Leapmotor’s arrival in South Africa marks a confident move into the electric mobility space. Distributed locally by Stellantis, the C10 REEV (Range Extender Electric Vehicle) introduces a clever blend of electric propulsion and petrol-powered generation, offering the clean, quiet drive of an EV without the anxiety of running flat or the hassle of load-shedding interruptions.
Chinese automakers are no longer newcomers to South Africa, but Leapmotor’s entry brings something different. Founded in 2015, the brand has quickly built a reputation in China for innovation in affordable EVs. Now, with Stellantis’ backing, the C10 REEV takes aim at our most persistent EV concern – range anxiety.
It’s a fair concern, too. Charging infrastructure remains patchy, and Eskom isn’t exactly a symbol of reliability. So, what if your electric car could charge itself? That’s the question the C10 answers. Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that never drives the wheels. Instead, it powers a generator that keeps a 28.4 kWh battery topped up. The battery sends power to a single electric motor producing 158 kW and 320 Nm, and the result is smooth, instant power delivery typical of a proper EV.
On a full 50-litre tank and battery, the C10 REEV claims up to 970 km of range – enough to get from Pretoria to Graaff-Reinet, and then some. As long as you keep the tank full, you’ll never experience range anxiety again.
MINIMAL IS THE WORD
Dimensionally, the C10 sits in the C-SUV segment but feels larger than most of its rivals. Its minimal exterior design is refreshing, with clean surfaces, neat proportions, and an absence of gimmicks. It’s the sort of car that looks quietly confident rather than shouty about its technology.
Inside, the same minimalist philosophy applies. A 14.6″ infotainment display and 10.25″ digital driver cluster dominate a cabin that’s spacious, comfortable, and premium enough for the price. The infotainment system is one of the more intuitive Chinese interfaces I’ve used, though not without its flaws. For now, there’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, although Stellantis has promised an over-the-air update soon.
I do, however, wish Leapmotor had resisted the modern trend of hiding every control in the screen. Climate, drive modes, and even basic settings live behind digital menus. It looks clean, but isn’t always convenient.
HIGHS AND LOWS
The C10’s driving experience is largely pleasant. Power delivery is linear, and the steering feels nicely weighted. The ride quality is supple enough for long drives, and body control is well managed. However, I struggled to adjust to the brake calibration. The pedal response feels inconsistent – soft at first, then unexpectedly sharp. Braking inconsistency is never a good thing, and it did catch me off guard more than once.
Wind and road noise are noticeable at higher speeds, which is unusual for an EV. Thankfully, the generator itself remains impressively quiet, even when it kicks in to recharge the battery mid-drive. The energy management system offers four charging modes (EV+, EV, Fuel, and Power+) that determine generator-charging levels. I tested the car mostly in Fuel mode, which, for me, offers the best balance between charging and pure EV driving.
If you prefer to plug in, the C10 REEV can charge conventionally via AC (around five hours to full) or DC fast charge up to 65 kW. The generator’s output peaks at 50 kW, meaning it’s capable of recharging the battery on the go without much delay.
ON THE SAFETY SIDE
As part of its compliance with European safety regulations, the C10 REEV comes loaded with driver-assist systems. Lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and driver-attention alerts are helpful, but often over-eager. You can switch them off, but you’ll need to do it every time you start the car. Realistically, most owners will stop bothering and live with the constant reminders.
Still, the C10’s safety package is solid, with seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera as standard.
Value-wise, two trims are available locally: the Style (R759,900) and the Design (R799,900). Both come with a five-year/100,000 km warranty and service plan. Considering the technology involved, those prices position the C10 REEV as one of the most compelling hybrid-electric offerings on sale right now.
Performance is brisk rather than sporty, with a claimed zero to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds – quick enough for daily driving, and with that familiar electric immediacy from rest.
LAST WORD
The Leapmotor C10 REEV represents a clever bridge between petrol and electric power, one that finally makes sense in South Africa. Although not novel technology (Nissan’s e-Power has been around for several years), it solves the biggest EV problem without forcing drivers into unfamiliar compromises. Yes, there are niggles – over-sensitive safety tech, inconsistent braking, and slightly higher cabin noise at speed. But the C10 REEV remains an impressive debut that proves electric mobility doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing choice.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © STELLANTIS SOUTH AFRICA
