Leapmotor takes the C10 REEV with extended-range technology to the Brussels Motor Show

With the Geneva Motor Show now a thing of the past, it is the Brussels Motor Show that takes up the baton as the first major event on European soil, a venue where the main manufacturers have already confirmed their attendance and where, as could only be expected after its rapid growth, Chinese brands will also be present. One of them will be Leapmotor, the Chinese automotive giant that is in full expansion in Europe alongside Stellantis.

The main and most significant bet by Leapmotor to make a strong entrance into Europe is the C10, a segment D SUV built on the LEAP3.0 architecture that promises the latest technology, including, for example, the integration of electronics and electrical systems through CTC (cell-to-chassis) technology, as well as an intelligent cockpit. Its performance is, in principle, more than sufficient, with 218 CV and 320 Nm of torque sent to the rear axle, together with a range of 420 kilometres thanks to its 69.9 kWh battery.

At the Brussels Motor Show, Leapmotor has already confirmed it will be present with an evolution of the C10, the C10 REEV, or Range Extender Electric Vehicle as they call it. Setting aside the jargon, it is in essence a plug-in hybrid, since the C10 REEV combines an electric motor of 158 kW (215 CV) with a 1,500 cc petrol engine.

The Leapmotor C10 REEV also makes use of a 28.4 kWh battery that provides a range of 145 kilometres, although if we take into account the fuel tank for the petrol engine, this figure is increased to 950 kilometres. According to Leapmotor, the registered combined fuel consumption is just 0.4 l/100 while CO2 emissions stand at 10 g/km, figures that are undoubtedly far lower than those of a traditional petrol vehicle.

To help us understand how it works, the C10 REEV operates mainly as an electric vehicle, meaning the electric motor is always the primary source of propulsion. However, when the battery runs down (which, with a range of 145 kilometres, will in reality happen sooner, so as soon as you leave the city you will soon drain it), the combustion engine kicks in to generate electricity, recharging the battery and “extending” the range. In other words, it is like carrying a generator in the car that keeps the battery charged enough for the vehicle to keep running at all times.

Leapmotor naturally highlights that the C10 REEV can be charged via AC and DC fast charging and, by fitting a relatively small battery, it can boast of recovering from 0% to 50% in just 18 minutes if we use DC fast charging. In addition, the driver can select their preferred “Energy Mode” depending on their needs, ranging from prioritising electric driving to delivering greater output power.

As I was saying, the Leapmotor C10 REEV will be presented at the Brussels Motor Show, which opens its doors on 10 January until the 19th.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverLeapmotor C106 versions · from 36,765 €