A New EV Player Arrives in South America
Stellantis-backed Leapmotor just made a grand entrance into the South American market, kicking off operations in Brazil and Chile. The Chinese EV maker isn’t just dipping its toes in the water; it showcased its latest models at the São Paulo Auto Show, signaling it’s serious about this expansion. This move leans heavily on the global might of its partner, Stellantis, to gain an instant foothold.
Leapmotor is bringing a versatile lineup to tackle the diverse needs of South American drivers. The company plans to offer both pure battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs). EREVs are clever setups that use a small gasoline generator to charge the battery on the go, eliminating range anxiety for drivers who aren’t always near a charging station. This dual approach shows a keen understanding of markets still building out their charging infrastructure.
SUVs Lead the Charge
So, what cars are we talking about? Initially, Leapmotor is rolling out its C10 SUV, which will be available in both all-electric and extended-range versions. It’s joined by the B10, a sleek, mid-size all-electric SUV. As if that wasn’t enough, the company also pulled the wraps off the C16 at the São Paulo Auto Show, a six-seater electric SUV aimed squarely at larger families.
This isn’t just about selling cars, it’s about building a brand. Leapmotor is leveraging Stellantis’s established dealership network and service centers to hit the ground running. The plan is ambitious. By 2025, Leapmotor aims to have 36 sales and service locations across 27 cities in Brazil, plus another five outlets in Chile. This strategy is designed to give customers confidence that support and service are always close by, a crucial factor for any new brand entering a market. It’s a page taken from the playbook of other successful brands like Nio’s Firefly, which also focuses heavily on customer experience.
Tech and Charging Solved
Beyond the vehicles, Leapmotor is introducing its LEAP+ connected platform. In simple terms, this is the brain connecting the car to your digital life. It brings features like using your phone as a digital key, controlling vehicle functions remotely, and finding the nearest charging station. It’s the kind of smart, integrated tech that drivers are coming to expect.
On the charging front, Leapmotor has already teamed up with local providers Zletric and GreenV. This means new owners will have access to existing charging networks and can get help with home charger installations. It’s a smart move that removes one of the biggest headaches for potential EV buyers.
Global Ambitions and a Big Test
Leapmotor’s move into South America is part of a much bigger global push. The joint venture with Stellantis, called Leapmotor International, has already planted flags in over 30 markets across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. The company has its sights set on selling one million cars by 2026, with 100,000 of those sales targeted for overseas markets.
While its export numbers are impressive for a newcomer, with over 44,000 units shipped in the first ten months of this year, hitting that 100,000 target presents a huge challenge. Leapmotor is already a leading Chinese exporter in key European countries, but doubling its sales in just a couple of years will require flawless execution. The competition is fierce, with many Chinese EV brands also fighting for a piece of the global pie. The partnership with Stellantis gives it a powerful advantage, but the road ahead will be a true test of its international ambitions.
