Stellantis South Africa proudly announces the arrival of Leapmotor, a pioneering Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer that is redefining smart mobility worldwide.
Founded in 2015 by visionary entrepreneur and tech expert Jiangming Zhu, Leapmotor has quickly established itself as one of the most dynamic players in China’s EV market. With full control of its value chain – from battery design to embedded software – Leapmotor has already sold more than 600,000 fully electric vehicles in less than a decade and aims to reach 500,000 annual sales in 2025.
Through a strategic joint venture with Stellantis, Leapmotor International is now embarking on an ambitious global expansion. By leveraging Stellantis’ extensive infrastructure, extensive distribution network, and uncompromising quality standards, Leapmotor is well-positioned to bring its unique blend of advanced state-of-the-art technology, affordability and customer-first innovation to South Africa.
“South Africa is a key market for Stellantis, and the launch of Leapmotor marks an important step in offering innovative new energy vehicle options through product, innovation, and partnerships,” says Stellantis Managing Director Mike Whitfield.
REEV technology: 100% electric driving without range anxiety
At the heart of Leapmotor’s innovation is its Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) technology. This system incorporates a combustion engine dedicated exclusively to recharge the battery – with no traction on the wheels – thus guaranteeing 100% electric driving experience, while addressing on of the biggest barriers to EV Adoption in South Africa: Autonomy anxiety.
In South Africa, where energy challenges and limited charging infrastructure slow EV adoption, REEV offers a practical solution. By combining electric driving with built-in charging flexibility, the technology ensures reliability across both urban and rural conditions, while supporting the country’s Just Energy Transition. With rising fuel costs and the need for affordable, sustainable mobility, Leapmotor positions REEV as a pragmatic response to South Africa’s evolving transport landscape.
First showcase at SA Auto Week 2025
South Africans will have their first opportunity to discover Leapmotor and its innovative technologies at SA Auto Week 2025, hosted by the National Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA). The event takes place from 01-03 October 2025 in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape Province.
Following this debut, Leapmotor models will be introduced at select dealerships nationwide, giving South Africans the opportunity to experience first-hand Leap motor’s commitment to quality, accessibility, and world-class service. This rollout forms part of Stellantis South Africa’s broader strategy to advance cleaner, more inclusive, and sustainable mobility solutions for all South Africans.
“By bringing Leapmotor into our portfolio, Stellantis South Africa reaffirms this commitment,” concludes Mike Whitfield.
