Leapmotor C10, the Chinese who will not pay tax

Or at least not completely. The Leapmotor C10 REEV is indeed equipped with a 1.5 liter engine. But according to the first information (a little incomplete) from the manufacturer, this block is not connected to the wheels. Its role is that of a range extender, therefore producing electricity to power the electric motor and recharge the battery.

The numbers

The “active” motor is therefore a 215 hp electric machine. It is associated with a 28.4 kWh battery, which promises a WLTP range of 145 km. The cumulative range is around 950 km, which gives an official consumption of 0.4 l/100 km, for 10 g CO2/km. On a fast terminal, the battery can be fully recharged in less than an hour. In short, the C10 REEV is considered a hybrid vehicle, and is therefore exempt from the tax on electric cars manufactured in China. The model will be launched at the Brussels Motor Show.

As a reminder, the other Leapmotor model which is preparing to enter the market is the T03 city car, which is electric, but will also be exempt from the tax, because it is assembled in the Polish Stellantis factory.