The Indian automotive landscape is on the brink of a massive transformation with Stellantis and Leapmotor announcing their strategic collaboration to bring affordable electric vehicles (EVs) to India. As India pushes towards its 2030 goal of electrification, this partnership promises a new era of accessible, high-performance EVs catering to the growing middle-class segment.
The global automotive giant Stellantis has entered into a strategic alliance with Chinese EV innovator Leapmotor to introduce affordable and high-performance electric vehicles to India. This partnership is expected to disrupt the Indian EV landscape with competitive pricing, high-quality technology, and mass appeal.
Stellantis and Leapmotor
Stellantis, the world’s fourth-largest automaker formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group, is renowned for brands like Jeep, Citroën, and Peugeot. It has a growing interest in EV development, especially after launching models like the Citroën ë-C3 in India.
Leapmotor, founded in 2015, is a Chinese EV startup recognized for producing smart, technologically advanced, and cost-effective EVs. It focuses heavily on in-house development of EV platforms, autonomous driving tech, and battery innovation.
Why This Partnership Matters
Made-in-India Manufacturing: The duo plans to manufacture in India to leverage cost benefits and avoid high import duties.
Technology Meets Scale: Stellantis brings global manufacturing and marketing prowess, while Leapmotor offers innovative EV tech at low costs.
Affordable EV Push: Targeting the INR 10-15 lakh segment, much needed in India’s price-sensitive market.
Stellantis-Leapmotor India Strategy
Stellantis has acquired a 21% stake in Leapmotor, and both companies have announced the formation of “Leapmotor International,” a joint venture where Stellantis holds the controlling share. This JV will oversee global expansion outside China, with India being a top-priority market.
Their India roadmap includes:
| Plan Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Launch Models | Leapmotor T03 (Hatchback), Leapmotor C10 (SUV) |
| Local Manufacturing | Targeted to start by late 2025 |
| CKD/Completely Knocked Down Units Initially | Launch with CKD units assembled locally |
| Full Localization | Gradual shift by 2027 |
| Distribution Network | Utilizing Citroën dealership infrastructure |
| Service Support | Stellantis to offer pan-India service centers |
Unique Point:
Unlike many automakers, Stellantis and Leapmotor aim for 70% localization within the first two years, making the EVs significantly cheaper compared to imported alternatives.
Expected EV Models for India
The two main models expected in the initial phase are:
Leapmotor T03
A compact electric hatchback designed for urban mobility. Expected Price Range: INR 10-12 lakh (ex-showroom)
Key Specifications:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Range (Claimed) | 280 km (NEDC cycle) |
| Motor Power | 55 kW (74 hp) |
| Battery Capacity | 36.5 kWh |
| Charging Time | Fast charge 80% in 36 minutes |
| Features | AI-based infotainment, ADAS Level 2, 7-inch digital cluster |
Leapmotor C10
An electric mid-size SUV aiming to challenge Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV. Expected Price Range: INR 18-22 lakh (ex-showroom)
Key Specifications:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Range (Claimed) | 420 km (WLTP cycle) |
| Motor Power | 170 kW (228 hp) |
| Battery Capacity | 69.9 kWh |
| Top Speed | 170 kmph |
| Features | 12.8-inch touchscreen, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Level 2, OTA updates |
Launch Timeline in India
| Phase | Timeframe | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Early 2025 | CKD Assembly of T03 & C10, initial launch |
| Phase 2 | End of 2025 | Expansion of dealership network |
| Phase 3 | 2026-27 | Start of full-scale local manufacturing, introduce more models |
India will be one of the first countries outside China to get Leapmotor EVs, showcasing the importance of the Indian EV market in Stellantis’ global strategy. By offering both a budget hatchback and a premium SUV, Stellantis and Leapmotor cover the widest spectrum of EV buyers compared to rivals focusing only on one category.
Segmentation: Target Audience
The Stellantis-Leapmotor EVs aim at the following segments:
| Segment | Target Audience |
|---|---|
| Hatchback (T03) | First-time car buyers, college students, budget-conscious families |
| SUV (C10) | Urban professionals, young families, tech-savvy buyers |
Performance and Technology
Leapmotor’s EVs are known for their advanced technology integration, including:
- Leapmotor Pilot ADAS (semi-autonomous driving features)
- Self-developed electric motors and battery packs (better control over cost and performance)
- Software over-the-air (OTA) updates
- High safety standards with NCAP certifications
Performance Comparison Table:
| Model | 0-100 km/h | Top Speed | Range (real-world) | Charging Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leapmotor T03 | 12 seconds | 100 kmph | ~240 km | 36 minutes (fast charge) |
| Leapmotor C10 | 7.5 seconds | 170 kmph | ~390 km | 40 minutes (fast charge) |
Stellantis-Leapmotor Pricing Strategy
Affordability is the key to success, and Stellantis understands this well.
| Model | Estimated Ex-Showroom Price |
|---|---|
| Leapmotor T03 | INR 10-12 lakh |
| Leapmotor C10 | INR 18-22 lakh |
- Prices will undercut Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV, offering similar or better range.
- Heavy focus on low cost of ownership with minimal servicing costs and 8-year battery warranty.
| Existing Models | Segment | Price Range (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Tiago EV | Hatchback | ₹7 lakh – ₹9 lakh |
| MG Comet EV | Compact Hatchback | ₹7 lakh – ₹9 lakh |
| Tata Nexon EV | SUV | ₹15 lakh – ₹19 lakh |
| Mahindra XUV400 | SUV | ₹16 lakh – ₹19 lakh |
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Companies Involved | Stellantis and Leapmotor |
| Launch Timeline | Late 2025 |
| Initial Models | T03 Hatchback, C10 SUV |
| Target Segments | Entry Hatchback, Mid-size SUV |
| Expected Price Range | ₹6.5 lakh to ₹25 lakh |
| Key Features | Long Range, Advanced Tech, Safety |
| Manufacturing Plan | CKD initially, localization later |
| Competition | Tata, MG, Mahindra |
If Stellantis and Leapmotor deliver on their promise, by 2027, electric cars could be as common as petrol hatchbacks in Indian cities and towns. The wait till 2025 will be worth it for every Indian EV enthusiast!
