion –
The partnership between Stellantis and Leapmotor aims to introduce competitively priced EVs to the European market, where the demand for environmentally friendly vehicles continues to rise. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has championed the plan to bring Leapmotor vehicles to Europe, including the T03 and the upcoming C10 midsize SUV, which is currently undergoing final checks in Italy before being sent to dealers.
As Stellantis evaluates the performance of these vehicles in Europe, it will decide whether to scale up production at the Tychy plant or other facilities. The current approach allows Stellantis to gauge market reception before committing to large-scale manufacturing. Stellantis’s strategy could also mitigate potential tariff risks, with a final decision on EV tariffs expected in the coming days.
Pricing and Availability –
The Leapmotor T03 is expected to be a popular choice for budget-conscious EV buyers. In Italy, where the vehicle was launched on September 23, 2024, it has a starting price of €18,900 (approximately $19,900 USD), making it one of Europe’s most affordable electric city cars. Meanwhile, the larger Leapmotor C10 midsize SUV will start at €36,400 (about $38,400 USD).
Leapmotor T03 City Car (European-Spec) Image Gallery:
