Revamped Leapmotor T03: A Compact Electric City Sleeper
Compact Chinese T03 Leap Engine: Scaled-down Technology Designed for Urban Environments
The much-anticipated Leapmotor T03, a product of a groundbreaking joint venture with Stellantis, is set to disrupt the urban driving scene. This strategic partnership, encompassing brands like Citroen, Fiat, and Vauxhall, lends credibility to Leapmotor's foray into international markets.
As a short, agile beast, the T03 measures in at 3.62 meters long, 1.577 meters wide, and 1.652 meters tall, boasting a wheelbase of 2.4 meters. The vehicle accommodates four passengers comfortably, and its streamlined design is optimized for city-driving conditions.
The Guts of the T03
At its core, the T03 sports a single electric motor mounted on the front axle, powered by a 37.7 kWh battery that pumps out a modest yet sufficient 95 HP. This powertrain configuration delivers a charming upper-range of 265 km in mixed driving conditions.
The T03's charging credentials aren't cutting-edge, capping out at a max of 45 kW on DC chargers. However, the cargo space is quite versatile, transforming from a modest 210 liters to a colossal 880 liters, making it perfect for those impromptu road trips.
Adding to its irresistible charm, the T03 sheds lightweight luxury, tipping the scales at a featherweight 1,175 kg. Despite its wallet-friendly sticker price, the T03 packs a punch with a plethora of standard driving and safety features, ensuring both predictable and agile handling.
Tenfold Details on the T03
For the tech-savvy, the T03 is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor. The battery cranks out an energetic 37.3 kWh, producing 93 bhp and a torque of 117 lb-ft. Its speedy 0 to 62 mph acceleration clocks in at 12.7 seconds, with a top speed of 80-81 mph (depending on the source). The T03's impressive range varies between markets, offering a WLTP-rated 165 miles, or a jaw-dropping 280 km in some unaffected regions.
The T03's dimensions are as follows: a length of 3,620 mm, a width of 1,652 mm, and a height of 1,577 mm. As for the price, UK residents can expect to fork over around £15,995 for this compact EV powerhouse, placing it in a competitive bracket with the Dacia Spring.
Onboard the T03, passengers can enjoy a wealth of amenities, including a panoramic sunroof, an 8-inch LCD instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, satellite navigation, voice control, 4G connectivity, and air conditioning.
As for charging, a 30 to 80% charge can be achieved in about 36 minutes using a 48 kW charger, or in a more leisurely 3.5 hours with the onboard 6.6 kW charger.
Undeniably, the Leapmotor T03 is prepped to steal the show as an affordable and well-equipped electric city car, providing a formidable alternative to the ever-popular Dacia Spring. With Stellantis backing this ambitious project, the T03's market presence in Europe is all but assured.
- The Leapmotor T03, a product of a joint venture with Stellantis, promises to disrupt other industries such as finance, transportation, and lifestyle, particularly the automotive industry, with its affordable and well-equipped electric city car.
- In the technology sector, the T03 features a permanent magnet synchronous motor and a battery that produces 37.3 kWh, offering a range of 165 miles (WLTP-rated) or 280 km in some regions, making it a viable alternative to electric vehicles like the Dacia Spring.
- The T03's amenities include a panoramic sunroof, an 8-inch LCD instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, satellite navigation, voice control, 4G connectivity, and air conditioning, elevating the urban driving experience.
- While the T03's charging credentials are not as fast as some other electric vehicles, with a max of 45 kW on DC chargers, it offers versatile cargo space, transforming from a modest 210 liters to a colossal 880 liters, catering to those seeking efficient storage for impromptu road trips.
