Leapmotor, a company dedicated to electrified vehicles, is exploring a collaboration with Stellantis to integrate its range-extender electric vehicle (EV) technology into various vehicle brands, including Peugeot and Fiat. This partnership follows Stellantis’s acquisition of a 21 percent stake in Leapmotor for US$1.5 billion in 2023, indicating a significant investment in the future of electrification.
According to Tianshu Xin, head of Leapmotor International and chief operating officer of Stellantis China, the companies are investigating potential technology sharing. This collaboration aims to enhance the offerings of Stellantis, which boasts an extensive portfolio that includes brands such as Peugeot, Citroen, DS, and Maserati.
Exploring Technology Integration
Leapmotor specializes in pure electric and range-extender electric vehicles, the latter utilizing a small petrol engine to recharge the main battery. The company, founded in 2015, has developed its vehicles with proprietary platforms and drivetrains. Mr. Xin emphasized the benefits of range-extender technology, stating, “Range-extender is a good technology, and, yes, we’re also exploring the possibilities to use it in the other portfolios.”
Stellantis, which operates under multiple brand names in Europe, has a diverse range of vehicles primarily built on three platforms: CMP, Smart Car, and STLA Medium. Adapting these platforms to accommodate Leapmotor’s technology could introduce range-extender options to various Stellantis brands, which currently enhance their petrol and diesel offerings with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric drivetrains.
Future Prospects and Market Impact
While the collaboration shows promise, it remains uncertain when Leapmotor and Stellantis will finalize their decision or the time required to adapt the technology to Stellantis’s architecture. Even if Stellantis incorporates Leapmotor’s drivetrain tech into its European models, it does not ensure availability in other markets, such as Australia.
At the beginning of 2025, Stellantis discontinued the plug-in hybrid version of the Peugeot 408 in favor of a more affordable hybrid drivetrain. Currently, Fiat’s local offerings in Australia are limited to the 500e and its Abarth derivatives. Meanwhile, Stellantis North America is developing its own range-extender EV system for an upcoming version of the Ram 1500 pickup truck.
This collaboration between Leapmotor and Stellantis represents a significant step towards expanding EV options for consumers across various markets, potentially reshaping the automotive landscape in the years to come.
