Leapmotor C10’s extended-range EV option
Chinese car maker Leapmotor has followed up on its C10 battery-electric SUV with a new variant featuring range-extender combustion engine technology.
Leapmotor’s latest variant of its C10 medium SUV isn’t a battery electric, a plug-in hybrid electric, or a hybrid electric, but a Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV).
Also known as EREVS (Extended-Range Electric Vehicles), this type of powertrain technology isn’t new, having been seen here previously in the BMW i3 Rex.
However, EREVs appear to be having their moment in the sun again with Ford also confirming it is working on adding the technology to future ute and SUV models.
How does the Leapmotor C10 REEV work?
EREVs such as the Leapmotor C10 essentially operate like an electric vehicle, using an electric motor (or motors) powered by a traction battery, which is in turn charged by a fuel-powered combustion engine.
The fuel engine operates solely to generate electricity to charge the battery and never directly drives the wheels.
Driving range and battery performance
The main benefits of EREVs over BEVs is that they offer impressive range, with the Leapmotor C10 REEV boasting a claimed combined cycle driving range of up to 1,150km (NEDC), with the smooth driving experience of an EV, plus reduced fuel consumption and lower tailpipe emissions versus an equivalent combustion-powered vehicle.
Incidentally, that 1,150km NEDC figure converts to about 978km on the more widely used WLTP cycle, although the latter figure is not an official claim.
The Leapmotor C10 REEV is equipped with a 158kW electric motor and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.
The vehicle also boasts a 28.4kWh battery with DC fast charging capability of 65kW, which allows for an electric-only range of up to 170km (NEDC), or about 145km on the WLTP cycle, which means the C10 REEV’s electric range is comparable with many PHEVs.
Fuel consumption and efficiency
The C10’s impressive combined-cycle range is achieved when beginning a journey with a full battery charge, and in such circumstances combined fuel consumption is rated at a low 0.9L/100km.
As with a PHEV, fuel consumption will likely increase on journeys where the battery is not fully charged, as the combustion engine will be working more of the time to act as a generator.
Leapmotor does not provide an alternative figure for this circumstance, so we’re unsure if the 0.9L/100km fuel consumption figure is readily achievable.
However, even if consumption is higher, it’s fair to say that the C10 REEV will tick some boxes, both for buyers looking for a fuel-efficient medium SUV, and those wanting to dip a toe into the waters of electrified motoring, without suffering range anxiety.
That’s because regardless of the battery state of charge, the C10 REEV will continue motoring along so long as it’s got fuel in the tank to power the combustion motor.
Driving modes explained
The vehicle has four selectable driving modes including EV+, which prioritises the electric motor, EV which does likewise but brings in the combustion motor at a higher 25% state of charge than the 9% charge threshold for EV+, Fuel which brings in the combustion engine when charge drops below 80%, and Power+ which brings in the combustion engine immediately.
It all sounds complicated but it’s as simple as driving a PHEV or HEV for the operator.
Leapmotor C10 REEV v traditional EVs and PHEVs
In daily driving the C10 REEV operates primarily as an electric vehicle, with the electric motor driving the wheels.
When the battery charge gets low, the internal combustion engine (ICE) ignites to generate electricity, recharging the battery and extending the driving range.
Leapmotor says this allows the C10 REEV to offer the smooth, quiet, responsive driving experience of an electric vehicle, while also providing the flexibility of a traditional engine for longer trips.
Charging capabilities and fast charging speeds
Because the C10 REEV is enabled for both AC and 65kW DC fast charging, decent range can be added in a short time, with Leapmotor claiming a 30–80% DC fast charge can be achieved in about 18 minutes.
Leapmotor’s expansion in Australia
Leapmotor is a relatively new brand to the Australian market, having launched its first model the C10 BEV here earlier this year.
The company is backed by Stellantis, the international automotive conglomerate comprising brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Jeep, which has the exclusive right to sell and manufacture the Chinese car maker’s products outside China.
Leapmotor has 12 dedicated dealerships in major cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra, with more due to be announced later this year
Variants and pricing of the Leapmotor C10 REEV
As with its stablemate the Leapmotor C10 BEV, the REEV is available in two well-equipped variants, the Style and Design, priced at $43,888 and $47,888 respectively.
That’s precisely $2,000 less expensive than the identically-specified BEV variants, which are good for a range of up to 420km, based on the WLTP cycle.
Features and technology in the C10 REEV
The C10 REEV Style features 18-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera, over-the-air update capability, and a comprehensive array of advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) features.
The Design variant adds larger 20-inch wheels, multi-colour interior ambient lighting, heated steering wheel and heated front seats.
Both models feature a 14.6-inch high-definition central display and a 10.25-inch driver instrument display, with a roomy five-seat interior and 546-litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,375 litres when the second-row seats are folded.
Warranty and ownership benefits
The C10 comes with a six-year 160,000km warranty on the vehicle and eight-year 160,000km high-voltage battery warranty.
The rest of the ownership package is equally attractive, with eight years of capped price servicing on 12-month/10,000km intervals.
For vehicles sold and delivered by June 30, Leapmotor is offering introductory drive-away pricing from $45,900 (Style) and $49,900 (Design).
The company also recently announced a new 1.9% p.a. comparison finance rate across and free wall 7kw wall-box charger for all-new Leapmotor C10 models, both BEV and REEV, purchased made before 30 June 2025.
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