Leapmotor, which exclusively sells electrified vehicles, may share its range-extender EV tech with partner Stellantis, which owns a bewildering array of auto brands stretching from Peugeot and Fiat all the way through to Maserati.
Tianshu Xin, head of Leapmotor International and chief operating officer of Stellantis China, told Autocar that Leapmotor and Stellantis are investigating which technologies can be shared between the two automakers.
In 2023, Stellantis purchased a 21 per cent stake in Leapmotor for US$1.5 billion (A$2.2bn). As part of the deal, the Leapmotor International division, majority owned by Stellantis, was formed to export vehicles to Europe, Australia and other markets outside China.
Despite the close relationship between the two firms, Leapmotor vehicles use their own platforms, engines, motors, and drivetrain technology. Founded in 2015, Leapmotor’s range consists entirely of battery-electric vehicles (EV) and extended range electric vehicles (EREVs), which incorporate a small combustion engine to help recharge the main battery.
“Range-extender is a good technology and, yes, we’re also exploring the possibilities to use it in the other portfolios,” Mr Xin said.
Brands sold by Stellantis in Europe include Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel/Vauxhall, Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Jeep.
With most of the company’s European range riding on just three platforms (CMP, Smart Car, and STLA Medium), adapting one to accommodate Leapmotor’s range-extender technology could open up this drivetrain type to a whole host of Stellantis brands, which primarily augment their petrol and diesel offerings with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full electric drivetrains.
It’s unclear when Leapmotor and Stellantis are looking to come to a decision, nor do we know how much time and work it would take adapt Leapmotor’s range-extender tech to a Stellantis architecture.
Even if Stellantis decides to use Leapmotor drivetrain tech in its European models, it’s no guarantee they will make their way Down Under.
At the start of 2025 Peugeot dropped the plug-in hybrid version of the 408 in favour of a cheaper hybrid drivetrain, while Fiat’s local range is limited to the 500e and its Abarth derivatives.
Stellantis North America is developing its own range-extender EV system to power an upcoming version of the Ram 1500 pickup truck.
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