Leapmotor has given the new B03 electric hatchback its international debut, with Australian government approval suggesting the Chinese brand is preparing to introduce another affordable EV to its local line-up.
The B03, which is related to the A05 sold in China, is positioned below the larger B05 electric hatchback and could provide Leapmotor with a new rival for the BYD Atto 1, Geely EX2 and Hyundai Inster.
While Leapmotor Australia says it has an interest in the B03 but has not confirmed it for local sale, it has already appeared in the federal government’s Road Vehicle Regulator (ROVER) database.
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The approval covers two front-wheel-drive versions producing 130kW and 145kW, providing the strongest indication yet that the small electric hatchback is being prepared for Australian roads.
The B03 made its first appearance outside China at the Paris motor show this month, where Leapmotor provided further details of its entry-level electric hatchback as part of an expanding European model range.
In China, the closely related A05 was introduced earlier this year, before Leapmotor confirmed the B03 name for export markets.
The five-door hatchback is expected to sit below the B05, giving Leapmotor a second, smaller electric passenger car alongside its growing range of SUVs.
Leapmotor has quoted a driving range of up to 392km on the Chinese WLTC test cycle for the PROMAX battery version, although final European WLTP figures have yet to be confirmed.
In China, the A05 is offered with 39.8kWh and 53kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, delivering claimed driving ranges of 404km and 509km respectively on the more optimistic CLTC test cycle.
The more powerful 145kW version is reported to produce 200Nm of torque and accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds.
DC fast charging is claimed to peak at 133kW, with a 10-80 per cent recharge taking as little as 21 minutes.
However, Australian battery capacities, driving ranges, equipment levels and pricing have not been announced.
If it reaches local showrooms, the B03 would enter an increasingly competitive affordable electric car segment.
The BYD Atto 1 currently starts from $23,990 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Inster has recently received substantial price reductions.
The Geely EX2 is another important rival, although its Australian positioning and pricing will determine how directly it competes with the Leapmotor.
There would also be an interesting pricing relationship within Leapmotor’s own Australian range.
The recently introduced B03X small electric SUV is priced from $29,990 drive-away, meaning the smaller B03 hatchback could potentially give the brand a more affordable entry point.
However, Leapmotor has not indicated where the hatchback would sit on price, and there is no guarantee it would undercut the B03X.
The B03 forms part of a broader international expansion for Leapmotor, which is backed by Stellantis outside China and is steadily increasing the number of models available in overseas markets.
The post Australia’s next cheap EV? Leapmotor B03 electric hatch’s local approval points to BYD Atto 1 and Geely EX2 rival appeared first on EV Central.
