Many people buy plug-in hybrids and extended-range vehicles, but mainly use them as pure electric cars on their small batteries and limited electric range. It would be great if these vehicles had larger batteries to compete with or exceed the range of pure electric cars, which is likely a goal for companies like Leapmotor.
This morning, the company announced that the Leapmotor C01 Extended Range Edition will be launched on the 20th of this month. It will come with a 43.7 kWh battery and has a range of up to 316 km on pure electric cruising. For an average user, it is expected to last at least a week. It may also be the extended-range vehicle with the longest pure electric range available on the market.
Of course, Leapmotor could also consider offering a range extender version of the C01 with a smaller battery. This will make it easier for a broader range of buyers to buy, potentially boosting sales. Given Leapmotors’ emphasis on cost-effectiveness, this approach aligns well with the company’s essence.
The design of the extended-range version is almost identical to the existing pure electric model, but it features a unique grid-patterned grille on the front. This grille is the most noticeable visual difference from the EV version.
It is worth noting that there is no grille at the rear. The design also includes a continuous light cluster located at the front with a small ducktail spoiler. At the same time, it is inlaid with the English letters of Zero Run.
The dimensions of the new model are 5050 x 1902 x 1515 mm with a wheelbase of 2930 mm. It is a mid-to-large sedan that is very similar in size and body to models such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
It is powered by a 1.5L engine with a peak output of 70 kW. It is paired with a ternary lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate battery and a single electric drive motor capable of producing up to 200 kW of maximum power.
The pure electric C01 starts at CNY 149,800 ($20,400), the small battery extended-range version might have a price tag of around CNY 140,000 ($19,625), while the larger battery version is expected to be priced above CNY 150,000 ($20,425). These prices make it a highly cost-effective option in the mid-to-large range extended sedan category.
