You’ve heard of BEVs (electric cars), HEVs (hybrids) and PHEVs (plug-in hybrids)? The South African new-vehicle market has welcomed a new Chinese brand – Leapmotor – and its opening gambit is the C10, which is an REEV (range-extender electric vehicle).
Built on the brand’s LEAP 3.0 platform, the C10 REEV is a D-segment family car (medium SUV), which Leapmotor will distribute through Stellantis South Africa’s dealer network.
The C10 won’t be the first range-extender electric vehicle to be offered in Mzansi – BMW previously offered its (now-discontinued) i3 electric city car with this configuration (named the REX). However, REEVs are bound to become more popular in South Africa because while they operate much like a pure-electric car (BEV), they effectively eliminate concerns about charging infrastructure and range anxiety.
See also: Deepal S05 set to arrive in South Africa in 2026
How does the Leapmotor C10 REEV’s power unit work?
The C10 REEV is powered exclusively by a rear electric drive unit that delivers 158 kW and 320 Nm and allows the model to accelerate from a standstill to 100 kph in a claimed 8.5 seconds. Energy is primarily drawn from a 28.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is integrated directly into the chassis floor using proprietary Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) technology to maximise interior space and rigidity.
Crucially, the C10 boasts an electric-only WLTP range of approximately 145 km for daily commutes, which compares favourably with the electric range offered by conventional plug-in hybrid rivals. When the hybrid battery is depleted, however, a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine acts as a generator to replenish its charge, giving the C10 REEV a stated combined range of over 970 km.
The range-extender system provides operational efficiency, with a rated combined fuel consumption of approximately 5.5 L/100 km (WLTP combined) when the generator is active.
The vehicle is equipped with a 6.6 kW AC onboard charger, which enables a full charge in approximately 5 hours. The system also supports DC fast charging at up to 65 kW, allowing the battery to be recharged from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes, with a 50% charge achievable in just 18 minutes.
The Leapmotor C10 REEV is an extra-long family car
The C10 measures 4 739 mm in length, 1 900 mm in width, and 1 680 mm in height, with a more than useful ground clearance of approximately 180 mm. Its extended (2 825 mm) wheelbase is facilitated by the brand’s proprietary Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) technology, which integrates the battery directly into the floor structure. This results in exceptionally generous interior room, particularly for the rear occupants.
The cabin boasts no less than 26 different storage spaces throughout, including a deep centre console bin. Storage compartments under the boot floor also provide a secure spot for stashing charging cables.
The newcomer’s REEV configuration offers further packaging advantages. When all 5 seats are in use, the Leapmotor C10 REEV is said to offer 546 litres of cargo capacity, allied with a flat load floor. With the rear seats folded down, however, the newcomer is said to offer no less than 1 375 litres of utility space!
Airy, tech-focused interior
The Leapmotor C10 REEV has a minimalist, tech-focused interior, which is domed by a large (2.1 m²) panoramic glass roof with a powered sunshade. Acoustic glass and active noise control contribute to a quiet cabin, but if occupants prefer to have it noisy, a 12-speaker, 840W Surround Audio System is fitted.
The driver interface is centred around a digital cockpit anchored by a large 14.6-inch central high-res touchscreen infotainment system with built-in nav and a 10.25-inch LCD Driver Instrument Cluster. Both systems are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 Chip and support over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Standard Comfort and Convenience (Style Trim)
The base Style trim includes:
- Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Wireless phone charging
- 360-degree camera system
- Smart access via Bluetooth® and NFC key
Design Trim Luxury Upgrades
Moving up to the flagship Design trim significantly enhances the cabin experience by upgrading the upholstery to “OEKO-TEX certified Silicone leather” and adding more luxury features, including:
- Heating and ventilation for the front seats
- A heated steering wheel
- Multi-colour interior ambient lighting
- An air quality monitor
- A practical power-operated tailgate
Leapmotor C10 REEV safety spec
The Leapmotor C10 has been awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Safety equipment includes 7 airbags, which also comprises advanced driver-assistance safety (ADAS) features such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian/cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with stop & go (ACC), lane centring assist, blind-spot detection (BSD), and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with auto-brake (RCTB).
What does the Leapmotor C10 REEV cost in SA?
| DERIVATIVE | PRICE |
| Leapmotor C10 REEV Style | R759 900 |
| Leapmotor C10 REEV Design | R799 900 |
Prices (correct in October 2025) include a comprehensive 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km service plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Leapmotor C10 REEV, and how does its power unit work?
The C10 REEV (Range-Extended Electric Vehicle) is a D-segment family SUV built on the LEAP 3.0 platform. Its wheels are driven exclusively by a rear electric drive unit. A 1.5-litre 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine acts solely as a generator to replenish the 28.4 kWh battery pack when needed, giving it an EV-first driving experience.
What is the electric range, total range, and fuel consumption of the C10 REEV?
The C10 REEV has an electric-only WLTP range of approximately 145 km. The stated total combined range is over 970 km. When the generator is active, the rated combined fuel consumption is approximately 5.5 L/100 km (WLTP combined).
What are the AC and DC fast charging speeds for the Leapmotor C10 REEV?
The vehicle supports DC fast charging at up to 65 kW, which can recharge the battery from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes, with a 50% charge achievable in just 18 minutes. It also includes a 6.6 kW AC onboard charger for a full charge in approximately 5 hours.
What are the price, warranty, and service plan details in South Africa?
The Leapmotor C10 REEV Style is priced at R759 900 and the Design trim is R799 900. Both prices include a comprehensive 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km service plan.
