Stellantis and Leapmotor Partnered on Electric Vehicles
The two companies joined forces in 2023 to develop and distribute electric vehicles for international markets.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Stellantis and Leapmotor launched a strategic collaboration in 2023 to integrate Chinese electric vehicle technology into global product architectures. The partnership focuses on adapting Leapmotor models, such as the B05 hatchback and C10 SUV, for diverse international consumer preferences.
Why it matters
This alliance allows Stellantis to improve its electric vehicle price competitiveness by leveraging Leapmotor's engineering and component supply chain. It also provides Leapmotor with the necessary chassis and performance expertise to successfully enter and maintain a presence in complex Western markets.
The B05 hatchback features a 160kW and 240Nm electric motor, with pricing set at $35,990 for the base model and $39,990 for the long-range variant in Australia. These prices compare to the GWM Ora 5, which has a starting price of $33,990.
The players
Stellantis
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group.
Leapmotor
Leapmotor is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer that specializes in the design and production of smart electric cars.
The details
Stellantis engineers work directly with Leapmotor to tune vehicle dynamics and integrate components into broader global product architectures. These collaborative efforts extend to the development of the B05 hatchback and B03X SUV, with Stellantis teams providing specialized chassis expertise for international markets.
Timeline
Stellantis acquired a stake in Leapmotor in 2023.
The B05 hatchback is expected in Australian showrooms before the end of 2026.
Roadmap
This partnership highlights the automotive industry's trend of utilizing established global manufacturer scale to lower the barrier for EV entry. By integrating Chinese-developed technology, legacy automakers like Stellantis aim to accelerate their electrification goals against emerging rival brands.
Car buyers in Australia can anticipate the arrival of the B05 hatchback in showrooms before the end of 2026. This introduction provides consumers with new price-competitive electric vehicle options that incorporate international performance tuning standards.
The takeaway
The integration of Chinese EV components into legacy global architectures marks a significant shift in how traditional automakers tackle price competitiveness. Consumers should watch for a broader range of affordable, high-performance electric models as these companies share engineering resources.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving market, visit the Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Advertiser.
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