A promising Chinese electric car
Since this summer, attention has been focused on the Leapmotor T03, an affordable Chinese electric car. The Stellantis group, after partnering with the Chinese manufacturer Leapmotor, ensures the official distribution of this vehicle in Europe. Their strategy includes assembling the car in Europe to avoid heavy customs duties and take advantage of the ecological bonus benefits. However, this plan encounters obstacles…
Eligibility for the ecological bonus in question
The 2024 ecological bonus now depends on an eco-score, which complicates state aid for cars assembled outside the European Union. Stellantis tried to circumvent this problem by assembling the Leapmotor T03 in Tychy, Poland. Despite this, the car is not on the list of recently eligible models for the bonus, published on October 8. It seems that simple assembly in Europe of Chinese components is not enough to convince.
Although Stellantis claims that ADEME continues to reevaluate the file, no official announcement has yet been made regarding the T03’s eligibility for the ecological bonus. This is surprising, as a decision was expected during the last regulatory announcement.
Price competition in the market
The cost of the Leapmotor T03 in France is 19,500 euros, slightly more expensive than the Dacia Spring with a starting price of 18,900 euros. It should be noted that the Dacia is also not eligible for the ecological bonus. For its launch, Stellantis offers a special deal with the T03 at 18,900 euros. However, the goal of an electric car under the 15,000-euro mark remains unattainable for now.
The path of the Leapmotor T03 in the European market remains uncertain, depending on its access to fiscal benefits to better compete with its rivals like the Dacia Spring.